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

The Minnesota Wild are a game away from advancing to the second round of the NHL playoffs for the first time in over a decade after their Game 5 win over the Stars on Tuesday night.

After a dominant Game 1 performance by Minnesota, Dallas head coach Glen Gulutzan noted postgame how his group was “outmanned, to a man.”

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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.

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 NewsDark 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 NewsDallas 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 NewsDallas 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 NewsDallas 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 NewsDallas 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 NewsMinnesota 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 NewsDallas 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 NewsDallas 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 NewsMinnesota 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 NewsThough 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 NewsDallas 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 NewsDallas 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 NewsDallas 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 NewsDallas 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 NewsDallas 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 NewsDallas 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 NewsOfficials 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 NewsDallas 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 NewsDallas 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 NewsDallas 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 NewsDallas 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 NewsDallas 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 NewsDallas 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 NewsDallas 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 NewsA 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 NewsMinnesota 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 NewsMinnesota 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 NewsMinnesota 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 NewsDallas 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.

Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas 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 NewsDallas 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 NewsDallas 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 NewsMinnesota 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 NewsOfficials 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 NewsMinnesota 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 NewsDallas 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 NewsMinnesota 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 NewsDallas 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 NewsDallas 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.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas 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 NewsDallas 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 NewsDallas 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 NewsMinnesota 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 NewsMinnesota 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 NewsDallas 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 NewsDallas 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 NewsDallas 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 NewsDallas 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 NewsDallas 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 NewsMinnesota 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 NewsDallas 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 NewsMinnesota 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 NewsMinnesota 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 NewsMinnesota 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 NewsDallas 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 NewsMinnesota 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 NewsDallas 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 NewsDallas 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 NewsDallas 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.

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

It seemed like more of the same in Game 5.

Minnesota held on for a 4-2 win and nearly every member of their squad postgame, including head coach John Hynes, emphasized how they’d won puck battles, scrapped for loose pucks, played tight defense on both sides of the ice and paid great attention to the smaller details.

In short: The Wild made it sound like they worked harder for the win in Game 5, similar to how it sounded after Game 1.

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Check out postgame quotes from Minnesota below.

Wild coach John Hynes

On limiting the Stars’ offense, shots on goal: “I just think when we play a tight, connected, five-man game I think we’re usually at our best, and I thought we were responsible, strong attention to detail. I thought overall it was another game we can continue to build [off of] and get better.”

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What they’re doing to limit Stars’ chances 5-on-5: “It’s just commitment, you know, you want to be able to play a strong team game. Lots of times you just think defense is in the D-zone, but just playing with strong structure, trying to be above people, being organized. Playing with discipline, whether it’s on your forecheck or the offensive zone, reading and anticipating changes of possession and makeing sure you’re on top. Our guys are committed to that, it’s basically how we played all year, but right now I think there’s a high attention to detail.”

On power play success, difference between Game 5 and Games 2-4: “To be honest? If you look at the [power play] goal that we scored … Puck battles. We won at least three or four puck battles to keep the play alive, and that’s when opportunities present themselves. It’s five guys that obviously are highly skilled, but I thought tonight there was an intensity level of the little things that can make it go. That’s puck battles, keeping pucks alive, shot mentality, puck movement … I think when you look at one of the reasons we scored the goal, I’d say that was the biggest factor.”

Wild forward Matt Boldy

On winning puck battles: “I think the whole power play, Quinn [Hughes] made some great plays up top, [Zuccarello] won some battles too, Kirill as well. When we’re doing that, winning battles and getting pucks back, that’s when we’re at our best.”

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Taking pride in 5-on-5 success vs. Dallas: “Yeah, we’re just trying to play our game. They have some dynamic scorers, obviously some very gifted scorers, whether it’s shooting in the net or setting plays up. For us, it’s just focusing on ourselves. Obviously you gotta pay attention to those guys because they’re so talented, great players. But when we play our game, we play hard and simple, everyone has an impact. That’s when we’re going, and that’s when the defense leads to our offense as well.”

Wild forward Marcus Foligno

On the series so far: “It’s been a hard series, it really has. Attention to detail has been good, I thought just tonight we were really good on the puck battles, I think that’s been kind of the key to the series. It’s gonna come down to that, there’s skill on both teams, it’s very even.”