Stars edge Wild in preview of playoff matchup

Robertson's late goal lifts Dallas to 5-4 win over Minnesota

Apr. 10, 2026 at 5:50am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a hockey game between the Dallas Stars and Minnesota Wild, with the players and action on the ice broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color.The intense battle between the Stars and Wild foreshadows an equally hard-fought playoff series between the Central Division rivals.Dallas Today

Jason Robertson scored his 42nd goal of the season with 9:25 remaining to lift the Dallas Stars to a 5-4 win over the Minnesota Wild in a preview of their upcoming first-round playoff series. The Central Division rivals battled in a high-scoring affair that saw the lead change hands several times before Robertson's late heroics secured the victory for the Stars.

Why it matters

This regular season matchup provided a glimpse of what fans can expect when these two teams meet in the playoffs, as the Stars and Wild are set to square off in the opening round. The game featured the offensive firepower and tight-checking style that has defined both teams throughout the season, setting the stage for an intense postseason clash.

The details

The Stars jumped out to an early 2-0 lead, but the Wild battled back to tie the game at 2-2. The teams then traded goals, with the lead changing hands several times, before Robertson's late tally proved to be the difference. The win was an important one for the Stars, who are looking to build momentum heading into the playoffs.

  • The game was played on April 10, 2026.
  • Robertson scored the game-winning goal with 9:25 remaining in the contest.

The players

Jason Robertson

A 24-year-old forward for the Dallas Stars who scored the game-winning goal in the late stages of the contest.

Wyatt Johnston

A 22-year-old forward for the Dallas Stars who contributed to the team's offensive effort in the game.

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What they’re saying

“That was a big-time goal by Jason at a crucial moment. He's been a difference-maker for us all season, and we're going to need him to keep making plays like that in the playoffs.”

— Rick Bowness, Head Coach, Dallas Stars

What’s next

The Stars and Wild will meet in the first round of the 2026 NHL playoffs, with the series schedule to be announced in the coming days.

The takeaway

This high-intensity regular season matchup between the Stars and Wild provided a tantalizing preview of what's to come in the playoffs, as two of the Western Conference's top teams gear up for a hard-fought postseason clash.