Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger (29) congrats Minnesota Wild goaltender Jesper Wallstedt (30) following their Game 6 loss in a first-round NHL hockey playoff series in St. Paul, Minnesota, April 30, 2026. The Stars lost the game. 5-2, and the series.

Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger (29) congrats Minnesota Wild goaltender Jesper Wallstedt (30) following their Game 6 loss in a first-round NHL hockey playoff series in St. Paul, Minnesota, April 30, 2026. The Stars lost the game. 5-2, and the series.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Another season passed, and the Stars are still without a Stanley Cup title this century. For a team that’s been a legitimate contender for four seasons now, this spring’s exit may be the most difficult to swallow. 

After three consecutive runs to the Western Conference finals, the Stars thought they had knocked on the door of the Stanley Cup Final enough times to finally break through. With a lineup loaded with superstars — from Jason Robertson, to Wyatt Johnston, to Mikko Rantanen — they felt they had the personnel capable of winning it all.  

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Minnesota Wild right wing Vladimir Tarasenko (91) drops to his knees after scoring on Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger (29) during the second period in Game 6 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series in St. Paul, Minnesota, April 30, 2026. Joining in the celebration was Wild center Yakov Trenin (13) who had an assist on the play.

Minnesota Wild right wing Vladimir Tarasenko (91) drops to his knees after scoring on Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger (29) during the second period in Game 6 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series in St. Paul, Minnesota, April 30, 2026. Joining in the celebration was Wild center Yakov Trenin (13) who had an assist on the play.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger (29) congrats Minnesota Wild goaltender Jesper Wallstedt (30) following their Game 6 loss in a first-round NHL hockey playoff series in St. Paul, Minnesota, April 30, 2026. The Stars lost the game. 5-2, and the series.

Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger (29) congrats Minnesota Wild goaltender Jesper Wallstedt (30) following their Game 6 loss in a first-round NHL hockey playoff series in St. Paul, Minnesota, April 30, 2026. The Stars lost the game. 5-2, and the series.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Stars center Matt Duchene (95), starting goaltender Jake Oettinger (29), right wing Mikko Rantanen (96) and goaltender Casey DeSmith (1) shakes handfuls with Minnesota Wild players4 following their Game 6 loss in a first-round NHL hockey playoff series in St. Paul, Minnesota, April 30, 2026. The Stars lost the game. 5-2, and the series.

Dallas Stars center Matt Duchene (95), starting goaltender Jake Oettinger (29), right wing Mikko Rantanen (96) and goaltender Casey DeSmith (1) shakes handfuls with Minnesota Wild players4 following their Game 6 loss in a first-round NHL hockey playoff series in St. Paul, Minnesota, April 30, 2026. The Stars lost the game. 5-2, and the series.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Stars left wing Jamie Benn (14) congrats Minnesota Wild defenseman Zach Bogosian (24) following their Game 6 loss in a first-round NHL hockey playoff series in St. Paul, Minnesota, April 30, 2026. The Stars lost the game. 5-2, and the series.

Dallas Stars left wing Jamie Benn (14) congrats Minnesota Wild defenseman Zach Bogosian (24) following their Game 6 loss in a first-round NHL hockey playoff series in St. Paul, Minnesota, April 30, 2026. The Stars lost the game. 5-2, and the series.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Stars left wing Jamie Benn (14) shakes hands with Minnesota Wild left wing Marcus Foligno (17) following Game 6 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series in St. Paul, Minnesota, April 30, 2026. The Stars lost the game. 5-2, and the series.

Dallas Stars left wing Jamie Benn (14) shakes hands with Minnesota Wild left wing Marcus Foligno (17) following Game 6 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series in St. Paul, Minnesota, April 30, 2026. The Stars lost the game. 5-2, and the series.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Stars goaltender Casey DeSmith (1) hugs starting goalie Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger (29) following their Game 6 loss to the Minnesota Wild in a first-round NHL hockey playoff series in St. Paul, Minnesota, April 30, 2026. The Stars lost the game. 5-2, and the series.

