Wyatt Johnston and Jason Robertson Push Stars Past Wild 3-1, Forcing Game 7

Key facts

• Dallas Stars defeated Minnesota Wild 3-1 in Game 6 of their first-round series.
• Wyatt Johnston and Jason Robertson each scored early in the third period.
• Jake Oettinger made 18 saves for the Stars.
• Jamie Benn opened the scoring at 3:23 of the first period.
• Joel Eriksson Ek tied the game 1-1 on a power play with 9:43 left in the second period.
• The series is now tied 3-3, with Game 7 to be played in Dallas.

Stars Survive Penalty Parade to Force Game 7

The Dallas Stars, facing elimination on home ice, delivered a 3-1 victory over the Minnesota Wild in Game 6 of their first-round playoff series, leveling the series at three games apiece. The win sets up a winner-take-all Game 7, with the Colorado Avalanche awaiting the victor in the second round. Dallas came out with urgency, and captain Jamie Benn put them ahead just 3:23 into the first period. Benn outraced defensemen Jared Spurgeon and Quinn Hughes to a loose puck and snapped a wrist shot that deflected off goaltender Jesper Wallstedt's blocker and into the net.

First-Period Discipline Nearly Unravels Dallas

Benn's early goal nearly became a footnote as the Stars' discipline crumbled later in the period. Benn took an interference penalty after retaliating from minor contact, putting Minnesota on the power play. Then, defenseman Ilya Lyubushkin was called for tripping Matt Boldy, giving the Wild a 5-on-3 advantage. Moments later, forward Oskar Back cross-checked a Minnesota skater into the bench, leaving Dallas with three players in the penalty box simultaneously. Despite the extended two-man advantage, the Wild failed to score. The Stars killed off all three penalties, preserving their 1-0 lead. Dallas outshot Minnesota 10-3 in the first period and nearly doubled their lead when Wyatt Johnston hit the post late in the frame.

Wild Finally Capitalize on Power Play in Second Period

Minnesota's power play, which had been ineffective in the first period, finally broke through in the second. With 9:43 remaining, Alex Petrovic was sent off for cross-checking Kirill Kaprizov, giving the Wild another man advantage. Following an offensive-zone faceoff win, Matt Boldy slipped a perfect pass to Joel Eriksson Ek at the top of the crease, and Eriksson Ek calmly tapped it past Oettinger to tie the game 1-1. The goal came after a period of sustained pressure from Minnesota, who had been handed an early power play when Marcus Johansson was called for cross-checking Esa Lindell. The Wild, however, had failed to convert that opportunity.

Johnston and Robertson Strike Early in Third

The game remained tied until early in the third period, when Dallas's top forwards took over. Wyatt Johnston caught Wallstedt out of position and fired a shot that beat the goaltender, giving the Stars a 2-1 lead. Just moments later, Jason Robertson added an insurance goal, extending the lead to 3-1. The quick strike duo effectively sealed the game, as the Stars' defense clamped down and Oettinger turned aside all remaining shots. Oettinger finished with 18 saves on 19 shots, while Wallstedt made 26 saves on 29 shots for Minnesota.

Game 7 Awaits in Dallas with Avalanche on Deck

The series now shifts back to Dallas for a decisive Game 7, with the winner advancing to face the Colorado Avalanche in the second round. The Avalanche have been waiting for their opponent since sweeping the Winnipeg Jets in the first round. For the Stars, the victory was a testament to their resilience, particularly their penalty kill which survived a five-on-three disadvantage and a three-man penalty box situation. For the Wild, the loss squanders a chance to close out the series on the road, and they now face a must-win game on hostile ice.

What's at Stake: A Season on the Line

Game 7 represents the culmination of a hard-fought series between two evenly matched teams. The Stars, who finished the regular season with 108 points, are looking to avoid a second consecutive first-round exit. The Wild, with 102 points, are seeking their first series victory since 2015. The winner will face a well-rested Avalanche team that has had over a week off. Colorado is considered a Stanley Cup favorite, and the series will be a significant challenge regardless of the opponent.

A Test of Character for Both Teams

For Dallas, the ability to bounce back from a 3-2 series deficit and force a Game 7 demonstrates the team's character and depth. The contributions from Johnston and Robertson, two of their young stars, bode well for the future. For Minnesota, the question is whether they can regroup after letting a series lead slip away. The Wild will need to find a way to solve Oettinger, who has been solid throughout the series, and generate more offense beyond the power play. The stage is set for a dramatic conclusion to what has been a tightly contested series. Game 7 will be played at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, with the winner moving on to face the Avalanche.

The bottom line

• Dallas forced a Game 7 with a 3-1 win over Minnesota, tying the series 3-3.
• Wyatt Johnston and Jason Robertson scored early in the third period to break a 1-1 tie.
• Jake Oettinger made 18 saves, including key stops during a three-man penalty kill.
• Jamie Benn opened the scoring in the first period, but Dallas's discipline nearly cost them.
• Joel Eriksson Ek tied the game on a power play in the second period.
• The winner of Game 7 will face the Colorado Avalanche in the second round.