Stars' Game 1 loss to Wild was shocking display of ineptitude - Texas News Beep

Minnesota Wild left wing Matt Boldy (12) celebrates a goal with left wing Kirill Kaprizov (97) and center Joel Eriksson Ek as Dallas Stars defenseman Thomas Harley (55) looks away during the second period in Game 1 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center on Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Dallas.

Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News

Game 1 playoff losses are about as regular an event at Stars games these days as Garth Brooks sing-a-longs during the third period. However, one has to wonder if Dallas hasn’t landed in a particularly low place after spotting Minnesota the first four goals in Saturday’s frighteningly one-sided 6-1 loss at the American Airlines Center.

You could feel just a little bit of the life going out of the building five minutes into the opening period when the Wild shredded the Stars’ penalty kill defense for a Joel Eriksson Ek goal and a 1-0 lead. Minnesota scored three times on the power play in the recent 5-4 Dallas win that sealed home-ice advantage for the Stars, and coach Glen Gulutzan said before Game 1 that the focus of the team’s preparation the last week has been on stopping the Wild’s excellent power play.

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But Minnesota has some high-priced talent that makes such things difficult. It wasn’t the end of the world to give up that goal. It felt like something else entirely, though, when the Wild scored at even strength at the 56-second, the 3:28 and the 6:30 marks of the second period. Not even halfway through the contest the visitors had a four-goal lead and the Stars hadn’t really taken their first solid crack at Jesper Wallstedt, the Wild backup goaltender who got the Game 1 start Saturday.

“You’re not going anywhere if you’re not getting your nose over the puck and winning those battles,’’ Gulutzan said. “To a man, we need to be harder in our battle level.’’

It’s one thing to go down 1-0 in a series as the Stars did eight straight times from 2022 to 2025. They went on to win five of those eight series, anyway, before finally beating Winnipeg in Game 1 of the second round here last spring. It’s quite another to get completely undressed the way the Stars did Saturday. There was an almost shocking level of ineptitude in front of Jake Oettinger, and the Stars goaltender wasn’t at his best on the fourth and fifth goals.

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The start of the game almost made a mockery of a pre-game question Gulutzan had answered about what kind of team the Stars had become this season.

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“If we are on our game, we’re a very stingy team,’’ he said. “You know we won’t give up a lot. I think at times we can force teams into mistakes by, you know, frustration. And just talking with other guys and coaches around the league, I think that’s how they identify us, too, kind of a stingy team that’s structurally very sound and has good two-way players.’’

During the season, the Stars gave up the fewest shots in the league. In Game 1, Minnesota scored on four of its first 18 shots on goal in the first 27 minutes.

It wasn’t until late in the second period that Dallas got one back when Jason Robertson — yes, the man that Wild GM Bill Guerin left off of Team USA in the Olympics — backhanded a power-play goal past Wallstedt to give the crowd a ray of hope.

That vanished midway through the third period when Eriksson Ek scored his second power play goal of the afternoon/night as Oettinger failed to protect the short-side post, making it 5-1 Minnesota. Matt Boldy finished the scoring with a long empty net goal after taking the puck off the stick of Mikko Rantanen. If last year was a showcase for Mikko, this was something different. He took two penalties, didn’t get onto the scoresheet and made the final giveaway to lift the margin of defeat to five goals.

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The game was not as physical as one might have imagined. In the final regular season meeting, there were 24 minutes in roughing penalties handed out. These teams have known for months they would be running into each other in the first round despite having the second- and third-best records in the Western Conference. But the game was played — for the most part — with an air of caution, neither team wishing to get pushed up against the opponents’ powerful man advantage attacks. In the end, Minnesota outscored Dallas on the power play 2-1 but it’s even strength where they Stars are going to have to take the attack to the visitors Monday night to get engaged in this series.

“A goalie can be the difference maker on the penalty kill, and I wasn’t that tonight,’’ Oettinger said. “We need to get better, and we’ll do it.’’

For Wallstedt, a 23-year-old Swedish rookie and former first-round pick, it was his first Stanley Cup playoff win in his first start. For Gulutzan, it was his fifth playoff loss in five tries as a head coach, having coached Calgary during a four-game sweep by the Anaheim Ducks in 2017.

