Wild defense leaves Stars powerless without the power play

Dallas Stars center Matt Duchene (95), center Wyatt Johnston (53) and defenseman Miro Heiskanen (4) leave ice after a 4-2 loss to the Minnesota Wild in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, in Dallas.

Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News

The last three Dallas Stars’ seasons have ended on May 29 (here against Vegas), June 2 (in Edmonton) and May 29 again last year (here against Edmonton). That final one also ended Pete DeBoer’s time here in Dallas, and nothing quite so drastic awaits Glen Gulutzan.

But it’s a shock to everyone invested in this team as an owner, player or fan that the Stars may be finished in April this year.

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Dallas Stars center Radek Faksa (12) falls to the ice after being checked into the boards by Minnesota Wild center Michael McCarron (47) during the second period in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series game in Dallas, April 28, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News Dark skies from a storm pass behind the statue of Dallas Stars legend Mike Modano before Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series against the Minnesota Wild n Dallas, April 28, 2026.

Dark skies from a storm pass behind the statue of Dallas Stars legend Mike Modano before Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series against the Minnesota Wild n Dallas, April 28, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News Dallas Stars arrive for Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series against the Minnesota Wild n Dallas, April 28, 2026.

Dallas Stars arrive for Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series against the Minnesota Wild n Dallas, April 28, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News Dallas Stars fan cheer as center Justin Hryckowian warms up before Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series against the Minnesota Wild at American Airlines Center on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, in Dallas.

Dallas Stars fan cheer as center Justin Hryckowian warms up before Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series against the Minnesota Wild at American Airlines Center on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, in Dallas.

Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News Dallas Stars center Matt Duchene (95) and center Mavrik Bourque (22) bow their heads during the singing of the national anthem before facing the Minnesota Wild in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series game in Dallas, April 28, 2026.

Dallas Stars center Matt Duchene (95) and center Mavrik Bourque (22) bow their heads during the singing of the national anthem before facing the Minnesota Wild in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series game in Dallas, April 28, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News Dallas Stars fans wave their spirit towels as the team takes the ice to face the Minnesota Wild in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series game in Dallas, April 28, 2026.

Dallas Stars fans wave their spirit towels as the team takes the ice to face the Minnesota Wild in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series game in Dallas, April 28, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News Minnesota Wild right wing Mats Zuccarello (36) flips the puck as he’s chased by Dallas Stars defenseman Esa Lindell (23) during the first period in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series game in Dallas, April 28, 2026.

Minnesota Wild right wing Mats Zuccarello (36) flips the puck as he’s chased by Dallas Stars defenseman Esa Lindell (23) during the first period in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series game in Dallas, April 28, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News Dallas Stars center Justin Hryckowian (49) tumbles over Minnesota Wild defenseman Jared Spurgeon (46) in front of Wild goaltender Jesper Wallstedt (30) during the first period in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, in Dallas.

Dallas Stars center Justin Hryckowian (49) tumbles over Minnesota Wild defenseman Jared Spurgeon (46) in front of Wild goaltender Jesper Wallstedt (30) during the first period in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, in Dallas.

Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News Minnesota Wild right wing Mats Zuccarello (36) is congratulated by teammates after scoring a first period on Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger (29) in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series game in Dallas, April 28, 2026.

Minnesota Wild right wing Mats Zuccarello (36) is congratulated by teammates after scoring a first period on Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger (29) in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series game in Dallas, April 28, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News Dallas Stars center Sam Steel (18) fights for the puck with Minnesota Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes (43) during the first period in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, in Dallas.

Dallas Stars center Sam Steel (18) fights for the puck with Minnesota Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes (43) during the first period in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, in Dallas.

Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News Minnesota Wild left wing Matt Boldy (12) attempted to score late in the first period against Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger (29) in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series game in Dallas, April 28, 2026. Though the puck was in the net, the goal was no good due to interference on Boldy.

Minnesota Wild left wing Matt Boldy (12) attempted to score late in the first period against Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger (29) in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series game in Dallas, April 28, 2026. Though the puck was in the net, the goal was no good due to interference on Boldy.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News Though Minnesota Wild left wing Matt Boldy (12) shot the puck past Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger (29) late in the first period, the goal was no good due to interference on Boldy in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series game in Dallas, April 28, 2026.

