| Scoring | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | F |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| DAL | 0 | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| MIN | 1 | 1 | 3 | 5 |
Wild, First Round Game 6, beat Stars 5–2 at Xcel Energy Center on April 30, 2026.
The Minnesota Wild took a decisive victory over the Dallas Stars, winning 5-2 in Game 6 of the First Round playoff series. With this win, the Wild clinched the series 4-2, moving them forward in the playoffs while ending the Stars' season.
This game was a crucial elimination match for the Stars, who found themselves down 3-2 in the series. They needed a win to keep their postseason hopes alive, but the Wild's performance in front of their home crowd proved too strong. With the series now at 4-2 in favor of the Wild, they move on to the next round, while the Stars will have to regroup for next season.
The momentum shifted dramatically in the second period. After the Stars took a 2-1 lead with goals from Wyatt Johnston and Mavrik Bourque, it looked like they might seize control. However, just seconds after Bourque's goal, Vladimir Tarasenko leveled the game for the Wild, staging a significant turning point. From there, the Wild regained their confidence and dominated the final frame. Quinn Hughes scored twice in quick succession, followed by a late goal from Matt Boldy, sealing the deal for the Wild.
Quinn Hughes was a standout player for the Wild, registering two goals and an assist, showing his importance in critical moments. Matt Boldy's goal late in the game not only padded the Wild's lead but also emphasized his role as a goal-scorer in pivotal situations. Vladimir Tarasenko's timely equalizer gave the Wild the boost they needed to fend off the Stars' challenge.
On the Stars' side, Wyatt Johnston and Mavrik Bourque each netted crucial goals, attempting to rally their team. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to overcome the Wild's late-game surge.
With the series clinched, the Minnesota Wild will anxiously await their opponent for the next round. After a hard-fought battle with the Stars, they’ll need to carry this momentum into the next challenge as they aim for deeper playoff success.
Wild won 5–2.
The final score was Stars 2, Wild 5.
Mavrik Bourque, Wyatt Johnston.
Matt Boldy (2), Quinn Hughes (2), Vladimir Tarasenko.
Jake Oettinger made 16 saves on 19 shots (.842 save percentage).
Jesper Wallstedt made 21 saves on 23 shots (.913 save percentage).
At Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul, the Wild home rink.
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