Stars Familiar with Overcoming Early Playoff Adversity

Dallas has lost 9 of 11 Game 1s since 2022, but players say they're not playing to lose.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 8:24pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a hockey game, with the players' forms abstracted into angular, interlocking shapes in a palette of deep blues, greens, and reds.The Stars' struggles in playoff series openers expose a need to adapt their high-intensity style to the postseason grind.Dallas Today

The Dallas Stars are down 1-0 to the Minnesota Wild in their first-round playoff series after a 6-1 blowout loss in Game 1. This is a familiar situation for the Stars, who have lost 9 of their last 11 playoff series openers since 2022. Despite the lopsided defeat, the Stars say they're not playing to lose Game 1 and are confident they can bounce back in Game 2.

Why it matters

The Stars' struggles in playoff series openers have become a concerning trend, but the team has shown an ability to overcome early adversity and advance in the postseason. Their resilience will be tested again as they look to even the series against the Wild.

The details

In Game 1, the Stars were outmatched in every area of the ice, losing the majority of puck and skating battles according to coach Glen Gulutzan. Forward Radek Faksa admitted there weren't many positives to take from the lopsided defeat. However, the Stars say this isn't a new situation for them, as they've lost 9 of their last 11 Game 1s dating back to 2022.

  • The Stars lost 6-1 to the Wild in Game 1 on Saturday, April 18, 2026.
  • The Stars and Wild will play Game 2 on Monday, April 20, 2026.

The players

Glen Gulutzan

Head coach of the Dallas Stars.

Radek Faksa

Forward for the Dallas Stars.

Jason Robertson

Forward for the Dallas Stars.

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What they’re saying

“It certainly didn't look like a playoff game from our point of view. You can't get your game going if you're not going to win battles. You can take any metric, and if you lose skating battles and puck battles, you're always on the receiving end of everything negative.”

— Glen Gulutzan, Head coach

“Not many positives to be honest. Nobody expected a game like that.”

— Radek Faksa, Forward

“I mean we're not playing to lose Game 1. I don't know why that's the way it is.”

— Jason Robertson, Forward

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.