Stars' ill-fated series vs. Wild felt like one long missed opportunity for team with Cup hopes
Looking to overcome their conference final hump, the Stars instead move backward.
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. 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.
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