Minnesota Takes 3-2 Lead Over Dallas in Conference Quarter-Finals

DALLAS – The Minnesota Wild defeated the Dallas Stars 4-2 on Tuesday night, taking a 3-2 lead in their first-round Western Conference playoff series. Matt Boldy scored the tiebreaking power-play goal in the final minute of the second period, propelling the Wild to victory.

The Wild now have a chance to advance to the second round for the first time since 2015, with Game 6 scheduled for Thursday in Minnesota. Dallas will need a win to force a decisive Game 7.

According to reports, Boldy initially had a goal waved off late in the first period due to a goalie interference call after a replay review determined he made contact with Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger during his second effort. Despite this, Boldy ultimately secured the game-winning goal.

Kaprizov and Zuccarello Contribute for Minnesota

Kirill Kaprizov contributed with a goal and three points including an empty-net goal with two minutes remaining in the game. Mats Zuccarello also scored in his return to the lineup after a three-game absence due to an upper-body injury.

Michael McCarron added a third-period goal for the Wild, extending their lead and solidifying the victory. Jesper Wallstedt, Minnesota’s rookie goalie, made 20 saves, including 11 in the third period, to secure the win.

Stars Struggle at Even Strength

Jason Robertson scored for the Stars with 3:21 left in the game – marking his fifth consecutive game with a goal – and assisted on Miro Heiskanen’s power-play goal. However, the Stars struggled to generate offense at even strength throughout the game.

The Stars have not scored a 5-on-5 goal in their last three games, and managed only 11 shots on goal through the first two periods of Tuesday’s contest. Minnesota has effectively limited Dallas’s offensive opportunities.

Series History and Playoff Record

The Wild have lost their last nine playoff series, including previous defeats to Dallas in 2016 and 2023. The Stars, meanwhile, have reached the Western Conference final in each of the past three seasons.

Despite their recent playoff struggles, the Wild are now in a favorable position to advance, holding a 3-2 series lead and returning home for Game 6.

“We knew it was going to be a long series, and we knew it was going to be a tight series,”

Stars captain Jamie Benn

Benn added, “We feel we could be up 3-2 in the series, but we are not and that is just hockey. Now, we get to go on the road to win one game. That’s all This proves. We have been a great road team all year, and we will go up there and try to win the game.”