The Dallas Stars and Winnipeg Jets will clash in Game 2 of their Western Conference semifinal on Friday, May 9, 2025, at Canada Life Centre, with the Stars leading the series 1–0 following a gritty 3–2 win in the opener. Dallas came into the series as the lower seed but drew first blood thanks to Mikko Rantanen’s sensational second consecutive playoff hat trick, showcasing the kind of high-end scoring punch that makes the Stars a serious threat this postseason. The line of Rantanen, Roope Hintz, and Mikael Granlund—dubbed the “Finnish Mafia”—has exploded in recent weeks and gave Winnipeg fits in Game 1, consistently breaking down the Jets’ defensive structure with creative zone entries and relentless puck movement. Goaltender Jake Oettinger wasn’t perfect statistically, carrying a 4.02 GAA this postseason, but he delivered the clutch saves when it mattered, shutting the door during Winnipeg’s third-period push and preserving the narrow lead. Dallas, which finished the regular season 50–26–6, has leaned on its veteran experience and balanced lineup to navigate high-pressure moments, as evidenced by its Game 7 win over Colorado in the previous round. Meanwhile, Winnipeg will be desperate to even the series on home ice after a game in which they generated scoring chances but couldn’t solve Oettinger late. The Jets led the Central Division during the regular season with a 56–22–4 record, and their depth remains a serious weapon—particularly with Kyle Connor, Mark Scheifele, and Nikolaj Ehlers anchoring the attack.

However, Game 1 showed vulnerabilities, especially in Winnipeg’s defensive zone coverage and inability to contain Dallas’s top line in transition. Goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, a Vezina Trophy finalist, was solid but overworked, facing repeated high-danger chances; he’ll need more defensive support in front of him in Game 2. The Jets were a solid 38–38 against the spread in the regular season and have home-ice advantage, which becomes critical in a series that could tilt quickly if Dallas goes up 2–0. Historically, Winnipeg had the edge in the regular season, winning three of four meetings and outscoring Dallas 13–5, but playoff hockey is proving to be a different story, with Dallas’s speed, special teams, and playoff poise shifting the balance. The key in Game 2 will likely be special teams—Dallas’s top power play units generated strong looks, while Winnipeg struggled to convert despite opportunities. For the Jets, success will require better puck management through the neutral zone, more physicality against the Rantanen line, and secondary scoring to support the top six. For Dallas, continuing to dictate tempo, pushing pucks deep, and maintaining structure behind their aggressive forecheck will be the blueprint for success. With momentum firmly in Dallas’s corner but urgency rising for Winnipeg, Game 2 promises to be fast, physical, and critical to the outcome of what’s already shaping up to be a hard-fought, evenly matched playoff series.