WINNIPEG, Manitoba – The Dallas Stars kicked off their 2025-26 season with a 5-4 victory over the Winnipeg Jets in a thrilling, back-and-forth affair at Canada Life Centre on Thursday night. Mikko Rantanen led the charge for the Stars, notching three points with a goal and two assists.

The game marked the return of Glen Gulutzan as head coach for the Stars, who previously coached Dallas from 2011-2013. He took over after Pete DeBoer was fired in the offseason.

The Stars jumped out to an early lead, with Rantanen scoring the first goal of the game. Jason Robertson and Nils Lundkvist each contributed a goal and an assist to Dallas's offensive effort. Tyler Seguin and Wyatt Johnston also found the back of the net for the Stars.

Despite the Stars building a comfortable 5-1 lead early in the third period after Johnston's goal, the Jets mounted a furious comeback. Kyle Connor, who recently signed an eight-year, $96 million contract extension, showcased his talent with a hat trick. Morgan Barron added a short-handed goal to fuel the Jets' rally. Mark Scheifele assisted on all three of Connor's goals.

Jets pulled within one goal with just over three minutes remaining in the game, but Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger stood tall, making 21 saves to secure the win for Dallas.

"We know who the top teams are," Stars coach Glen Gulutzan said. "I like it right now, we've got to get war tested.”

The Jets had a 3-1 record against the Stars during the 2024-25 regular season. However, the Stars eliminated the Jets in Game 6 of the Second Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs, finishing the series 4-2.

Jonathan Toews, the new Jets center, received a long cheer from the fans when he was introduced before the game.

The Stars continue their road trip against the Calgary Flames on October 20, 2025. The Jets will face the Los Angeles Kings on October 11, 2025.