Mikael Granlund scored three goals on just three shots Tuesday night, powering the Dallas Stars to a 3-1 win over the Winnipeg Jets and a 3-1 lead in their second-round playoff series.
The 33-year-old center delivered in every period, recording his first career postseason hat trick in a performance that left American Airlines Center buzzing and eager to celebrate a possible third consecutive Western Conference Finals appearance by the Stars after Game 5.
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Granlund opened the scoring midway through the first period on a power play. After Nik Ehlers tied the game for Winnipeg in the second frame, Granlund scored again on a 2-on-1 to restore Dallas’ lead. His final goal came on another power play in the third.
After the final horn sounded, ESPN cameras caught Granlund turning toward the Winnipeg side of the rink and appearing to wave goodbye.
The clip quickly made the rounds on social media, including a post from Bleacher Report’s B/R Open Ice that asked, “Granlund waved goodbye to the Jets? 👀😭”
The Stars were quick to catch the post, clarifying Granlund’s gesture as a nod to his family, not a “goodbye” motion to the Jets after Dallas moved two games ahead in the second-round series.
Dallas Stars center Mikael Granlund (64) tosses a puck to a fan after the Stars defeat the Winnipeg Jets at American Airlines Center.Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Even then, fans were quicker in reacting to the original, misunderstood post, sharing reactions of all sorts to what they believed Granlund meant.
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“Where even is Winnipeg,” one fan wondered.
“I mean, to be fair, tonight’s score was: Granlund 3, Winnipeg 1,” another chimed in.
“Looks good on the Jets,” one person wrote.
“Don’t let that come back and bite ya,” one person warned.
Others quickly spotted the error made by Bleacher Reports, flagging the post and revealing the truth behind Granlund’s gesture.
That included The Athletic’s Michael Russo, who resolutely posted, “Zero chance of that.”
“This tweet is worthy of a block,” a follower said.
“I think he was just waving to the home crowd,” a second person wrote.
Game 5 between the Jets and the Stars will take place in Winnipeg on Thursday, with puck drop set for 9:30 p.m. ET and the home team trying to extend their season and avoid elimination.
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