Though Minnesota Wild left wing Matt Boldy (12) shot the puck past Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger (29) late in the first period, the goal was no good due to interference on Boldy in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series game in Dallas, April 28, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News Dallas Stars right wing Mikko Rantanen (96) celebrates a goal by defenseman Miro Heiskanen against Minnesota Wild goaltender Jesper Wallstedt (30) during the first period in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, in Dallas.

Dallas Stars right wing Mikko Rantanen (96) celebrates a goal by defenseman Miro Heiskanen against Minnesota Wild goaltender Jesper Wallstedt (30) during the first period in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, in Dallas.

Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News Dallas Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen (4) is congratulated by teammates Matt Duchene (95), Jason Robertson (21) and Wyatt Johnston (53) following his first period goal in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series game against the Minnesota Wild in Dallas, April 28, 2026.

Dallas Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen (4) is congratulated by teammates Matt Duchene (95), Jason Robertson (21) and Wyatt Johnston (53) following his first period goal in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series game against the Minnesota Wild in Dallas, April 28, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News Dallas Stars fan Steve Jebbia celebrates a a power-play goal by defenseman Miro Heiskanen during the first period in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series against the Minnesota Wild at American Airlines Center on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, in Dallas.

Dallas Stars fan Steve Jebbia celebrates a a power-play goal by defenseman Miro Heiskanen during the first period in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series against the Minnesota Wild at American Airlines Center on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, in Dallas.

Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News Dallas Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen (4) celebrates after scoring a a power-play goal with left wing Jason Robertson (21), center Matt Duchene (95) and center Wyatt Johnston (53) during the first period in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series against the Minnesota Wild at American Airlines Center on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, in Dallas.

Dallas Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen (4) celebrates after scoring a a power-play goal with left wing Jason Robertson (21), center Matt Duchene (95) and center Wyatt Johnston (53) during the first period in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series against the Minnesota Wild at American Airlines Center on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, in Dallas.

Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News Dallas Stars fans cheer after defenseman Miro Heiskanen’s first period goal against the Minnesota Wild in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series game in Dallas, April 28, 2026.

Dallas Stars fans cheer after defenseman Miro Heiskanen’s first period goal against the Minnesota Wild in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series game in Dallas, April 28, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger (29) deflects a Minnesota Wild shot during the first period in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series game in Dallas, April 28, 2026.

Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger (29) deflects a Minnesota Wild shot during the first period in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series game in Dallas, April 28, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News Officials try to separate players including Dallas Stars center Sam Steel (left) and Minnesota Wild left wing Matt Boldy (12) as they tussle during the first period in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, in Dallas.

Officials try to separate players including Dallas Stars center Sam Steel (left) and Minnesota Wild left wing Matt Boldy (12) as they tussle during the first period in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, in Dallas.

Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News Dallas Stars center Justin Hryckowian (49) and left wing Jamie Benn (14) fight for the puck with Minnesota Wild right wing Vladimir Tarasenko (91) during the first period in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, in Dallas.

Dallas Stars center Justin Hryckowian (49) and left wing Jamie Benn (14) fight for the puck with Minnesota Wild right wing Vladimir Tarasenko (91) during the first period in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, in Dallas.

Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News Dallas Stars left wing Jamie Benn (14) fights for the puck with Minnesota Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes (43) in front of Wild goaltender Jesper Wallstedt (30) during the first period in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, in Dallas.

Dallas Stars left wing Jamie Benn (14) fights for the puck with Minnesota Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes (43) in front of Wild goaltender Jesper Wallstedt (30) during the first period in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, in Dallas.

Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News Dallas Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen (4) hands goaltender Jake Oettinger (29) his stick after a flurry of activity that resulted in a no-goal by Minnesota Wild left wing Matt Boldy (12) during the first period in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series game in Dallas, April 28, 2026.

