Wild make a Texas-sized statement by routing the Stars in Game 1

Minnesota blitzes Dallas with a dominant 6-1 road win in the series opener.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 1:36am

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A dynamic, abstract painting in neon colors depicting the fast-paced action and raw emotion of an NHL playoff hockey game, with players' forms dissolving into energetic brushstrokes.The Minnesota Wild's dominant 6-1 victory over the Dallas Stars in Game 1 was a neon-hued explosion of offensive firepower and playoff intensity.Dallas Today

The Minnesota Wild stunned the home crowd at American Airlines Center with a dominant 6-1 victory over the Dallas Stars in Game 1 of their first-round NHL playoff series. The Wild raced out to a 4-0 lead midway through the second period and never looked back, getting multi-goal games from Joel Eriksson Ek and Matt Boldy. Kirill Kaprizov and Ryan Hartman also scored for Minnesota, while 23-year-old goalie Jesper Wallstedt made 27 saves in his playoff debut.

Why it matters

This was a statement win for the Wild, who have struggled in the first round in recent years, losing eight straight series. The Stars, who had the second-best record in the Western Conference in the regular season, were blown out at home in Game 1, raising questions about their ability to bounce back in the series.

The details

The Wild struck first on a power-play goal by Eriksson Ek in the first period. They then exploded for three goals in the first half of the second period, with Kaprizov, Hartman, and Boldy finding the back of the net to make it 4-0. The Stars got on the board with a power-play goal by Jason Robertson, but Wallstedt made a big save to prevent Dallas from getting any closer. Eriksson Ek added his second goal of the game in the third period to seal the victory for Minnesota.

  • The Wild scored the opening goal a little over five minutes into the first period.
  • Minnesota scored three goals in the first half of the second period to take a 4-0 lead.
  • The Stars scored their lone goal on the power play later in the second period.
  • Eriksson Ek scored his second goal of the game in the third period to make it 6-1.

The players

Joel Eriksson Ek

The Wild's top center scored the first and fifth goals of the game, recording his second career multi-goal playoff game.

Matt Boldy

The Wild forward scored two goals, including a late empty-netter, to help Minnesota cruise to victory.

Kirill Kaprizov

The Wild's star winger scored a goal and added two assists, playing a key role in the team's offensive onslaught.

Jesper Wallstedt

The 23-year-old Wild goaltender made 27 saves in his Stanley Cup Playoffs debut, ensuring Minnesota's lead never felt in jeopardy.

Jake Oettinger

The Stars' starting goalie was pulled after allowing four goals on 18 shots in the first two periods.

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What they’re saying

“This was a statement win for the Wild, who have struggled in the first round in recent years, losing eight straight series.”

— Will Ragatz, Author

“The Stars, who have been to three straight conference finals, have been in this position before. They lost Game 1 at home against the Avalanche 5-1 last year, then rallied and won the series in seven games.”

— Will Ragatz, Author

What’s next

Game 2 of the series is set for Monday night at 8:30 p.m. central time in Dallas. The Wild will look to take a commanding 2-0 lead before the series shifts to St. Paul for Games 3 and 4.

The takeaway

The Wild's dominant performance in Game 1 has sent a clear message to the Stars and the rest of the Western Conference. Minnesota's balanced scoring attack and strong goaltending from the young Wallstedt suggest the Wild have the tools to finally break through in the first round and make a deep playoff run.