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Wild Beat Stars 5-2, Hughes Leads Playoff Push

5/2/2026

38 7 Full Breakdown

Summary

Hughes Powers Win

The Minnesota Wild beat the Dallas Stars 5-2 on Thursday, advancing to the second round of the playoffs.
Quinn Hughes scored two goals and added an assist.
The Wild obtained Hughes from Vancouver in December by sending three prospects and a first-round pick.
Elliotte Friedman predicts Hughes, whose contract expires after the 2026-27 season, will sign a three-year extension despite league rules barring negotiations until July 1.

Summary

Hughes Advances

Minnesota clinched its first playoff series victory in 11 years, ending a drought that stretched back to 2015.
Dallas recorded only four even-strength goals in the series, the third-fewest among all playoff teams.
The Wild will face Presidents’ Trophy winner Colorado Avalanche, who entered the round fresh after sweeping Los Angeles.
This matchup pits recent Norris Trophy winners Hughes (2024) against Cale Makar (2025).

Summary

Stars Lose

Glen Gulutzan said the loss was hard to swallow after the Stars earned a No. 2 Central seed with a 112-point season.
Matt Duchene blamed mistakes and unlucky bounces for the defeat, saying the team tried but couldn’t convert.
John Hynes called his Wild squad a pleasure to coach, noting learning and growth.
Wyatt Johnston and Mavrik Bourque each scored.
Jake Oettinger made 16 saves while Jesper Wallstedt stopped 21.

History

Historical Context

Following the Minnesota North Stars’ 1991 Stanley Cup Final appearance—achieved with a sub-.500 record by upsetting Chicago and St. Louis, each about 40 points ahead, before losing to Pittsburgh—the franchise relocated to Dallas in 1993. Decades later the Wild pursue similar surprise playoff runs, keeping the legacy alive for Minnesota fans.

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Hughes Powers Win

The Minnesota Wild beat the Dallas Stars 5-2 on Thursday, advancing to the second round of the playoffs.
Quinn Hughes scored two goals and added an assist.
The Wild obtained Hughes from Vancouver in December by sending three prospects and a first-round pick.
Elliotte Friedman predicts Hughes, whose contract expires after the 2026-27 season, will sign a three-year extension despite league rules barring negotiations until July 1.

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