Minnesota Wild look to eliminate Dallas Stars in Game 6

The Minnesota Wild host the Dallas Stars in Game 6 of their Western Conference first-round series, holding a 3-2 lead and a chance to advance to the second round against the Colorado Avalanche.[1] Minnesota enters the matchup at home with momentum after a 4-2 victory in Game 5, putting Dallas on the brink of elimination.[2] The Stars, who have reached the Western Conference Finals in each of the past three seasons, refuse to fade quietly.

This series marks the third playoff clash between the teams, with Dallas prevailing in six games both in 2016 and 2023. The Wild, last series winners in 2015, aim to snap a string of first-round disappointments. Game 6 tips at 7:30 p.m. ET from Grand Casino Arena, broadcast on TNT.[2]

Pre-game storylines

Both teams adjusted lineups heading into Game 6. The Stars made defenseman Tyler Myers, acquired from the Vancouver Canucks at the trade deadline, a healthy scratch and inserted Alex Petrovic.[3] Forward Arttu Hyry sat out with a lower-body injury from Game 5, replaced by Michael Bunting in his series debut. For Minnesota, defenseman Jonas Brodin missed the game day-to-day with a lower-body issue after blocking a shot in Game 5; Jeff Petry drew in alongside Zach Bogosian.[3]

Forward Nico Sturm returned for the Wild, centering the fourth line with Nick and Marcus Foligno, bumping Bobby Brink. Coach John Hynes emphasized composure: “It’s not about controlling what we can’t control; we want to make sure that we’re focused on what we can control.”[2] The Wild boasted veteran leadership from Mats Zuccarello, who urged calmness amid the pressure.

Dallas grappled with a scoring slump, no 5-on-5 goals since Game 1’s opening frame—a 217-minute drought despite matching Minnesota’s shot volume.[4] Stars captain Jamie Benn stressed persistence: “Put more pucks on net, keep shooting to create chaos and rebounds.” Coach Glen Gulutzan called for “calm urgency” in tight defensive battles.

Key stats highlighted Minnesota’s edge:

• Wild: 11 even-strength goals to Stars’ 3.
• Dallas: 265-231 shot attempts advantage, but 81 blocked, 68 misses.
• Power play: Stars top unit with 13 goals, 20 assists.[4]

Injuries compounded Dallas woes, with Roope Hintz sidelined since March and Nils Lundkvist absent. More details on the series buildup appear in the NHL’s Game 6 preview.[2]

First-period action

Play began with intensity. Nearly four minutes in, Quinn Hughes carried the puck along the blue line, pursued by Wyatt Johnston, and fired a wrist shot at Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger, who held firm for the save.

Momentum shifted at 6:23 when Hughes snapped a shot over Oettinger’s glove, giving Minnesota a 1-0 lead. The quick strike energized the home crowd.

At 8:59, the Wild nearly doubled up on a 2-on-1 rush, but Oettinger stacked the pads to stonewall Marcus Foligno, who tumbled into the crease. The score held at 1-0 through the period’s early exchanges.

Dallas pushed back but struggled to generate quality chances amid Minnesota’s structured defense. Oettinger faced 12 shots, keeping his team alive.

The period showcased the Stars’ even-strength frustrations, aligning with their series-long woes. Wild forward Matt Boldy, with four playoff goals, loomed as a threat for more.

Key players to watch

Matt Boldy led Minnesota with timely scoring, including Game 4’s overtime winner.[5] Jesper Wallstedt anchored the net in recent wins, thriving in high-stakes moments: “I’m super-excited… hopefully they can bring that [energy] again.”

For Dallas, Jason Robertson and Miro Heiskanen needed to simplify: “Get guys and pucks to the net,” Heiskanen said. Jamie Benn, fined for Game 5 cross-checking, sought redemption.

Veterans like Foligno provided grit: “We’ve got to just look to control our emotions.” Zuccarello added spark in prior games.

Check the Stars’ perspective on breaking the drought.[4]

Series context and history

This matchup revived a rivalry, Dallas dominating prior meetings. Wild finished third in Central with 104 points, seeking their first series win since 2015.

Game 5’s 4-2 triumph gave Minnesota home leverage. Stars’ power play offered hope, but Wild blocked lanes effectively.

Boldy’s deflection in Game 4 tied the series at 2-2 before the shift.

Analytics favored a Wild upset, per earlier feeds.

Path forward

A Wild win sends them to face Colorado, ending a playoff drought. Dallas forces Game 7 with better finishing.

Home crowd energy could prove decisive, as Boldy noted: “They’re awesome… another job we’ve got to get done.”

Hynes’ focus on structure positions Minnesota well. Stars’ resilience, proven in recent deep runs, keeps tension high.

Whatever unfolds, this series delivers playoff drama, with elimination on the line. The winner gains crucial momentum toward the Stanley Cup.