Stars Ride Hot Streak Into Playoffs Against Wild

Dallas enters postseason on 5-game win streak, while Minnesota has strong goalie tandem

Apr. 17, 2026 at 7:49pm

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The Dallas Stars are heading into the Stanley Cup Playoffs on a five-game winning streak, a stark contrast to last year when they entered the postseason on a seven-game skid. The Stars will host the Minnesota Wild in Game 1 of their first-round series on Saturday. Dallas is healthier this year, with defenseman Miro Heiskanen returning to practice after a recent injury. Meanwhile, the Wild have alternated starts between goalies Filip Gustavsson and rookie Jesper Wallstedt, who finished the regular season with the second-best save percentage in the NHL.

Why it matters

The Stars' hot streak heading into the playoffs is a positive sign, as they look to build on last year's run to the Western Conference finals. Minnesota's strong goaltending tandem will be a key factor in their series against Dallas, as the Wild aim to advance past the first round for the first time since 2015.

The details

The Stars are 5-0-0 in their last five games, including a 4-3 shootout win over the Buffalo Sabres in the regular-season finale. Dallas forward Sam Steel and defenseman Nils Lundkvist returned from injury for that game. The Stars also reached the 50-win mark for the third straight season, led by Jason Robertson's 45 goals and 96 points. Minnesota concluded its regular season with a 3-2 win over the Anaheim Ducks. The Wild have alternated starts between Gustavsson and Wallstedt, with the rookie Wallstedt posting the second-best save percentage in the NHL during the regular season.

  • The Stars host the Wild in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
  • The Stars entered the playoffs on a five-game winning streak.
  • The Stars reached 50 wins for the third straight season and seventh time in franchise history.

The players

Sam Steel

A Dallas Stars forward who returned from injury for the regular-season finale.

Miro Heiskanen

A Dallas Stars defenseman who returned to practice after missing the past three games with a lower-body injury.

Jason Robertson

The Dallas Stars' leading scorer with 45 goals and 96 points in the regular season.

Filip Gustavsson

A Minnesota Wild goaltender who has been part of the team's strong goaltending tandem this season.

Jesper Wallstedt

A Minnesota Wild rookie goaltender who finished the regular season with the second-best save percentage in the NHL.

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What they’re saying

“Last year, we were comfortable and confident going into the playoffs, but it is nice going in winning. There are less questions.”

— Sam Steel, Dallas Stars forward

“It's hard to get 50 in this league. Good on our guys. Just the fact they were thinking about it shows you about our group. It's quite an accomplishment by them.”

— Glen Gulutzan, Dallas Stars coach

“We have two excellent goaltenders. We've had two excellent goaltenders all year long.”

— John Hynes, Minnesota Wild coach

“Night in and night out, he's always given the team a chance to win. It's very nice to have a duo like that, if you don't have to feel the pressure to play all the games. You know if he's in the pipes, the team has a very good chance to win anyway. It's a great duo to have.”

— Filip Gustavsson, Minnesota Wild goaltender

What’s next

The Stars and Wild will face off in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series on Saturday, April 18, 2026.

The takeaway

The Stars' strong finish to the regular season and the Wild's impressive goaltending tandem set the stage for an intriguing first-round playoff matchup between these two Western Conference foes. Both teams will be looking to advance deep into the postseason after recent disappointments.