Just under three weeks into the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs, the tournament has already delivered numerous memorable moments, with Wednesday night providing fresh highlights.
The evening`s action began with the Maple Leafs securing a 4-3 victory over the Panthers. Key contributions came from Max Pacioretty, Max Domi, and Morgan Rielly, each recording two points. Pacioretty was particularly impressive, scoring a goal and setting up another, helping the Maple Leafs establish a 2-0 series advantage before heading to South Florida.
Elsewhere, Mikko Rantanen maintained his outstanding form, guiding the Stars to a 3-2 win against the Jets in their series opener. Rantanen made franchise history by scoring the Stars` first natural hat trick, supported by goaltender Jake Oettinger, who stopped 30 of 32 shots to secure the road win in Winnipeg.
Following another exciting night of playoff hockey, here`s a closer look at some standout individual performances from Wednesday, recognized as the “Three Stars”.
3. William Nylander | RW | Maple Leafs
The Maple Leafs` core players – Auston Matthews, William Nylander, Mitch Marner, and John Tavares – have been expected to deliver offensively this postseason. William Nylander certainly contributed on Wednesday. With his latest goal, the Maple Leafs forward is now tied for second in playoff scoring with 13 points, trailing only Mikko Rantanen.
Nylander`s sixth playoff goal came 4:18 into the second period, leveling the score at 2-2. The play developed as Pacioretty gained control at center ice and initiated a two-on-one rush with Nylander. Rather than shooting, Pacioretty executed a backhanded pass to Nylander, who controlled the puck and elevated it over Panthers goalie Sergei Bobrovsky. This goal marked Nylander`s fifth in his last three appearances, having scored in three straight games.
2. Max Pacioretty | LW | Maple Leafs
Since returning to the lineup for Game 3 against the Senators in the previous round, Max Pacioretty has been exceptionally effective. The experienced forward registered a goal and an assist on Wednesday, bringing his total to six points over his last three playoff games, with goals in two of those matches.
Pacioretty influenced Game 2 in multiple ways. On the power play, positioned in front of the net, he skillfully deflected a shot from Rielly just below the crossbar and into the goal. Beyond scoring, he also demonstrated his passing skills by assisting on Nylander`s second-period goal.
1. Mikko Rantanen | RW | Stars
Rantanen continued his remarkable performance after scoring a hat trick in his sensational Game 7 against his previous team. This time, he achieved a natural hat trick against the Jets, propelling his team to a crucial Game 1 road win. This feat made him the third player in the combined history of the Stars franchise (including the Minnesota North Stars era) to score at least six goals in a span of four playoff games.
Rantanen`s scoring spree started 8:43 into the second period with an impressive individual play. Evgenii Dadonov`s one-timer was stopped by Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck, but Rantanen, falling to the ice near the crease, managed to swat the rebound into the net with one hand. He completed his three-goal night when a pass attempt deflected off defenseman Dylan Samberg`s stick and into the net. The Stars forward`s knack for finding the back of the net persists, validating Dallas GM Jim Nill`s strategic move to acquire Rantanen at the trade deadline.
Elton Marrow