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Dallas Stars Battle Minnesota Wild in Playoff Opener

4/18/2026

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Summary

Stars vs. Wild Playoff Showdown

The Dallas Stars will face the Minnesota Wild in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs on Saturday at 4:30 p.m.
Both teams have multiple 40-goal scorers, with Kirill Kaprizov and Matt Boldy leading the Wild, and Jason Robertson and Wyatt Johnston leading the Stars.
The Stars enter the playoffs on a five-game winning streak, while the Wild rely on goaltenders Filip Gustavsson and Jesper Wallstedt.

Summary

Petersen Joins Playoffs

Cal Petersen, Minnesota Wild goaltender, was recalled from the Iowa Wild ahead of the playoff series against the Dallas Stars.
Petersen, 31, ranks third in AHL shutouts this season, and has NHL experience with the Los Angeles Kings and Philadelphia Flyers.
The Wild will host a free playoff watch party for Game 1 at Grand Casino Arena.
Gates open at 4 p.m.

History

Historical Context

The New York Rangers ended a 54-year championship drought by winning the Stanley Cup in 1994, defeating the Vancouver Canucks in a thrilling seven-game series. This victory marked the beginning of a streak where American teams dominated the Cup, as no Canadian team has won since the Montreal Canadiens in 1993. Today, teams like the Dallas Stars and Minnesota Wild showcase the NHL's competitive evolution.

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Stars vs. Wild Playoff Showdown

The Dallas Stars will face the Minnesota Wild in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs on Saturday at 4:30 p.m.
Both teams have multiple 40-goal scorers, with Kirill Kaprizov and Matt Boldy leading the Wild, and Jason Robertson and Wyatt Johnston leading the Stars.
The Stars enter the playoffs on a five-game winning streak, while the Wild rely on goaltenders Filip Gustavsson and Jesper Wallstedt.

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