Rantanen’s Return Boosts Stars’ Title Push

Mikko Rantanen skates for the first time since his Olympic lower-body injury, targeting a lineup return around March 24 against the Devils or Islanders. The Stars surge with 11 wins in 12 without their 69-point leader, but his catch-and-release shot elevates an already elite power play. Dallas holds second in the West with the third-toughest schedule ahead, and Rantanen's rust-free ramp-up could lock them into Presidents' Trophy contention before playoffs.