| Scoring | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | F |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MIN | 1 | 1 | 2 | 4 |
| DAL | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 |
Wild, First Round Game 5, beat Stars 4–2 at American Airlines Center on April 28, 2026.
The Minnesota Wild staged a crucial victory in Game 5 of their First Round playoff matchup against the Dallas Stars, winning 4-2. This result means the Wild now lead the series 3-2, putting the Stars under significant pressure as they face elimination in the next game.
The match began with a goal from Mats Zuccarello at 3:51 in the first period, giving the Wild an early lead. The Stars quickly answered with a goal by Miro Heiskanen just minutes later, but the Wild reclaimed momentum late in the second period when Matt Boldy scored at 19:28, making it 2-1.
The most defining moment came in the final period when Michael McCarron extended the Wild's lead to 3-1 at 7:47. The Stars managed to pull within one goal with Jason Robertson’s strike at 16:39, but a decisive goal by Kirill Kaprizov just one minute later sealed the game for the Wild, allowing them to take control of the series.
Kirill Kaprizov continued to shine for the Wild, contributing not just a goal but also adding an assist, showcasing his playmaking ability alongside Matt Boldy, who also scored. Meanwhile, Miro Heiskanen was a standout for the Stars, registering a goal and an assist, though it wasn’t enough to turn the tide in their favor. The Wild's depth was on display as they matched the Stars' physicality with 24 hits compared to the Stars' 20, and their defensive efforts, including 26 blocked shots, limited Dallas’s offensive opportunities.
With the series now at 3-2 in favor of the Wild, the Stars will need to regroup and come out strong in Game 6 if they wish to avoid elimination. The attention will shift to their next matchup, which could determine whether the Wild advance further in the playoffs or whether the Stars will force a decisive Game 7.
Wild won 4–2.
The final score was Wild 4, Stars 2.
Kirill Kaprizov, Mats Zuccarello, Matt Boldy, Michael McCarron.
Jason Robertson, Miro Heiskanen.
Jesper Wallstedt made 20 saves on 22 shots (.909 save percentage).
Jake Oettinger made 24 saves on 27 shots (.889 save percentage).
At American Airlines Center in Dallas, the Stars home rink.
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