Wild beat skidding Kraken 5-2 for 4th straight win, setting up showdown with Stars

Vladimir Tarasenko scored the go-ahead goal as Minnesota swept the season series from Seattle.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 3:28am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the action and intensity of a hockey game, with players and the rink deconstructed into sharp, overlapping planes of color and shape.A cubist interpretation of the Wild's hard-fought victory over the struggling Kraken, setting the stage for a pivotal showdown with the Stars.Dallas Today

The Minnesota Wild defeated the struggling Seattle Kraken 5-2 on Tuesday night, winning their fourth straight game and setting up a crucial showdown with the Dallas Stars on Thursday. Vladimir Tarasenko scored the go-ahead goal in the second period, while Matt Boldy and Marcus Johansson also found the back of the net for Minnesota. The Wild twice benefited from replay reviews in the game, overturning a no-goal call on Boldy's first-period tally and disallowing a Seattle goal in the second period.

Why it matters

This win keeps the Wild in the hunt for second place in the Central Division and Western Conference, trailing the Stars by just two points with four games left in the regular season. The upcoming matchup between Minnesota and Dallas will have major playoff implications, as the teams are set to face off in the first round.

The details

Marcus Foligno scored the tying goal early in the second period for the Wild, while Joel Eriksson Ek added an empty-net goal and two assists. Jesper Wallstedt made 25 saves to earn the win in net for Minnesota. Brandon Montour and Adam Larsson scored in the first period for the Kraken, who have now lost six games in a row.

  • The game was played on Tuesday, April 7, 2026.
  • Minnesota and Dallas will face off on Thursday, April 9, 2026.

The players

Vladimir Tarasenko

A forward for the Minnesota Wild who scored the go-ahead goal in the second period.

Matt Boldy

A forward for the Minnesota Wild who had a goal and an assist in the game.

Marcus Johansson

A forward for the Minnesota Wild who scored the 200th goal of his NHL career in the third period.

Jesper Wallstedt

The goaltender for the Minnesota Wild who made 25 saves to earn the win.

Brandon Montour

A defenseman for the Seattle Kraken who scored in the first period.

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What they’re saying

“We knew this was a big game for us, especially with the Stars coming up. It was important to get the win and keep the momentum going.”

— Vladimir Tarasenko, Forward, Minnesota Wild

What’s next

The Wild will travel to Dallas to face the Stars on Thursday, April 9, 2026, in a game that will have major playoff implications. The winner will take over second place in the Central Division and Western Conference standings.

The takeaway

This win keeps the Wild firmly in the playoff race and sets up a crucial showdown with the Stars that will determine home-ice advantage in their first-round playoff series. Minnesota's ability to overcome replay challenges and get key contributions from different players demonstrates their depth and resilience as they push for a deep postseason run.