“He [Wallstedt] was solid but we didn’t test him at all through the first two periods,’’ Gulutzan said. “We need to be better early to test him a little more when the heat of the game is there.’’

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The heat will be turned up on someone Monday night.

Dallas Stars players take the ice for Game 1 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series against the Minnesota Wild at American Airlines Center on Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Dallas.

Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News Fans cheer as Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger (29) and center Wyatt Johnston (53) take the ice to warm up before Game 1 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series against the Minnesota Wild at American Airlines Center on Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Dallas.

Fans cheer as Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger (29) and center Wyatt Johnston (53) take the ice to warm up before Game 1 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series against the Minnesota Wild at American Airlines Center on Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Dallas.

Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News Dallas Stars fan Cody Strull cheers as his team takes the ice for Game 1 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series against the Minnesota Wild at American Airlines Center on Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Dallas.

Dallas Stars fan Cody Strull cheers as his team takes the ice for Game 1 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series against the Minnesota Wild at American Airlines Center on Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Dallas.

Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger (29) is seen before Game 1 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series against the Minnesota Wild at American Airlines Center, Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Dallas.

Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger (29) is seen before Game 1 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series against the Minnesota Wild at American Airlines Center, Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Dallas.

Chitose Suzuki/The Dallas Morning News Dallas Stars fans cheer as their team takes the ice for Game 1 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series against the Minnesota Wild at American Airlines Center on Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Dallas.

Dallas Stars fans cheer as their team takes the ice for Game 1 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series against the Minnesota Wild at American Airlines Center on Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Dallas.

Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News Dallas Stars center Radek Faksa (12) hits the ice as center Colin Blackwell (15) reaches for the puck against Minnesota Wild center Michael McCarron (47), left wing Nick Foligno (71) and defenseman Zach Bogosian (24) during the first period in Game 1 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center on Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Dallas.

Dallas Stars center Radek Faksa (12) hits the ice as center Colin Blackwell (15) reaches for the puck against Minnesota Wild center Michael McCarron (47), left wing Nick Foligno (71) and defenseman Zach Bogosian (24) during the first period in Game 1 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center on Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Dallas.

Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News Dallas Stars center Justin Hryckowian (49) tussles with Minnesota Wild center Yakov Trenin (13) as Stars left wing Jamie Benn (14) enters the fray during the first period in Game 1 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center on Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Dallas.

Dallas Stars center Justin Hryckowian (49) tussles with Minnesota Wild center Yakov Trenin (13) as Stars left wing Jamie Benn (14) enters the fray during the first period in Game 1 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center on Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Dallas.

Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News Dallas Stars center Mavrik Bourque (22) checks Minnesota Wild defenseman Brock Faber (7) during the first period in Game 1 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center on Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Dallas.

Dallas Stars center Mavrik Bourque (22) checks Minnesota Wild defenseman Brock Faber (7) during the first period in Game 1 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center on Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Dallas.

Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News Minnesota Wild center Joel Eriksson Ek (14) celebrates with his teammate Matt Boldy (12) after scoring a goal against Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger (29) during the first period of Game 1 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center, Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Dallas.

Minnesota Wild center Joel Eriksson Ek (14) celebrates with his teammate Matt Boldy (12) after scoring a goal against Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger (29) during the first period of Game 1 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center, Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Dallas.

Chitose Suzuki/The Dallas Morning News Dallas Stars center Wyatt Johnston (53) fights for the puck with Minnesota Wild defenseman Jonas Brodin (25) behind goaltender Jesper Wallstedt (30) during the first period in Game 1 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center on Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Dallas.

Dallas Stars center Wyatt Johnston (53) fights for the puck with Minnesota Wild defenseman Jonas Brodin (25) behind goaltender Jesper Wallstedt (30) during the first period in Game 1 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center on Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Dallas.

Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News Dallas Stars left wing Jamie Benn (14) loses his helmet as he tangles with Minnesota Wild defenseman Jake Middleton (5) during the first period of Game 1 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center, Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Dallas.