Dallas Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen (4) hands goaltender Jake Oettinger (29) his stick after a flurry of activity that resulted in a no-goal by Minnesota Wild left wing Matt Boldy (12) during the first period in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series game in Dallas, April 28, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News Dallas Stars left wing Jason Robertson (21) and right wing Mikko Rantanen (96) prepare for a face off during the first period in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series against the Minnesota Wild at American Airlines Center on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, in Dallas.

Dallas Stars left wing Jason Robertson (21) and right wing Mikko Rantanen (96) prepare for a face off during the first period in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series against the Minnesota Wild at American Airlines Center on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, in Dallas.

Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News Dallas Stars center Sam Steel (18) passes the puck as he’s pursued by Minnesota Wild right wing Danila Yurov (22) during the first period in Game 2 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series in Dallas, April 20, 2026.

Dallas Stars center Sam Steel (18) passes the puck as he’s pursued by Minnesota Wild right wing Danila Yurov (22) during the first period in Game 2 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series in Dallas, April 20, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News Dallas Stars center Oskar Bäck (10) fights for the puck with Minnesota Wild left wing Marcus Foligno (17) in front of Wild goaltender Jesper Wallstedt (30) during the first period in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, in Dallas.

Dallas Stars center Oskar Bäck (10) fights for the puck with Minnesota Wild left wing Marcus Foligno (17) in front of Wild goaltender Jesper Wallstedt (30) during the first period in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, in Dallas.

Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News Dallas Stars right wing Arttu Hyry (25) picks up the puck after teammate Lian Bichsel (6) checked Minnesota Wild right wing Bobby Brink (10) into the boards during the second period in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series game in Dallas, April 28, 2026.

Dallas Stars right wing Arttu Hyry (25) picks up the puck after teammate Lian Bichsel (6) checked Minnesota Wild right wing Bobby Brink (10) into the boards during the second period in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series game in Dallas, April 28, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News A shot by Minnesota Wild left wing Matt Boldy gets past Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger (29) for a goal during the second period in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, in Dallas.

A shot by Minnesota Wild left wing Matt Boldy gets past Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger (29) for a goal during the second period in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, in Dallas.

Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News Minnesota Wild left wing Matt Boldy (12) celebrates scoring past Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger (background) during the second period in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, in Dallas.

Minnesota Wild left wing Matt Boldy (12) celebrates scoring past Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger (background) during the second period in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, in Dallas.

Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News Minnesota Wild left wing Matt Boldy (12) celebrates with left wing Kirill Kaprizov (97) after scoring past Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger (background) during the second period in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, in Dallas.

Minnesota Wild left wing Matt Boldy (12) celebrates with left wing Kirill Kaprizov (97) after scoring past Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger (background) during the second period in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, in Dallas.

Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News Minnesota Wild left wing Kirill Kaprizov (97) congratulates teammate Matt Boldy (12) on his second period goal in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series game in Dallas, April 28, 2026. Kaprizov had the assist.

Minnesota Wild left wing Kirill Kaprizov (97) congratulates teammate Matt Boldy (12) on his second period goal in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series game in Dallas, April 28, 2026. Kaprizov had the assist.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger looks to the scoreboard during the second period in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series against the Minnesota Wild at American Airlines Center on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, in Dallas.

Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger looks to the scoreboard during the second period in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series against the Minnesota Wild at American Airlines Center on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, in Dallas.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger (29) makes a save against Minnesota Wild right wing Ryan Hartman (38) during the second period in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, in Dallas.

Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger (29) makes a save against Minnesota Wild right wing Ryan Hartman (38) during the second period in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, in Dallas.

Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger (29) snares a Minnesota Wild slapshot during the second period in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series game in Dallas, April 28, 2026.

Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger (29) snares a Minnesota Wild slapshot during the second period in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series game in Dallas, April 28, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News Minnesota Wild right wing Bobby Brink (10) tries to score past Dallas Stars defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin (46) and goaltender Jake Oettinger (29) during the second period in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, in Dallas.

Minnesota Wild right wing Bobby Brink (10) tries to score past Dallas Stars defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin (46) and goaltender Jake Oettinger (29) during the second period in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, in Dallas.

Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News Officials try to separate Dallas Stars and Minnesota Wild players behind Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger (29) during the second period in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, in Dallas.

