Mikko Rantanen sends a message to his former teammates after Game 7.

On Saturday night, Dallas Stars forward Mikko Rantanen made his former team immediately regret their decision to trade him in season. There really is no other way to put it.

Rantanen took over Game 7, putting the Dallas Stars on his back, silencing any of the critics and criticisms he had faced since being traded while recording the first ever third period hat trick in a Game 7 scenario in the entire history of the National Hockey League. It was truly a performance for the ages, one that tied his own NHL record for most points in a single playoff period and one that sent the Colorado Avalanche packing.

Here is a look at all 3 of Rantanen's third period goals:

Following the conclusion of the game Rantanen was asked how he felt about the enormous win for himself and his new team.

"Yeah really no words," said Rantanen. "The belief in the group, the whole team of ours, there was no quit at any point."

The Stars found themselves down 2-0 in the third period before Rantanen pulled off his heroics, but it seems the team never lost faith despite the odds being stacked against them.

"There was still chatter on the bench and we knew we had to earn a couple bounches and we did and a big win so I'm happy for the group," said Rantanen.

Rantanen was then asked how it felt for him to go through a handshake line that featured his former teammates, and he gave a very candid answer to that question.

"Emotional you know?" admitted Rantanen. "They are my brothers you know? I still love everyone of them. Obviously we were enemies in the series on the ice but they are my dear friends off the ice. So it was emotional you know? I love every one of them."

The Stars not only pulled off an incredible comeback win, but earned themselves a measure of experience that is sure to help them as they move forward in these 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs.

"We already have a 7 game series and we know if another one comes what to do," said Rantanen.