Dallas Stars goaltender Casey DeSmith (1) hugs starting goalie Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger (29) following their Game 6 loss to the Minnesota Wild in a first-round NHL hockey playoff series in St. Paul, Minnesota, April 30, 2026. The Stars lost the game. 5-2, and the series.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Stars defenseman Lian Bichsel (6) hugs starting goaltender Jake Oettinger (29) following their loss to the Minnesota Wild in Game 6 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series in St. Paul, Minnesota, April 30, 2026. The Stars lost the game. 5-2, and the series.

Dallas Stars defenseman Lian Bichsel (6) hugs starting goaltender Jake Oettinger (29) following their loss to the Minnesota Wild in Game 6 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series in St. Paul, Minnesota, April 30, 2026. The Stars lost the game. 5-2, and the series.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsAs fans wave towels, Minnesota Wild left wing Nick Foligno (71) celebrates their win over Dallas Stars center Colin Blackwell (15) and center Radek Faksa (12) in Game 6 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series in St. Paul, Minnesota, April 30, 2026. The Stars lost the game. 5-2, and the series.

As fans wave towels, Minnesota Wild left wing Nick Foligno (71) celebrates their win over Dallas Stars center Colin Blackwell (15) and center Radek Faksa (12) in Game 6 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series in St. Paul, Minnesota, April 30, 2026. The Stars lost the game. 5-2, and the series.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Stars center Mavrik Bourque (22) skates back to the bench as Minnesota Wild goaltender Jesper Wallstedt (30) and defenseman Brock Faber (7) celebrate their last goal, an empty netter during the third period in Game 6 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series in St. Paul, Minnesota, April 30, 2026. The Stars lost the game. 5-2, and the series.

Dallas Stars center Mavrik Bourque (22) skates back to the bench as Minnesota Wild goaltender Jesper Wallstedt (30) and defenseman Brock Faber (7) celebrate their last goal, an empty netter during the third period in Game 6 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series in St. Paul, Minnesota, April 30, 2026. The Stars lost the game. 5-2, and the series.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsMinnesota Wild left wing Matt Boldy (12) breaks away with the puck and scores an empty netter in the third period against the Dallas Stars in Game 6 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series in St. Paul, Minnesota, April 30, 2026. The Stars lost the game. 5-2, and the series.

Minnesota Wild left wing Matt Boldy (12) breaks away with the puck and scores an empty netter in the third period against the Dallas Stars in Game 6 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series in St. Paul, Minnesota, April 30, 2026. The Stars lost the game. 5-2, and the series.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsMinnesota Wild goaltender Jesper Wallstedt (30) deflects a Dallas Stars shot as Minnesota Wild defenseman Jared Spurgeon (46) defends against Dallas Stars center Wyatt Johnston (53) during the third period in Game 6 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series in St. Paul, Minnesota, April 30, 2026. The Stars lost the game. 5-2, and the series.

Minnesota Wild goaltender Jesper Wallstedt (30) deflects a Dallas Stars shot as Minnesota Wild defenseman Jared Spurgeon (46) defends against Dallas Stars center Wyatt Johnston (53) during the third period in Game 6 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series in St. Paul, Minnesota, April 30, 2026. The Stars lost the game. 5-2, and the series.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger (29) looks to the replay as Minnesota Wild fans celebrate a third period goal in Game 6 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series in St. Paul, Minnesota, April 30, 2026. The Stars lost the game. 5-2, and the series.

Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger (29) looks to the replay as Minnesota Wild fans celebrate a third period goal in Game 6 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series in St. Paul, Minnesota, April 30, 2026. The Stars lost the game. 5-2, and the series.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger (29) looks to the replay as Minnesota Wild fans celebrate a third period goal in Game 6 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series in St. Paul, Minnesota, April 30, 2026. The Stars lost the game. 5-2, and the series.

Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger (29) looks to the replay as Minnesota Wild fans celebrate a third period goal in Game 6 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series in St. Paul, Minnesota, April 30, 2026. The Stars lost the game. 5-2, and the series.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Stars right wing Mikko Rantanen (96) loses his stick as he collided with Minnesota Wild left wing Kirill Kaprizov (97) during the third period in Game 6 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series in St. Paul, Minnesota, April 30, 2026. The Stars lost the game. 5-2, and the series.

Dallas Stars right wing Mikko Rantanen (96) loses his stick as he collided with Minnesota Wild left wing Kirill Kaprizov (97) during the third period in Game 6 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series in St. Paul, Minnesota, April 30, 2026. The Stars lost the game. 5-2, and the series.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Stars center Mavrik Bourque (22) is congratulated on his second period goal by teammates Esa Lindell (23) and Michael Bunting (58) in Game 6 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series in St. Paul, Minnesota, April 30, 2026.

Dallas Stars center Mavrik Bourque (22) is congratulated on his second period goal by teammates Esa Lindell (23) and Michael Bunting (58) in Game 6 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series in St. Paul, Minnesota, April 30, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Stars center Mavrik Bourque (22) shoots and scores on Minnesota Wild goaltender Jesper Wallstedt (30) for a second period goal in Game 6 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series in St. Paul, Minnesota, April 30, 2026.

Dallas Stars center Mavrik Bourque (22) shoots and scores on Minnesota Wild goaltender Jesper Wallstedt (30) for a second period goal in Game 6 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series in St. Paul, Minnesota, April 30, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsThe net comes loose from its posts as Dallas Stars defenseman Lian Bichsel (6) and Minnesota Wild left wing Marcus Foligno (17) scuffle during the second period in Game 6 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series in St. Paul, Minnesota, April 30, 2026.

The net comes loose from its posts as Dallas Stars defenseman Lian Bichsel (6) and Minnesota Wild left wing Marcus Foligno (17) scuffle during the second period in Game 6 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series in St. Paul, Minnesota, April 30, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Stars center Wyatt Johnston (53) loses his glove as he’s hit by the puck during the second period in Game 6 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series in St. Paul, Minnesota, April 30, 2026. Minnesota Wild goaltender Jesper Wallstedt (30) was in net defending.

Dallas Stars center Wyatt Johnston (53) loses his glove as he’s hit by the puck during the second period in Game 6 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series in St. Paul, Minnesota, April 30, 2026. Minnesota Wild goaltender Jesper Wallstedt (30) was in net defending.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Stars defenseman Alexander Petrovic (28) and Minnesota Wild center Nico Sturm (78) check sticks after the whilstee blows during a second period break in Game 6 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series in St. Paul, Minnesota, April 30, 2026.

Dallas Stars defenseman Alexander Petrovic (28) and Minnesota Wild center Nico Sturm (78) check sticks after the whilstee blows during a second period break in Game 6 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series in St. Paul, Minnesota, April 30, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Stars defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin (46) takes a slap shot on the Minnesota Wild during the first period in Game 6 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series in St. Paul, Minnesota, April 30, 2026.

Dallas Stars defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin (46) takes a slap shot on the Minnesota Wild during the first period in Game 6 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series in St. Paul, Minnesota, April 30, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsMinnesota Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes (43) passes the puck past Dallas Stars left wing Jason Robertson (21) during the first period in Game 6 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series in St. Paul, Minnesota, April 30, 2026.

Minnesota Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes (43) passes the puck past Dallas Stars left wing Jason Robertson (21) during the first period in Game 6 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series in St. Paul, Minnesota, April 30, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Stars center Colin Blackwell (15) is checked into the bench by Minnesota Wild left wing Nick Foligno (71) during the first period in Game 6 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series in St. Paul, Minnesota, April 30, 2026.

Dallas Stars center Colin Blackwell (15) is checked into the bench by Minnesota Wild left wing Nick Foligno (71) during the first period in Game 6 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series in St. Paul, Minnesota, April 30, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Stars center Colin Blackwell (15) is checked into the bench by Minnesota Wild left wing Nick Foligno (71) during the first period in Game 6 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series in St. Paul, Minnesota, April 30, 2026.

