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Wild Eliminate Stars 5-2, End 11-Year Drought

5/1/2026

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Summary

Story summary

The Minnesota Wild eliminated the Dallas Stars 5-2 in Game 6, snapping an 11-year series drought and moving to the second round.
Quinn Hughes scored twice, including the go-ahead goal with 9:22 left, his first playoff goals since 2020.
Rookie goalie Jesper Wallstedt made 22 saves and stopped both empty-net goals.
The Stars’ loss ended their three-year Western Conference Final streak and was their first first-round exit since 2022.

History

Historical Context

The Minnesota Wild’s 5-2 win over the Dallas Stars in 2024 snapped an 11-year playoff absence, recalling the franchise’s predecessor, the Minnesota North Stars, whose under-.500 1990-91 squad shocked the league by reaching the Stanley Cup Final before losing to the Pittsburgh Penguins. Both moments highlight Minnesota’s recurring ability to defy expectations.

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Story summary

The Minnesota Wild eliminated the Dallas Stars 5-2 in Game 6, snapping an 11-year series drought and moving to the second round.
Quinn Hughes scored twice, including the go-ahead goal with 9:22 left, his first playoff goals since 2020.
Rookie goalie Jesper Wallstedt made 22 saves and stopped both empty-net goals.
The Stars’ loss ended their three-year Western Conference Final streak and was their first first-round exit since 2022.

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