Rantanen, Stars double up Penguins

Dallas scores 3 unanswered goals in 2nd period to end 4-game skid

Mar. 29, 2026 at 4:26am

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Miko Rantanen scored in his first game in nearly two months, and the Dallas Stars tallied three unanswered second-period goals to end a four-game skid and defeat the host Pittsburgh Penguins 6-3 on Saturday. Rantanen and Jason Robertson each had a goal and an assist for Dallas, which had gone 0-3-1 in its last four. The Stars trailed 1-0 and 2-1 in this contest before exploding for three goals, two on the power play, in the second.

Why it matters

The win helps the Stars maintain their position in the Western Conference playoff race, as they continue to battle for a top seed. For the Penguins, the loss is their third at home in the past week, as they struggle to hold onto a playoff spot in the crowded Eastern Conference.

The details

Rookie Justin Hryckowian, Lian Bichsel and Mavrik Bourque also scored for the Stars, who swept the two-game season series with Pittsburgh after winning in Dallas in December. Erik Karlsson had a goal and two assists for Pittsburgh, which was playing without both Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby due to lower-body injuries. Anthony Mantha and Noel Acciari also scored for Pittsburgh, which was outscored 17-6 in its three home losses this past week.

  • The game was played on Saturday, March 29, 2026.
  • Miko Rantanen scored his first goal in nearly two months.
  • Karlsson's goal was his 9th in March, the most in a single month by a Penguins defenseman.
  • Karlsson also broke the franchise record for most multi-point games in a single month by a defenseman with 9.

The players

Miko Rantanen

A forward for the Dallas Stars who scored his 21st goal of the season in his first game back from a lower-body injury that kept him out for 15 games.

Jason Robertson

A forward for the Dallas Stars who scored his 40th goal of the season, tying him with Wyatt Johnston for the team lead.

Erik Karlsson

A defenseman for the Pittsburgh Penguins who had a goal and two assists, breaking franchise records for most goals by a defenseman in a single month (9) and most multi-point games by a defenseman in a single month (9).

Evgeni Malkin

A forward for the Pittsburgh Penguins who missed the game due to a lower-body injury.

Sidney Crosby

A forward for the Pittsburgh Penguins who missed the game due to a lower-body injury.

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What they’re saying

“We must find a way to win at home, especially with key players out of the lineup. This was a tough loss.”

— Mike Sullivan, Head Coach, Pittsburgh Penguins

What’s next

The Stars will look to build on this win as they continue their playoff push, while the Penguins will need to regroup and find a way to win at home without Malkin and Crosby in the lineup.

The takeaway

This game highlighted the Stars' offensive firepower and resilience, as they were able to overcome early deficits and score three unanswered goals in the second period to secure the victory. For the Penguins, the loss underscores the importance of their injured stars and the need to find secondary scoring with Malkin and Crosby sidelined.