Dallas Stars Secure Playoffs: Rantanen Returns and More

The Dallas Stars have officially clinched a berth in the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs, marking their fifth consecutive postseason appearance.

The team currently sits second in the Central Division with 100 points, trailing only the Colorado Avalanche. The team punched their ticket on March 22, demonstrating their consistency and dominance in the league.

After missing 15 games due to a lower-body injury sustained while playing for Finland in the 2026 Winter Olympics, star forward Mikko Rantanen is back on the ice.

Rantanen made an immediate impact upon his return on March 28 against the Pittsburgh Penguins, registering a goal and an assist in a 6-3 victory, demonstrating his importance to the team.

As the playoffs approach, the Stars’ special teams are grabbing headlines, with an outstanding power play.

Dallas currently boasts the second-best power play in the NHL, converting at a dominant 28.8%. Wyatt Johnston has been a major catalyst for this, leading the league with 24 power-play goals.

To bolster their depth, the Stars announced on March 30 the recall of forward Cameron Hughes from their American Hockey League (AHL) affiliate, the Texas Stars.

Hughes is currently having a career year, leading the AHL with 50 assists. Hughes will help fill the gap created when forward Michael Bunting was injured Sunday against the Philadelphia Flyers.

The upcoming week is a crucial stretch as the Stars look to build momentum heading into the playoffs and jostle for final seeding in the Western Conference.

They face three tough tests: a road trip to Boston against the Bruins, a home game against the Winnipeg Jets, and a showdown against the Colorado Avalanche, which will have implications for playoff seeding.