What Stars, Wild said after Game 6: Dallas disappointment meets Minnesota euphoria

Dallas Stars center Mavrik Bourque (22) skates back to the bench as Minnesota Wild goaltender Jesper Wallstedt (30) and defenseman Brock Faber (7) celebrate their last goal, an empty netter during the third period in Game 6 of 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) The Stars fell to the Minnesota Wild on Thursday to end their season in the first-round of the playoffs, much earlier than it's ended the past three seasons. A banged-up group answered questions about the series and the end of the season and what lies ahead after the game, along with a jubilant group of Minnesota Wild players relishing what's likely the biggest win in that franchise's history.

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. Joining in the celebration was Wild center Yakov Trenin (13) who had an assist on the play.

(Tom Fox/The Dallas Morning News) Check out quotes below from players and coaches on both sides after Game 6. RELATED: Stars' ill-fated series vs. Wild felt like one long missed opportunity for team with Cup hopes Stars veteran Matt Duchene On how he saw the series: “We played hard.