Stars Can Rely on Rantanen's Return for Playoff Push

Despite loss to Avalanche, Dallas looks primed for deep postseason run with star forward back from injury

Apr. 4, 2026 at 11:04pm

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While Saturday's 2-0 loss to the Colorado Avalanche virtually assures the Dallas Stars will not catch their rivals in the standings, there's still plenty to like about this Stars team as they head into the playoffs. The key is the return of star forward Mikko Rantanen, who missed 15 games with a lower-body injury but is now back and ready to lead Dallas on another deep playoff run.

Why it matters

The Stars have reached the Western Conference Finals in three straight seasons, and with Rantanen healthy, they have the firepower to make another championship push. His presence is crucial, as Dallas struggled to a 1-4-1 record in the six games he missed down the stretch.

The details

Rantanen, who the Stars acquired in a trade with the Carolina Hurricanes last year, didn't score against his former team on Saturday but has a goal and three assists in five games since returning from injury. With five regular-season games left, he appears primed to regain top form ahead of the playoffs.

  • Rantanen suffered the lower-body injury while playing for Team Finland in the Winter Olympics bronze medal game.
  • During the 15-game stretch Rantanen missed, the Stars extended their winning streak but went just 1-4-1 in the final six games.
  • The Stars and Avalanche are set to meet in the first round of the playoffs, which begin the weekend of April 18-19.

The players

Mikko Rantanen

A star forward for the Dallas Stars who was acquired in a trade with the Carolina Hurricanes last year. He missed 15 games with a lower-body injury but is now back and ready to lead Dallas on another deep playoff run.

Wyatt Johnston

The Dallas Stars' leading goal scorer this season.

Jason Robertson

The Dallas Stars' leading scorer this season.

Miro Heiskanen

One of the anchors of the Dallas Stars' strong defensive corps.

Thomas Harley

One of the anchors of the Dallas Stars' strong defensive corps.

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What they’re saying

“Even with a loss Saturday, the team looks like it has its act together, like the streak that included uncharacteristic defeats like 6-3 to Utah and 6-4 to New Jersey, is a thing of the past.”

— Tim Cowlishaw, Sports Columnist

“If someone is equipped to pick up the slack on the top line and get Dallas started on its way to a new level of playoff glory, it's Rantanen.”

— Tim Cowlishaw, Sports Columnist

What’s next

The Stars and Avalanche are set to meet in the first round of the playoffs, which begin the weekend of April 18-19.

The takeaway

With Mikko Rantanen healthy and ready to go, the Dallas Stars have the firepower to make another deep playoff run and potentially capture their first Stanley Cup since 1999. His presence is crucial after the team struggled in his absence down the stretch.