Minnesota Wild vs. Dallas Stars

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The Dallas Stars and Minnesota Wild are set to face off in the first round of the 2026 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs, marking a return to the postseason for both teams after a two-year hiatus. Sporting News, the Stars enter the series as favorites after defeating the Wild 4-2 in 2023 and are aiming to overcome three previous conference finals losses.

Conversely, the Wild are looking to break a streak of seven consecutive first-round series losses dating back to 2016. The two franchises were separated by only four regular season wins this year.

The article, published on April 16, 2026, outlines broadcast information and start times for the series, noting that start dates may shift based on the conclusion of other playoff series The Minnesota Wild and Dallas Stars are set to meet in the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs, marking their third playoff series against each other.

This matchup follows a 147-day stretch where the two teams occupied the second and third spots in the Central Division daily since Nov. 21.

Dallas secured home-ice advantage by finishing second after...