Dallas Stars left wing Jamie Benn (14) loses his helmet as he tangles with Minnesota Wild defenseman Jake Middleton (5) during the first period of Game 1 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center, Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Dallas.

Chitose Suzuki/The Dallas Morning News Minnesota Wild goaltender Jesper Wallstedt (30) defends the net against Dallas Stars center Matt Duchene (95) during the first period in Game 1 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center on Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Dallas.

Minnesota Wild goaltender Jesper Wallstedt (30) defends the net against Dallas Stars center Matt Duchene (95) during the first period in Game 1 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center on Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Dallas.

Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News Minnesota Wild defenseman Zach Bogosian (24) drops Dallas Stars right wing Mikko Rantanen (96) to the ice during the first period of Game 1 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center, Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Dallas.

Minnesota Wild defenseman Zach Bogosian (24) drops Dallas Stars right wing Mikko Rantanen (96) to the ice during the first period of Game 1 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center, Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Dallas.

Chitose Suzuki/The Dallas Morning News A 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs sticker is seen on the helmet of Dallas Stars right wing Mikko Rantanen (96) as he lines up for a face off during the first period in Game 1 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series against the Minnesota Wild at American Airlines Center on Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Dallas.

A 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs sticker is seen on the helmet of Dallas Stars right wing Mikko Rantanen (96) as he lines up for a face off during the first period in Game 1 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series against the Minnesota Wild at American Airlines Center on Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Dallas.

Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News Dallas Stars center Justin Hryckowian (49) fights for the puck with Minnesota Wild right wing Danila Yurov (22) during the first period in Game 1 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center on Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Dallas.

Dallas Stars center Justin Hryckowian (49) fights for the puck with Minnesota Wild right wing Danila Yurov (22) during the first period in Game 1 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center on Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Dallas.

Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger (29) makes a save against Minnesota Wild left wing Matt Boldy (12) during the first period of Game 1 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center, Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Dallas.

Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger (29) makes a save against Minnesota Wild left wing Matt Boldy (12) during the first period of Game 1 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center, Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Dallas.

Chitose Suzuki/The Dallas Morning News The puck flies away from Minnesota Wild right wing Mats Zuccarello (36) and Dallas Stars defenseman Lian Bichsel (6) on a face off during the second period in Game 1 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center on Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Dallas.

The puck flies away from Minnesota Wild right wing Mats Zuccarello (36) and Dallas Stars defenseman Lian Bichsel (6) on a face off during the second period in Game 1 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center on Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Dallas.

Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News Minnesota Wild center Joel Eriksson Ek (14) scores a goal against Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger (29) during the first period of Game 1 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center, Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Dallas.

Minnesota Wild center Joel Eriksson Ek (14) scores a goal against Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger (29) during the first period of Game 1 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center, Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Dallas.

Chitose Suzuki/The Dallas Morning News Minnesota Wild right wing Ryan Hartman (38) celebrates after scoring against Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger (background) as Star center Colin Blackwell (15) skates away during the second period in Game 1 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center on Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Dallas.

Minnesota Wild right wing Ryan Hartman (38) celebrates after scoring against Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger (background) as Star center Colin Blackwell (15) skates away during the second period in Game 1 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center on Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Dallas.

Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger collects himself after a Minnesota Wild goal during the second period in Game 1 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center on Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Dallas.

Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger collects himself after a Minnesota Wild goal during the second period in Game 1 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center on Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Dallas.

Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News Minnesota Wild left wing Matt Boldy (12) scores a goal against Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger (29) as Dallas Stars defenseman Tyler Myers (57) and Dallas Stars defenseman Thomas Harley (55) look on during the second period of Game 1 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center, Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Dallas.

Minnesota Wild left wing Matt Boldy (12) scores a goal against Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger (29) as Dallas Stars defenseman Tyler Myers (57) and Dallas Stars defenseman Thomas Harley (55) look on during the second period of Game 1 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center, Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Dallas.

Chitose Suzuki/The Dallas Morning News Minnesota Wild left wing Matt Boldy (12) celebrates with his teammate after scoring a goal against Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger (29) during the second period of Game 1 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center, Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Dallas.

Minnesota Wild left wing Matt Boldy (12) celebrates with his teammate after scoring a goal against Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger (29) during the second period of Game 1 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center, Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Dallas.

