Stars Aim to Even Series After Wild's Game 1 Blowout

Dallas coach Glen Gulutzan says execution, not effort, was the issue in lopsided loss to Minnesota.

Apr. 20, 2026 at 5:55am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a hockey game between the Dallas Stars and Minnesota Wild, with the players and action broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color and form.A fractured, cubist interpretation of the intense playoff matchup between the Stars and Wild, capturing the raw energy and competitive spirit of the game.Dallas Today

The Dallas Stars will look to even their best-of-seven playoff series against the Minnesota Wild when the teams meet for Game 2 on Monday night. The Wild cruised to a 6-1 victory in the series opener, but Stars coach Glen Gulutzan said the team's breakdowns had more to do with execution than effort level. Gulutzan expressed confidence in starting goaltender Jake Oettinger and said there was no need to make a change in net. Meanwhile, the Wild will try to seize a 2-0 lead on the road, led by a stellar playoff debut from goaltender Jesper Wallstedt and offensive contributions from players like Matt Boldy, Joel Eriksson Ek, Kirill Kaprizov, and Mats Zuccarello.

Why it matters

This early-round playoff matchup between the Stars and Wild features two teams with high expectations this postseason. The Stars will look to bounce back and even the series, while the Wild have a chance to take a commanding 2-0 lead on the road. The outcome could set the tone for the rest of the series and impact the teams' playoff aspirations.

The details

After the Stars' blowout loss in Game 1, coach Glen Gulutzan said the team's issues were more about execution than effort. He said the Stars struggled with breakouts, neutral zone play, and making the next play when they had opportunities. Gulutzan expressed full confidence in starting goaltender Jake Oettinger and said there was no need to make a change in net. For the Wild, goaltender Jesper Wallstedt had a stellar playoff debut, stopping 27 of 28 shots. Offensively, Matt Boldy, Joel Eriksson Ek, Kirill Kaprizov, and Mats Zuccarello all had strong performances to lead the Wild to the Game 1 victory.

  • The Stars and Wild will face off in Game 2 of their best-of-seven playoff series on Monday night.

The players

Glen Gulutzan

The head coach of the Dallas Stars who said the team's issues in Game 1 were more about execution than effort level.

Jake Oettinger

The starting goaltender for the Dallas Stars who allowed five goals on 28 shots in the Game 1 loss, but Gulutzan expressed full confidence in him and said there was no need to make a goaltending change.

Jesper Wallstedt

The Minnesota Wild goaltender who had a stellar playoff debut, stopping 27 of 28 shots in the Game 1 victory.

Matt Boldy

The Minnesota Wild forward who scored two goals in the Game 1 win.

Joel Eriksson Ek

The Minnesota Wild forward who also scored two goals in the Game 1 victory.

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What they’re saying

“We have looked a little bit offensively at how we can create a little bit more, but we just didn't execute in a lot of areas, starting right from breakouts to through the neutral zone. And when we did get out clean, we didn't make the next play.”

— Glen Gulutzan, Dallas Stars Head Coach

“This is the same game I've played since I was 6. There's nothing different to it.”

— Jesper Wallstedt, Minnesota Wild Goaltender

“Every game lives its own life. It's always nice to get a win, start off positive, but just stay even-keel and try to focus on the next one.”

— Mats Zuccarello, Minnesota Wild Forward

What’s next

The Stars and Wild will face off in Game 2 of their best-of-seven playoff series on Monday night, with the Wild looking to take a 2-0 lead and the Stars aiming to even the series.

The takeaway

This early-round playoff matchup between the Stars and Wild features two teams with high expectations this postseason. The Stars will look to bounce back and even the series in Game 2 after a lopsided loss in the opener, while the Wild have a chance to seize control of the series with a second straight victory. The outcome could set the tone for the rest of the series and impact the teams' playoff aspirations.