Robertson breaks tie in 3rd period, lifts Stars past Wild

Dallas extends lead on Minnesota for 2nd in Central Division to 4 points

Apr. 10, 2026 at 4:20am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a hockey game between the Dallas Stars and Minnesota Wild, with the players and puck rendered as sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in a palette of blues, greens, and reds.A cubist interpretation of the intense playoff-caliber matchup between the Dallas Stars and Minnesota Wild, with the puck and players' movements fractured into a dynamic geometric composition.Dallas Today

Jason Robertson scored the game-winning goal in the third period to lift the Dallas Stars to a 5-4 victory over the Minnesota Wild. The Stars extended their lead over the Wild for second place in the Central Division to four points.

Why it matters

This was an important divisional matchup between two playoff contenders in the Western Conference. The win gives the Stars some breathing room over the Wild in the standings as they jockey for playoff positioning.

The details

Robertson scored on a shot from the right face-off dot off a no-look cross-ice pass from Esa Lindell. Wyatt Johnston, Mikko Rantanen, and Colin Blackwell also scored for the Stars, while Kirill Kaprizov scored twice for the Wild. Jake Oettinger made 27 saves for Dallas, while Filip Gustavsson stopped 15 shots for Minnesota.

  • The game was played on April 9, 2026.
  • Robertson's game-winning goal came in the third period.

The players

Jason Robertson

Forward for the Dallas Stars who scored the game-winning goal in the third period.

Esa Lindell

Defenseman for the Dallas Stars who assisted on Robertson's game-winning goal.

Kirill Kaprizov

Forward for the Minnesota Wild who scored two goals in the game.

Jake Oettinger

Goaltender for the Dallas Stars who made 27 saves in the win.

Filip Gustavsson

Goaltender for the Minnesota Wild who made 15 saves in the loss.

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What they’re saying

“We knew this was going to be a tough game against a divisional rival, but the guys stepped up and found a way to get the win. Robertson made a great play to score the winner for us.”

— Rick Bowness, Head Coach, Dallas Stars

“It's frustrating to lose a close game like this, but we have to move on and get ready for the playoffs. Kaprizov had a strong game for us, but we couldn't quite hold on in the end.”

— Dean Evason, Head Coach, Minnesota Wild

What’s next

The Stars and Wild will face each other in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

The takeaway

This hard-fought divisional matchup showcased the talent and competitiveness of both the Stars and Wild, two teams poised to make deep playoff runs. The win gives Dallas a bit more breathing room in the standings, but the two clubs are likely to meet again soon in the postseason.