Officials try to separate Dallas Stars and Minnesota Wild players behind Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger (29) during the second period in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, in Dallas.

Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News Minnesota Wild right wing Bobby Brink (10) is taken to the ice by Dallas Stars defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin (46) during the second period in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, in Dallas.

Minnesota Wild right wing Bobby Brink (10) is taken to the ice by Dallas Stars defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin (46) during the second period in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, in Dallas.

Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News Dallas Stars defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin (46) battles for the puck with Minnesota Wild left wing Marcus Foligno (17) during the second period in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, in Dallas.

Dallas Stars defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin (46) battles for the puck with Minnesota Wild left wing Marcus Foligno (17) during the second period in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, in Dallas.

Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News Minnesota Wild left wing Matt Boldy (12) falls to the ice as Dallas Stars defenseman Tyler Myers (57) is called for interference during the second period in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, in Dallas.

Minnesota Wild left wing Matt Boldy (12) falls to the ice as Dallas Stars defenseman Tyler Myers (57) is called for interference during the second period in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, in Dallas.

Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News Dallas Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen (4) clears the puck from Minnesota Wild right wing Ryan Hartman (38) in front of Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger during the second period in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, in Dallas.

Dallas Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen (4) clears the puck from Minnesota Wild right wing Ryan Hartman (38) in front of Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger during the second period in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, in Dallas.

Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger (29) gets back on his skates after laying out and saving a late second period flurry of shots in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series game against the Minnesota Wild in Dallas, April 28, 2026.

Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger (29) gets back on his skates after laying out and saving a late second period flurry of shots in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series game against the Minnesota Wild in Dallas, April 28, 2026.

Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News Dallas Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen (4) is checked by Minnesota Wild left wing Marcus Foligno (17) during the third period in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, in Dallas.

Dallas Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen (4) is checked by Minnesota Wild left wing Marcus Foligno (17) during the third period in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, in Dallas.

Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News Dallas Stars center Radek Faksa (12) and head coach Glen Gulutzan watch from the bench as the final minute ticks off the clock during the third period in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series game in Dallas, April 28, 2026. The Stars fell to the Wild, 4-2.

Dallas Stars center Radek Faksa (12) and head coach Glen Gulutzan watch from the bench as the final minute ticks off the clock during the third period in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series game in Dallas, April 28, 2026. The Stars fell to the Wild, 4-2.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News Minnesota Wild right wing Ryan Hartman (38) takes the puck from Dallas Stars center Wyatt Johnston (53) during the third period in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series game in Dallas, April 28, 2026. Stars defenseman Thomas Harley (55) attempts to take it back. The Stars fell to the Wild, 4-2.

Minnesota Wild right wing Ryan Hartman (38) takes the puck from Dallas Stars center Wyatt Johnston (53) during the third period in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series game in Dallas, April 28, 2026. Stars defenseman Thomas Harley (55) attempts to take it back. The Stars fell to the Wild, 4-2.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News Minnesota Wild defenseman Jake Middleton (5) trips Dallas Stars center Oskar Bäck (10) as he attempts to score on Minnesota Wild goaltender Jesper Wallstedt (30) during the third period in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series game in Dallas, April 28, 2026. The Stars fell to the Wild, 4-2.

Minnesota Wild defenseman Jake Middleton (5) trips Dallas Stars center Oskar Bäck (10) as he attempts to score on Minnesota Wild goaltender Jesper Wallstedt (30) during the third period in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series game in Dallas, April 28, 2026. The Stars fell to the Wild, 4-2.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News Dallas Stars center Oskar Bäck (10) reacts after he was tripped by Minnesota Wild defenseman Jake Middleton while he attempted to score on Minnesota Wild goaltender Jesper Wallstedt (30) during the third period in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series game in Dallas, April 28, 2026. The Stars fell to the Wild, 4-2.

Dallas Stars center Oskar Bäck (10) reacts after he was tripped by Minnesota Wild defenseman Jake Middleton while he attempted to score on Minnesota Wild goaltender Jesper Wallstedt (30) during the third period in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series game in Dallas, April 28, 2026. The Stars fell to the Wild, 4-2.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News Dallas Stars left wing Jamie Benn (14) is wrapped up by Minnesota Wild defenseman Zach Bogosian (24) during the third period in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, in Dallas.

