Rantanen's OT Hat Trick Lifts Stars Past Bruins in Thriller

Trailing Team's Perspective

The Boston Bruins entered the final period holding a 2-1 lead, only to see their advantage evaporate in front of a crowd of 18,532 at American Airlines Center. On Tuesday, October 20, 2026, the visiting squad fell short against the home Dallas Stars, who rallied for a 3-2 victory.

The game featured intense back-and-forth action, with the Bruins establishing an early lead before the Stars took control in the second period and ultimately securing the win in overtime.

Period-by-Period Breakdown

Boston struck first in the opening frame. Matthew Poitras scored his fourth goal of the season on a snap shot, assisted by Frederic Brunet and Tanner Jeannot. The Stars responded in the second period when Mikko Rantanen tied the game at 1-1 with a snap shot, assisted by Jason Robertson.

Boston regained the lead shortly after as James Hagens scored his third goal on a tip-in, with assists from Casey Mittelstadt and Nikita Zadorov. The score stood 2-1 Boston heading into the third.

Dallas equalized in the third period. Rantanen found the back of the net again with a snap shot, assisted by Roope Hintz and Thomas Harley. The game remained tied at 2-2 after regulation, forcing an extra period. In overtime, Rantanen delivered the decisive blow with a backhand goal, assisted by Miro Heiskanen and Jason Robertson, to give Dallas the 3-2 win.

Key Performances and Records

Mikko Rantanen was the standout performer, recording three goals for a hat trick. Jason Robertson contributed two assists for the Stars. For Boston, Matthew Poitras scored the team's first goal, while Nikita Zadorov provided an assist.

The victory improves the Dallas Stars' record to 5 wins, 3 losses, and 1 overtime loss, totaling 11 points. The Boston Bruins drop to 7 wins, 2 losses, and 1 overtime loss, with 15 points on the season. The game ended with the Stars holding the home advantage in a competitive matchup that saw both teams trade leads before the final buzzer.

Sources

ESPN