Wyatt Johnston’s double-OT deflection gives Stars 4-3 win over Wild in Game 3
Apr 22, 2026; Saint Paul, Minnesota, USA; Dallas Stars center Wyatt Johnston (53) celebrates his game winning goal during the second overtime period in game three of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs against the Minnesota Wild at Grand Casino Arena. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images Matt Krohn/Matt Krohn-Imagn Images ST. PAUL, Minn.
— Wyatt Johnston scored on a power-play deflection at 12:10 of the second overtime to give the Dallas Stars a 4-3 victory over the Minnesota Wild for a 2-1 lead in the first-round series. Matt Duchene tied it for Dallas on a power play midway through the third period, seconds after his backcheck on Matt Boldy averted a short-handed goal that would’ve put Minnesota up by two. After the Wild failed to convert two overtime power plays, finishing 1 for 7 with the man advantage, the Stars took advantage of their opportunity after Danila Yurov’s delay-of-game penalty.
Miro Heiskanen’s shot was knocked in by Johnston for his third goal in three games — and his sixth winning goal in four career postseasons. “It’s kind of a little blurry, but just trying to get to the net and just trying to get my stick on the puck,” said Johnston, who had a career-high 45 goals during the regular season. The game ended at 12:54 a.
m. Radek Faksa had a close-range chance in the second overtime he poked behind Wild goalie Jesper Wallstedt, but the puck skidded straight across the crease. Wallstedt polished off the first Stars’ power play by snapping his glove around Mikko Rantanen’s shot and smothering Esa Lindell’s bad-angle attempt.
Johnston then spoiled a brilliant 32-save performance by Wallstedt with his deflection. “We definitely played well enough to win,” Wallstedt said. “It’s small margins.