Chitose Suzuki/The Dallas Morning News Minnesota Wild left wing Matt Boldy (12) celebrates a goal with left wing Kirill Kaprizov (97) and center Joel Eriksson Ek as Dallas Stars defenseman Thomas Harley (55) looks away during the second period in Game 1 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center on Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Dallas.

Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News Minnesota Wild fans heckle Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger (29) after a goal by Wild left wing Matt Boldy during the second period in Game 1 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center on Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Dallas.

Minnesota Wild fans heckle Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger (29) after a goal by Wild left wing Matt Boldy during the second period in Game 1 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center on Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Dallas.

Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News Dallas Stars defenseman Esa Lindell (23) is checked by Minnesota Wild center Yakov Trenin (13) during the second period in Game 1 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center on Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Dallas.

Dallas Stars defenseman Esa Lindell (23) is checked by Minnesota Wild center Yakov Trenin (13) during the second period in Game 1 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center on Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Dallas.

Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger (29) makes a save against Minnesota Wild as Dallas Stars defenseman Tyler Myers (57) looks on during the second period of Game 1 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center, Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Dallas.

Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger (29) makes a save against Minnesota Wild as Dallas Stars defenseman Tyler Myers (57) looks on during the second period of Game 1 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center, Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Dallas.

Chitose Suzuki/The Dallas Morning News Dallas Stars defenseman Nils Lundkvist (5) pushed Minnesota Wild right wing Ryan Hartman (38) during the second period in Game 1 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center on Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Dallas.

Dallas Stars defenseman Nils Lundkvist (5) pushed Minnesota Wild right wing Ryan Hartman (38) during the second period in Game 1 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center on Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Dallas.

Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News Minnesota Wild left wing Kirill Kaprizov (97) controls the puck behind Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger (29) during the second period in Game 1 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center on Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Dallas.

Minnesota Wild left wing Kirill Kaprizov (97) controls the puck behind Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger (29) during the second period in Game 1 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center on Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Dallas.

Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News Fans cheer during the second period of Game 1 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff between the Dallas Stars and the Minnesota Wild at American Airlines Center, Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Dallas.

Fans cheer during the second period of Game 1 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff between the Dallas Stars and the Minnesota Wild at American Airlines Center, Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Dallas.

Chitose Suzuki/The Dallas Morning News Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger (29) makes a save during the second period in Game 1 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series against the Minnesota Wild at American Airlines Center on Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Dallas.

Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger (29) makes a save during the second period in Game 1 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series against the Minnesota Wild at American Airlines Center on Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Dallas.

Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News Dallas Stars center Sam Steel (18), Dallas Stars center Wyatt Johnston (53) and Dallas Stars right wing Mikko Rantanen (96) fight with Minnesota Wild players during the second period of Game 1 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center, Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Dallas.

Dallas Stars center Sam Steel (18), Dallas Stars center Wyatt Johnston (53) and Dallas Stars right wing Mikko Rantanen (96) fight with Minnesota Wild players during the second period of Game 1 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center, Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Dallas.

Chitose Suzuki/The Dallas Morning News Dallas Stars defenseman Esa Lindell (23) fights for the puck against Minnesota Wild center Joel Eriksson Ek (14) during the second period in Game 1 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center on Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Dallas.

Dallas Stars defenseman Esa Lindell (23) fights for the puck against Minnesota Wild center Joel Eriksson Ek (14) during the second period in Game 1 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center on Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Dallas.

Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News Minnesota Wild goaltender Jesper Wallstedt (30) makes a save against Dallas Stars left wing Jason Robertson (21) during the third period of Game 1 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center, Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Dallas.

Minnesota Wild goaltender Jesper Wallstedt (30) makes a save against Dallas Stars left wing Jason Robertson (21) during the third period of Game 1 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center, Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Dallas.

Chitose Suzuki/The Dallas Morning News Dallas Stars right wing Mikko Rantanen (96) and Dallas Stars center Wyatt Johnston (53) fight with Minnesota Wild players during the second period of Game 1 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center, Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Dallas.

