Game Info Thu, Apr 30, 2026 · 18:30 First Round · Game 6 View series → Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul
Summary Context
Home context · Minnesota Wild
Best Scorer

Matt Boldy with 4

Most Assists

Kirill Kaprizov with 7

Last Five W L OT/SO
Away context · Dallas Stars
Best Scorer

Jason Robertson with 5

Most Assists

Matt Duchene with 6

Last Five W L OT/SO
AI Preview AI

First Round Playoff Preview: Game 6 – Wild vs. Stars

The Minnesota Wild lead the series 3-2 as they face the Dallas Stars in a crucial Game 6 of this best-of-7 playoff matchup. For the Stars, this game is an elimination match; they must secure a victory to keep their season alive.

Both teams finished the regular season strongly. The Wild displayed their strength, going 3-2 in their last five games, driven by Matt Boldy, who scored 4 goals, and Kirill Kaprizov, who recorded 7 assists. Meanwhile, the Stars also posted a 3-2 record recently, with Jason Robertson scoring 5 goals and Matt Duchene dishing out 6 assists. Tonight, the Stars enjoy home-ice advantage, which could provide the necessary boost for a comeback.

In this series, home teams have thrived, highlighting the impact of fan support. The pressure falls on the Stars to extend the series while the Wild seek to seal their place in the next round.

Expect an electrifying atmosphere as this postseason rivalry intensifies. The Wild hold the edge, having shown resilience under pressure, but the Stars will count on their home crowd to help them reverse the tide. Don't miss what promises to be an intense and thrilling night of hockey!

Recent Matchups Last 5
Apr 28, 2026
Wild @ Stars
4–2
Apr 25, 2026
Stars @ Wild
2–3 (OT)
Apr 22, 2026
Stars @ Wild
4–3 (OT)
Apr 20, 2026
Wild @ Stars
2–4
Apr 18, 2026
Wild @ Stars
6–1
🔮 After 1st — 1–0
Wild
Wild — leading by 1 goal after 1st: 8-4-2 (57% win rate, 14 games)
Stars
Stars — trailing by 1 goal after 1st: 7-2-3 (58% win rate, 12 games)
🔮 After 2nd — 2–2
Wild
Wild — tied after 2nd: 6-3-3 (50% win rate, 12 games)
Stars
Stars — tied after 2nd: 9-6-6 (43% win rate, 21 games)
Wild Goals
Quinn Hughes (1st • 06:23)
Vladimir Tarasenko (2nd • 17:02)
Assisted by Quinn Hughes
Matt Boldy EN (3rd • 18:29)
Unassisted
Matt Boldy EN (3rd • 19:45)
Unassisted
Stars Goals
Home Away
Teams Wild Stars
Goals 5 2
Shots 21 24
Power Play Goals 0 1
Penalty Minutes 4 6
Hits 32 34
AI Game Recap AI

Wild Clinch Series Against Stars in Game 6

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.

Series Update

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.

Turning Point

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.

Standout Performances

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.

What's Next

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.

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