Wild Overwhelm Stars 6-1 in Game 1 Blowout

Boldy, Ericksson Ek lead Minnesota to dominant series-opening win

Apr. 19, 2026 at 12:39am

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An abstract, expressionist painting in vibrant neon colors depicting the chaotic action and movement of an NHL playoff hockey game, with players' forms dissolving into unrecognizable brushstrokes.The Minnesota Wild's dominant Game 1 win over the Dallas Stars showcases the explosive energy and intensity of the NHL playoffs.Dallas Today

The Minnesota Wild dominated the Dallas Stars 6-1 in Game 1 of their Western Conference playoff series. Matt Boldy had two goals and an assist, Joel Ericksson Ek scored two power-play goals, and rookie goalie Jesper Wallstedt made 26 saves in his postseason debut to lead the Wild to the lopsided victory.

Why it matters

This was an impressive start for the Wild, who have struggled in the playoffs in recent years, losing nine consecutive series since 2015. The Stars, who have made the Western Conference Finals in each of the past three seasons, were overwhelmed at home and will need to regroup quickly before Game 2.

The details

The Wild jumped out to a 1-0 lead just 5:30 into the game on Ericksson Ek's power-play goal, and then scored three times in the first 6:30 of the second period to take a commanding 4-0 lead. Boldy and Kirill Kaprizov scored during that second-period flurry. The Stars finally got on the board with a power-play goal from Jason Robertson late in the second, but the Wild added two more goals in the third to seal the victory.

  • The Wild took a 1-0 lead just 5:30 into the game.
  • Minnesota scored three goals in the first 6:30 of the second period to take a 4-0 lead.
  • Dallas scored a power-play goal with 4:50 left in the second period to make it 4-1.

The players

Matt Boldy

The Wild forward had two goals and an assist in the Game 1 victory.

Joel Ericksson Ek

The Wild center scored two power-play goals in the win.

Jesper Wallstedt

The Wild rookie goaltender made 26 saves in his postseason debut.

Kirill Kaprizov

The Wild forward scored a goal and added two assists in the blowout win.

Jason Robertson

The Stars forward scored Dallas' lone goal on the power play.

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What they’re saying

“We must have been ready to go from the start. That was a big win for us to open the series.”

— Matt Boldy, Wild forward

“We got outplayed in all facets of the game. We need to regroup and be much better in Game 2.”

— Jason Robertson, Stars forward

What’s next

Game 2 is scheduled for Monday night in Dallas, where the Stars will look to even the series.

The takeaway

The Wild's dominant performance in Game 1 showed they are a force to be reckoned with in the playoffs, while the Stars were thoroughly outclassed at home and will need to make significant improvements to get back in the series.