Dallas Stars right wing Mikko Rantanen (96) and Dallas Stars center Wyatt Johnston (53) fight with Minnesota Wild players during the second period of Game 1 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center, Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Dallas.

Chitose Suzuki/The Dallas Morning News Minnesota Wild defenseman Zach Bogosian (24) drops Dallas Stars left wing Jason Robertson (21) to the ice during the third period of Game 1 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center, Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Dallas.

Minnesota Wild defenseman Zach Bogosian (24) drops Dallas Stars left wing Jason Robertson (21) to the ice during the third period of Game 1 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center, Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Dallas.

Chitose Suzuki/The Dallas Morning News Minnesota Wild center Joel Eriksson Ek (14) skates by Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger (29) with his teammates after scoring a goal during the third period of Game 1 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center, Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Dallas.

Minnesota Wild center Joel Eriksson Ek (14) skates by Dallas Stars goaltender Jake Oettinger (29) with his teammates after scoring a goal during the third period of Game 1 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center, Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Dallas.

Chitose Suzuki/The Dallas Morning News Dallas Stars right wing Mikko Rantanen (96) slips to the ice behind Minnesota Wild defenseman Jonas Brodin (25) during the third period in Game 1 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center on Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Dallas.

Dallas Stars right wing Mikko Rantanen (96) slips to the ice behind Minnesota Wild defenseman Jonas Brodin (25) during the third period in Game 1 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center on Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Dallas.

Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News Minnesota Wild goaltender Jesper Wallstedt (30) makes a save against Dallas Stars left wing Adam Erne (73) during the third period of Game 1 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center, Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Dallas.

Minnesota Wild goaltender Jesper Wallstedt (30) makes a save against Dallas Stars left wing Adam Erne (73) during the third period of Game 1 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center, Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Dallas.

Chitose Suzuki/The Dallas Morning News Dallas Stars right wing Mikko Rantanen (96) and Minnesota Wild center Michael McCarron (47) compete for the puck during the third period of Game 1 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center, Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Dallas.

Dallas Stars right wing Mikko Rantanen (96) and Minnesota Wild center Michael McCarron (47) compete for the puck during the third period of Game 1 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center, Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Dallas.

Chitose Suzuki/The Dallas Morning News Dallas Stars center Wyatt Johnston (53) fights for the puck with Minnesota Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes (43) in front of Wild goaltender Jesper Wallstedt (30) during the third period in Game 1 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center on Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Dallas.

Dallas Stars center Wyatt Johnston (53) fights for the puck with Minnesota Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes (43) in front of Wild goaltender Jesper Wallstedt (30) during the third period in Game 1 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center on Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Dallas.

Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News Dallas Stars head coach Glen Gulutzan is seen during the third period of Game 1 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff seriesm against the Minnesota Wild at American Airlines Center, Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Dallas.

Dallas Stars head coach Glen Gulutzan is seen during the third period of Game 1 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff seriesm against the Minnesota Wild at American Airlines Center, Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Dallas.

Chitose Suzuki/The Dallas Morning News Officials try to separate players, including Minnesota Wild center Yakov Trenin (13) and left wing Nick Foligno (71) along with Dallas Stars center Colin Blackwell (15) and defenseman Thomas Harley (55) after time expired on a 6-1 Wild victory in Game 1 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center on Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Dallas.

Officials try to separate players, including Minnesota Wild center Yakov Trenin (13) and left wing Nick Foligno (71) along with Dallas Stars center Colin Blackwell (15) and defenseman Thomas Harley (55) after time expired on a 6-1 Wild victory in Game 1 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center on Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Dallas.

Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News Minnesota Wild left wing Nick Foligno (71) celebrates with goaltender Jesper Wallstedt (30) after time expired on a 6-1 Wild victory over the Dallas Stars in Game 1 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center on Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Dallas.

Minnesota Wild left wing Nick Foligno (71) celebrates with goaltender Jesper Wallstedt (30) after time expired on a 6-1 Wild victory over the Dallas Stars in Game 1 of a first-round NHL hockey playoff series at American Airlines Center on Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Dallas.

Smiley N. Pool/The Dallas Morning News

Stars’ Game 1 loss to Wild was shocking display of ineptitude

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