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

The Dallas Stars will be facing elimination for the remainder of their first-round playoff series with the Minnesota Wild. 

The Wild claimed another win on American Airlines Center ice, defeating the Stars 4-2 in Game 5 Tuesday night. 

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Minnesota can end the Stars’ season at home in Game 6 Thursday night.

Here are five thoughts from the Stars’ loss. 

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 NewsMinnesota 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 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

Wild push Stars to brink of elimination

The Stars aren’t very familiar with long offseasons, but one could be just around the corner.

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The Wild need to win just one of the last two games of the series to punch their ticket to the second round, where they would face the Colorado Avalanche. The winner of a Game 5 when a series is tied 2-2 goes on to win the series 80% of the time.

The Stars haven’t been eliminated before the Western Conference finals since 2022, when they lost to Calgary in seven games in the first round.

The last time the Stars faced elimination in Game 6 of a series and went on to advance was in 1999 in the Western Conference finals against Colorado — the year they won the Cup.

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“Obviously we have to be better,” Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen said. “Right now, we have to play our best game. It’s not the spot you want to be in, but we’re a good road team. We’re going to go on the road and play our best and come back here [for Game 7].”

Stars still unable to convert 5-on-5

The Stars have been getting their chances 5-on-5, but all series they’ve struggled to convert. 

That was evident again in Tuesday’s loss.

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The Stars finished with a significant 26-15 advantage in scoring chances 5-on-5. But the Wild extended their 5-on-5 scoring advantage in the series to 11-3 with goals by Mats Zuccarello and Michael McCarron.

The Stars haven’t scored a 5-on-5 goal since the first period of Game 3. Jason Robertson scored when it was 4-on-4 and Dallas had pulled its goalie late for an extra skater.

“You just gotta stick with it,” Stars coach Glen Gulutzan said. “You create opportunities for yourselves, as we talked about the last two days. Again, we thought we did create some opportunities for ourselves, and now we gotta take that next step and convert on some of them and create some of that residual.”

Five players have scored for the Stars this series and only two have scored 5-on-5 — Robertson and Wyatt Johnston.

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The Stars need any of their depth forwards — from Mavrik Bourque to Justin Hryckowian to Jamie Benn — to break through.

Wild match Stars on special teams

While 5-on-5 has been the Stars’ weakness in scoring this season, the Stars had a sizable advantage on the power play entering Game 5, scoring eight goals on the man advantage to Minnesota’s three.

But the Wild neutralized that advantage Tuesday.

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The Stars scored their other goal on the power play. Heiskanen, for the second straight game, scored a power-play goal off a shot from the point. The Stars were unable to convert on their other three chances.

But the Wild scored on a power play late in the second period. Matt Boldy scored with just over 30 seconds left in the period shortly after the Stars went down a penalty killer. Forward Arttu Hyry, a key piece on the PK this series, left the game early in the second period with a lower-body injury and never returned.

The Wild hadn’t scored a power-play goal since early in Game 3 and struggled without one of their top-unit players, Zuccarello, who had missed three games with an injury. But the Wild man advantage had no trouble connecting again with Zuccarello back in the lineup.

Zuccarello also scored a 5-on-5 goal in his first game back — Minnesota’s first of the game.

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Stars get little support from trade deadline pieces

Of Dallas’ two pickups at the trade deadline, neither have made much of a positive impact on this series. One has been in the lineup, and the other hasn’t.

Stars defenseman Tyler Myers, who has struggled defensively all series, especially with clearing pucks, had another rough night. 

The Wild took a 1-0 lead 3:51 into the game when Kirill Kaprizov was denied by Stars goalie Jake Oettinger before Myers chased the puck and left Zuccarello wide open to finish the play.

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Myers also took an interference penalty in the second period and was then left chasing a scoring play in the third, finishing with the worst plus-minus on the team at minus-2.

“We gave up too many unforced errors,” Gulutzan said when asked about Myers’ play. 

Meanwhile, the Stars also added forward Michael Bunting, who finished with 14 goals in 74 games this season and was meant to be a middle-six addition. 

He has not played in any of the five games this series, but given the scoring issues, the Stars may need to take a look at Bunting ahead of Game 6.

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Matt Boldy remains a problem

The Stars have struggled all series against Wild left wing Matt Boldy, and he again rose to the occasion. 

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Boldy scored another critical goal. After ending Game 4 in overtime, he scored a power-play goal Tuesday that put the Wild up 2-1 in the second intermission, forcing the Stars to play catch up. He also assisted on Kaprizov’s empty netter to make it 4-2.

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Boldy also scored twice in Game 1. He only trails Robertson, who scored late in Game 5 to tally a goal for the fifth straight game.

In each of the last two games, Boldy has had a goal disallowed as well. He had one taken off the board in overtime in Game 4 for an illegal kick then had a power-play goal in the first period Tuesday night taken away when the Stars successfully challenged for goaltender interference. Boldy pushed in Oettinger’s pad before scoring.