Stars Devoid of Answers in Surprising Game 5 Performance vs Wild: Takeaways
Jerome Miron-Imagn Images The Dallas Stars are becoming accustomed to winning dramatic, seven-game series in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, since have done that two straight years. So the Stars will have to do it again to advance in 2026 after a 4-2 loss to the Minnesota Wild on home ice in Game 5 of the Western Conference first round. Jason Robertson and Miro Heiskanen each scored, with Robertson continuing his torrid start to these playoffs by scoring in his fifth straight game.
Jake Oettinger made 24 saves in defeat, and Dallas now trails the best-of-7 series 3-2. Game 6 will be Thursday in St. Paul, Minn.
The Stars Didn’t Do Enough to Win Game 5 Jerome Miron-Imagn Images Dallas hosted Game 5 of a first-round playoff series for the fourth straight year. They had averaged 4. 33 goals and 26 shots on goal per game over the previous three, including a statement 4-0 win over the Wild in 2023.
So Stars fans could be excused for what they witnessed from the home team Tuesday night. Dallas generated just 22 shots on goal, and just 12 through the first 48 minutes, in an inexplicably flat performance for a seasoned team in a pivotal game before a late-game push that was too little, too late. “Everybody needs to step up,” Stars coach Glen Gulutzan said.
“It’s a team effort to try and get it done. … We need a little bit more from everybody. ” Oettinger’s playoff struggles reared their ugly heads again, particularly on Michael McCarron’s insurance goal at 7:47 of the third period that ultimately served as the game-winner.