Dallas Stars center Colin Blackwell (15) is checked into the bench by Minnesota Wild left wing Nick Foligno (71) during the first period in Game 6 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series in St. Paul, Minnesota, April 30, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen (4) gets to his feet as he controls the puck at mid-ice during the first period against Minnesota Wild center Yakov Trenin (13) in Game 6 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series in St. Paul, Minnesota, April 30, 2026.

Dallas Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen (4) gets to his feet as he controls the puck at mid-ice during the first period against Minnesota Wild center Yakov Trenin (13) in Game 6 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series in St. Paul, Minnesota, April 30, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Stars right wing Mikko Rantanen (96) tries to corral the puck near the net as Minnesota Wild defenseman Brock Faber (7) defends during the first period in Game 6 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series in St. Paul, Minnesota, April 30, 2026.

Dallas Stars right wing Mikko Rantanen (96) tries to corral the puck near the net as Minnesota Wild defenseman Brock Faber (7) defends during the first period in Game 6 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series in St. Paul, Minnesota, April 30, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Stars defenseman Esa Lindell (23) brings the puck up the ice against Minnesota Wild defenseman Jeff Petry (2) during the first period in Game 6 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series in St. Paul, Minnesota, April 30, 2026.

Dallas Stars defenseman Esa Lindell (23) brings the puck up the ice against Minnesota Wild defenseman Jeff Petry (2) during the first period in Game 6 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series in St. Paul, Minnesota, April 30, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Stars players react after Minnesota Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes scores a first period goal in Game 6 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series in St. Paul, Minnesota, April 30, 2026.

Dallas Stars players react after Minnesota Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes scores a first period goal in Game 6 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series in St. Paul, Minnesota, April 30, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Stars center Radek Faksa (12), center Oskar Bäck (10) and defenseman Miro Heiskanen (4) react after Minnesota Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes scores a first period goal in Game 6 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series in St. Paul, Minnesota, April 30, 2026.

Dallas Stars center Radek Faksa (12), center Oskar Bäck (10) and defenseman Miro Heiskanen (4) react after Minnesota Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes scores a first period goal in Game 6 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series in St. Paul, Minnesota, April 30, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger (29) reacts after Minnesota Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes (43) scores a first period goal in Game 6 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series in St. Paul, Minnesota, April 30, 2026.

Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger (29) reacts after Minnesota Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes (43) scores a first period goal in Game 6 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series in St. Paul, Minnesota, April 30, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsDallas Stars left wing Jason Robertson (21) picks up the puck from the Minnesota Wild during the first period in Game 6 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series in St. Paul, Minnesota, April 30, 2026.

Dallas Stars left wing Jason Robertson (21) picks up the puck from the Minnesota Wild during the first period in Game 6 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series in St. Paul, Minnesota, April 30, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsA digital image is projected on the ice before the Dallas Stars and Minnesota Wild face in Game 6 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series in St. Paul, Minnesota, April 30, 2026.

A digital image is projected on the ice before the Dallas Stars and Minnesota Wild face in Game 6 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series in St. Paul, Minnesota, April 30, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsThe history of the Minnesota North Stars is part of a display on the main concourse before Game 6 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series in St. Paul, Minnesota, April 30, 2026.

The history of the Minnesota North Stars is part of a display on the main concourse before Game 6 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series in St. Paul, Minnesota, April 30, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsMinnesota Wild fans arrive for the Dallas Stars Game 6 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series in St. Paul, Minnesota, April 30, 2026.

Minnesota Wild fans arrive for the Dallas Stars Game 6 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series in St. Paul, Minnesota, April 30, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsBy laying white-shirts over the seats, RD 1 GM 6 and the State of Minnesota is pictured in the lower bowl before the Dallas Stars and Minnesota Wild face off in Game 6 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series in St. Paul, Minnesota, April 30, 2026.

