The Finnish Mafia could turn the Dallas Stars into a Western Conference powerhouse

The Dallas Stars enter the new season once again on the short list of Stanley Cup contenders, but if they want to take the next step, their Finnish core may need to transform into a true "doomsday unit."

With Glen Gulutzan behind the bench and expectations sky-high, Dallas will lean heavily on Miro Heiskanen, Roope Hintz, and Mikko Rantanen to set the tone.

The Stars' long tradition with Finnish players has already been celebrated across the NHL, highlighted by last year's Global Series in Finland. That pride runs deep, and now the so-called "Finnish Mafia" has the chance to write the next chapter by leading Dallas to its first Stanley Cup Final since 2020.

Why the Dallas Stars need Rantanen, Heiskanen, and Hintz to elevate their game

Mikko Rantanen, the newest addition to the group, is expected to be a difference-maker right away. As Blackout Dallas explained, Gulutzan will be counting on Rantanen to bring the same dominance he showed in Game 7 against Colorado, when he took over the ice with power and scoring touch.

"He needs to be that dominating scoring presence that can take a game over in a second."

On the blue line, Miro Heiskanen continues to anchor Dallas's defense. His smooth skating and elite two-way game leave reporters speechless, and his ability to shut down stars like Connor McDavid makes him a Norris Trophy candidate year after year.

Heiskanen's role in neutralizing the league's best will be critical if Dallas wants to survive the Western gauntlet.

Roope Hintz, meanwhile, gives Dallas another weapon. Known as a reliable finisher when Rantanen is contained, he has been one of the Stars' most consistent playoff performers.

Gulutzan is expected to lean on Hintz to form a dangerous duo with Rantanen, a pairing that could overwhelm defenses and tilt entire series.

As NHL.com has often highlighted, Dallas's core is built for the moment, but role players alone won't get them through.

The Finnish Mafia must take over if the Stars are going to break through after three straight trips to the Western Conference Final.

Personally, I think Gulutzan must feel relieved that this time he doesn't have to coach against this group, he can finally unleash them.