Dallas Stars left wing Jamie Benn (14) is wrapped up by Minnesota Wild defenseman Zach Bogosian (24) during the third period in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, in Dallas.

Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News Dallas Stars left wing Jason Robertson (21) celebrates after scoring past Minnesota Wild goaltender Jesper Wallstedt (30) during the third period in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, in Dallas.

Dallas Stars left wing Jason Robertson (21) celebrates after scoring past Minnesota Wild goaltender Jesper Wallstedt (30) during the third period in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, in Dallas.

Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News Dallas Stars defenseman Thomas Harley (55) is checked by Minnesota Wild left wing Marcus Foligno (17) during the third period in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, in Dallas.

Dallas Stars defenseman Thomas Harley (55) is checked by Minnesota Wild left wing Marcus Foligno (17) during the third period in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, in Dallas.

Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News Dallas Stars left wing Jamie Benn (14) pins down Minnesota Wild right wing Ryan Hartman (38) after the two got into it during the third period in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series game in Dallas, April 28, 2026. Both went to the penalty box. The Stars fell to the Wild, 4-2.

Dallas Stars left wing Jamie Benn (14) pins down Minnesota Wild right wing Ryan Hartman (38) after the two got into it during the third period in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series game in Dallas, April 28, 2026. Both went to the penalty box. The Stars fell to the Wild, 4-2.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News Minnesota Wild goaltender Jesper Wallstedt (30) turns away Dallas Stars center Mavrik Bourque (22) during the third period in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, in Dallas.

Minnesota Wild goaltender Jesper Wallstedt (30) turns away Dallas Stars center Mavrik Bourque (22) during the third period in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, in Dallas.

Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News Dallas Stars left wing Jamie Benn (14) pins down yells to the official as he heads to the penally box during the third period in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series game in Dallas, April 28, 2026. Benn and Minnesota Wild right wing Ryan Hartman got into it with Benn giving him a cross check. The Stars fell to the Wild, 4-2.

Dallas Stars left wing Jamie Benn (14) pins down yells to the official as he heads to the penally box during the third period in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series game in Dallas, April 28, 2026. Benn and Minnesota Wild right wing Ryan Hartman got into it with Benn giving him a cross check. The Stars fell to the Wild, 4-2.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News Minnesota Wild center Michael McCarron (47) scores past Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger (29) during the third period in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, in Dallas.

Minnesota Wild center Michael McCarron (47) scores past Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger (29) during the third period in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, in Dallas.

Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News Minnesota Wild center Michael McCarron (47) celebrates after scoring a goal during the third period in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series against the Dallas Stars at American Airlines Center on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, in Dallas.

Minnesota Wild center Michael McCarron (47) celebrates after scoring a goal during the third period in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series against the Dallas Stars at American Airlines Center on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, in Dallas.

Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News Dallas Stars left wing Jamie Benn (14) tangles with Minnesota Wild right wing Ryan Hartman (38) during the third period in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, in Dallas.

Dallas Stars left wing Jamie Benn (14) tangles with Minnesota Wild right wing Ryan Hartman (38) during the third period in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, in Dallas.

Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News Minnesota Wild left wing Kirill Kaprizov (97) gets off a shot past Dallas Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen (4) and center Wyatt Johnston (53) for an empty-net goal during the third period in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, in Dallas.

Minnesota Wild left wing Kirill Kaprizov (97) gets off a shot past Dallas Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen (4) and center Wyatt Johnston (53) for an empty-net goal during the third period in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, in Dallas.

Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News Dallas Stars fans head for the exits during the third period in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series against the Minnesota Wild at American Airlines Center on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, in Dallas.

Dallas Stars fans head for the exits during the third period in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series against the Minnesota Wild at American Airlines Center on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, in Dallas.

Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News Dallas Stars center Matt Duchene (95) skates away as Minnesota Wild left wing Matt Boldy (12), defenseman Zach Bogosian (24), defenseman Quinn Hughes (43) and goaltender Jesper Wallstedt (30) celebrate after a 4-2 victory in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, in Dallas.