By laying white-shirts over the seats, RD 1 GM 6 and the State of Minnesota is pictured in the lower bowl before the Dallas Stars and Minnesota Wild face off in Game 6 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series in St. Paul, Minnesota, April 30, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning NewsBy laying white-shirts over the seats, RD 1 GM 6 and the State of Minnesota is pictured in the lower bowl before the Dallas Stars and Minnesota Wild face off in Game 6 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series in St. Paul, Minnesota, April 30, 2026.

By laying white-shirts over the seats, RD 1 GM 6 and the State of Minnesota is pictured in the lower bowl before the Dallas Stars and Minnesota Wild face off in Game 6 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series in St. Paul, Minnesota, April 30, 2026.

Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News

But so did their first-round opponent. 

In a clash between two of the top-three teams in the West, the Minnesota Wild ended the Stars’ season, winning Game 6 at Grand Casino Arena 5-2 Thursday night.  

RELATED: Five thoughts from Stars-Wild, Game 6: Promising season fizzles out

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The Stars, instead of overcoming the conference final hump, moved backward. Now they’ll watch their top two rivals — Minnesota and Colorado — fight for the Central Division’s spot in the conference finals that had been consistently theirs. 

As expected, the mood in the Stars’ locker room postgame was somber and defeated. Reality started to set in for the players who believed they had a team capable of winning it all but, yet again, fell short. 

“It doesn’t matter when you lose when you have a team that you believe can win,” Stars forward Matt Duchene said. “It’s another year gone, and another opportunity where you don’t accomplish your goal, and that’s the worst part for me. We’ve got a really good caliber team, and that’s the hardest thing to swallow right now.” 

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The Stars’ last few seasons have felt like one long missed opportunity. Their first-round series this spring was a microcosm of that. 

The Stars were 5:20 away from taking a 3-1 lead in the series in Game 3 to set up a chance to clinch on home ice. They had home-ice advantage in a critical Game 5 that often decides a series — and ultimately did in this one. In Thursday’s Game 6, they had a chance to take a 2-1 lead into the second intermission after a late goal by Mavrik Bourque — their first 5-on-5 goal in over 250 minutes — but they squandered that lead 54 seconds later and allowed Minnesota to take momentum into the third. 

“They played better than us in four of the six games, and that’s what it comes to,” Stars coach Glen Gulutzan said. 

All sorts of excuses can be made for this Stars team. They were set up to fail by a playoff format that pits two of the top three teams in a conference against one another in the first round. They dealt with injuries all season, including four in the playoffs and one to Roope Hintz, one of their star players. His March 6 injury ended up being season-ending. 

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But the teams that win are those that can find a way regardless of the adversity. The Wild did, winning the series despite playing three games without top-line forward Mats Zuccarello and a number of other players. They were also without star forward Joel Eriksson Ek down the stretch of Thursday’s series clincher. 

Since late in Game 3, Minnesota seemed to want it more. Maybe that wasn’t actually the case, but the Wild looked hungrier on the ice. They looked more desperate to avoid having to fly back to Dallas than the Stars did to save their season. 

The Wild advanced past the first round for the first time since 2015. The Stars lost in the first round for the first time since 2022. 

Dallas fired coach Pete DeBoer last season after not advancing past the third round. Losing in the first was never an acceptable outcome. 

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“The standard here is Cup or nothing, basically,” Bourque said. “That’s the standard.” 

The Stars will have to start from scratch again next season to try to get back to where they were a year ago. Some things may look different. While most of the core is locked down for years, will Dallas be able to keep Jason Robertson, who is a restricted free agent? Will the Stars have a new captain in September if Jamie Benn retires? 

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Whichever group of players arrives for training camp in the fall will have a long summer to think about a disappointing year — as well as a renewed sense of urgency that the window to win should still be open. 

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The question is whether they can take advantage of it before it’s too late. 

“It just goes to show you how hard it is to win,” Gulutzan said. “It’s the hardest trophy to win.”