Mikko Rantanen has been the literal definition of an impact player for the Dallas Stars. He had a goal and three assists in the second period of Game 6 of the team’s first-round series against the Colorado Avalanche.

Colorado Avalanche president Joe Sakic gave his first public explanation for the team’s controversial decision to trade Mikko Rantanen before the trade deadline. Sakic cited salary cap limitations and a desire to improve roster depth as the driving forces behind the move.

Dallas Stars right wing Mikko Rantanen circles the ice after scoring a hat trick goal in the third period in Game 7 of a Stanley Cup opening round playoff game against the Colorado Avalanche at the American Airlines Center in Dallas,