Game 7 between the Dallas Stars and Colorado Avalanche was spectacular in many ways, but nothing is more notable than the heroics of an unlikely source. Joel Kiviranta could not have chosen a better time for first, second and third NHL Playoff goals. His game winner in overtime sent the Dallas Stars into the Western Conference Finals, and of course he was overcome with emotion following the game.
The OT winner would have been enough but Kiviranta made all kinds of history with his game 7 hat trick. He’s the only rookie to ever record a game seven hatty, AND he’s the first player to do so since Wayne Gretzky back in 1993.
Only 7 players have ever put up a trio of goals in a game seven, and now Joel Kiviranta will forever be in the history books. Stars fans are hoping for even more heroics from the rook heading into the WCF against Vegas.
