Stars Edge Wild in Playoff Preview Thriller

Robertson's late goal seals 5-4 win for Dallas in high-stakes matchup

Apr. 12, 2026 at 3:58am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the action and movement of a hockey game, with sharp planes of color and overlapping shapes representing the players, the puck, and the intensity of the competition.A cubist interpretation of the intense playoff-caliber clash between the Stars and Wild, capturing the raw energy and momentum shifts of the high-stakes matchup.Dallas Today

In a late-season showdown that felt like a playoff preview, the Dallas Stars defeated the Minnesota Wild 5-4 thanks to a clutch goal from Jason Robertson with just over 9 minutes remaining. The game was a showcase of skill, grit, and high-stakes drama as the two teams jockeyed for position ahead of the postseason.

Why it matters

This matchup between the Stars and Wild provided a glimpse into what could be a thrilling first-round playoff series. The game highlighted the key storylines and personalities that will likely define the upcoming postseason battle, from Robertson's heroics to the Wild's struggles to close out games with a lead.

The details

Robertson's game-winning goal capped a back-and-forth affair that saw the Stars rally from a one-goal deficit in the third period. Minnesota had been nearly unbeatable when leading after two periods, but the Stars exposed some cracks in the Wild's armor, particularly on the defensive end. Kirill Kaprizov continued his dominant season with two power-play goals for the Wild, but it wasn't enough to overcome the Stars' resilience.

  • With just over 9 minutes remaining in the third period, Jason Robertson scored the game-winning goal for the Dallas Stars.
  • Kirill Kaprizov's two power-play goals in the game brought him to 45 goals on the season, tying the Minnesota Wild's single-season franchise record.

The players

Jason Robertson

A 23-year-old forward for the Dallas Stars who scored the game-winning goal in the late stages of the third period, cementing the Stars' 5-4 victory over the Wild.

Kirill Kaprizov

The star forward for the Minnesota Wild, who scored two power-play goals in the game, bringing his season total to 45 and tying the franchise's single-season record.

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What they’re saying

“We must be prepared for the intensity and physicality of the playoffs. This game was a great test for us.”

— Rick Bowness, Head Coach, Dallas Stars

“We let this one slip away, but we'll learn from it. The playoffs are a new season, and we'll be ready.”

— Dean Evason, Head Coach, Minnesota Wild

What’s next

The Stars and Wild will face off again in their final regular-season matchup on April 15th, with home-ice advantage in the playoffs potentially on the line.

The takeaway

This late-season clash between the Stars and Wild provided a thrilling preview of what could be a hard-fought, physical playoff series between the two teams. The game showcased the individual brilliance of stars like Robertson and Kaprizov, but also highlighted the importance of team resilience and composure in high-pressure situations.