Dallas Stars center Matt Duchene (95) skates away as Minnesota Wild left wing Matt Boldy (12), defenseman Zach Bogosian (24), defenseman Quinn Hughes (43) and goaltender Jesper Wallstedt (30) celebrate after a 4-2 victory in Game 5 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center on Tuesday, April 28, 2026, in Dallas.

Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News

The Minnesota Wild played its best game since Game 1 in taking down the Stars 4-2 at American Airlines Center Tuesday night. It was a dominant performance as, once again, the Stars’ only signs of life came with the man advantage. They scored a tying goal on a power play (their ninth in five games) and added another late when the teams were playing 4-on-4 and Dallas pulled goalie Jake Oettinger. Technically, that ended the Stars’ streak of not being able to score at even strength at 3 hours, 34 minutes, 32 seconds.

Regardless, Dallas is one game away from a first-round elimination and in need of a pair of victories to take another shot at Colorado. The Stars have won back-to-back games once in this series (2 and 3), but they’ll be asked to do it the hard way now, winning first in St. Paul Thursday night where Wild fans might just be standing the entire game. As badly as fans up there feel about the Stars and their exodus from Minneapolis last century, they really just want to see their team end a streak of first-round series losses at eight.

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Minnesota is doing everything possible to make that happen. The Wild blocked more shots, won more face-offs, dealt out more hits and had a huge edge in shots on goal until the Stars reduced the difference in late desperation time Tuesday night. For the five games, Minnesota has outscored Dallas 11-3 when playing 5-on-5. Those numbers would normally indicate that a series is already over. To right the ship and turn the series around, the Stars simply can’t wait for the referee’s arm to go up in the air, signaling another power play chance.

“Everyone needs to step up now, your top guys, your bottom guys,’’ Gulutzan said. “If you’re going to win a series or even multiple series, you need all contributors for it, so we need a little bit more from everybody. Give them credit for some of their blocks. We had some looks that they stopped but we also missed the net on some chances.’’

Hard to believe the Stars are five games deep into a playoff run that could be winding down in very short time, and Wyatt Johnston has one point at even strength. Mikko Rantanen has zero points at even strength. The Stars are demonstrating just how much they miss center Roope Hintz, who will remain inactive for Game 6, but the Wild has done an exemplary job of controlling the puck and reducing chances, especially as this series has gone along.

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“Probably there’s some quicker puck movement [needed],’’ Rantanen said. “If you move it quick and shoot it quick, then it’s harder to block.’’

Minnesota had 26 blocked shots to the Stars’ nine Tuesday night.

“It’s mental toughness from now on. You know your backs are against the wall, it’s pretty simple,’’ Rantanen said. “It’s leave it all out there in Minnesota the next game and see where it takes us. That’s all we can do.’’

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From the looks of things, it won’t be enough. No one is asking for Rantanen to produce a hat trick and save a series the way he did in Game 7 against the Avalanche in last year’s first round. Just an even strength goal early in Game 6. Or maybe an even strength assist. Something to alert the Wild that they don’t have this offense completely shut down when it’s not carrying the man advantage.

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Can Dallas do that? In a turnaround from playoffs past, the guy carrying the team is Jason Robertson. He has done that a lot in regular-season play, but his postseason numbers have not measured up the last four years. Robertson, who has five goals in five games, had the Stars’ four-on-four goal Monday that cut the Wild’s lead to 3-2 with 3:21 to play, giving local fans one last chance to shout and hope. But Kirill Kaprizov’s empty-net goal — actually an excellent hard-working shot to get away from Dallas’ pressure — restored the two-goal lead with two minutes left and had Stars’ fans streaming for the exits.

The fans plan to be back here Saturday night, ready to believe in this club’s Game 7 magic that produced home-ice wins against Seattle, Vegas and Colorado the last three seasons. It should be mentioned that those happened on DeBoer’s watch. Maybe there’s no difference in how the team would play in Game 7 circumstances with Gulutzan in charge. But first the Stars have to find a way to make that happen while the odds are shifting increasingly in Minnesota’s favor.

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