DALLAS — Mikko Rantanen gave the American Airlines Center crowd an early taste of what fans can expect if Team USA and Team Finland match up in the elimination rounds of the 2026 Winter Olympics. With less than eight minutes to play in Monday’s 4-3 overtime win over the Winnipeg Jets,

Stars' potent offense clashes with Jets' defensive grit. Key matchups and a crucial goalie duel define this playoff-charged showdown.

After giving up the game’s first goal, Winnipeg stayed with it and were rewarded with a 2-on-1 with Josh Morrissey and Cole Perfetti, Perfetti’s shot was stopped by Jake Oettinger, but Gabe Vilardi came in and cleaned up the rebound for his 21 st.

BOTTOM LINE: The Dallas Stars look to keep a four-game win streak alive when they host the Winnipeg Jets. Dallas has a 32-14-9 record overall and a 10-4-1 record in Central Division play. The Stars have gone 17-3-4 in games their opponents serve more penalty minutes.

The key to success for the Jets is to play solid defense in front of Hellebuyck, and Winnipeg has tidied up defensively with the eighth-fewest expected goals against per 60 minutes at 5-on-5 out of the holiday break. With Dallas allowing the fifth-fewest xGA per 60 at 5-on-5, I’m anticipating a close, low-scoring game.

DALLAS -- Thomas Harley scored 2:05 into overtime for the Dallas Stars, who recovered for a 4-3 win against the Winnipeg Jets at American Airlines Center on Monday. Harley finished on a forehand-to-backhand move in front off a pass from Matt Duchene.

Dallas Stars right wing Mikko Rantanen (96) passes the puck against the Utah Mammoth during the second period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, Jan. 31, 2026, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Melissa Majchrzak) Melissa Majchrzak / AP The Dallas Stars are the hottest team in the Central.