NHL: Stars in search of calm facing Game 6 elimination vs. Wild

The Dallas Stars will aim to regroup and play with greater composure as they face elimination in Game 6 of their Western Conference quarterfinal series against the Minnesota Wild on Thursday night in St. Paul.

Dallas has dropped back-to-back games and now trails the best-of-seven series 3-2 after a 4-2 defeat in Game 5 on Tuesday. The Stars, the No. 2 seed in the Central Division during the regular season, are now in a must-win situation to keep their playoff hopes alive.

“You have to be able to play in these pressure situations,” Stars coach Glen Gulutzan said. “I don’t think it’s anything grit-related. Both teams were competing very hard, and you just have to have a little more sense of calm to make a play under pressure. We have to settle in and make plays with some fluidity.”

Miro Heiskanen and Jason Robertson each recorded a goal and an assist, while Jake Oettinger stopped 24 shots in the Game 5 loss. Despite their efforts, Dallas struggled to generate consistent offense, particularly at even strength.

“We just couldn’t create enough, especially 5-on-5,” Heiskanen said. “That was the biggest issue. We just have to simplify. There are times when we try to do too much. Get pucks to the net, get guys there, and take what we can.”

The Stars also dealt with injury concerns. Forward Arttu Hyry exited Tuesday’s game early in the second period with a lower-body injury, though Gulutzan confirmed he will travel with the team to Minnesota. Defenseman Nils Lundkvist, however, remains unavailable after suffering a facial cut in Game 4.

On the other side, the Wild return home with a chance to clinch their first Western Conference quarterfinal series win since 2015, when they eliminated the St. Louis Blues in six games.

“I think when we play a tight, connected, five-man unit, we’re usually at our best,” Wild coach John Hynes said. “We were responsible, had strong attention to detail, and got key saves when we needed them. It’s another game where we can continue to build.”

Minnesota was led by Kirill Kaprizov, who posted one goal and two assists, while Matt Boldy added a goal and an assist. Mats Zuccarello and Michael McCarron also scored, and goaltender Jesper Wallstedt made 20 saves in the win. The Wild split Games 3 and 4 on home ice, both decided in overtime.

Forward Yakov Trenin contributed an assist in his return from an upper-body injury sustained in Game 2.

“We’ll take a lot of information from this game and use it to be better in Game 6,” Hynes said. “That’s been our approach from the start—one day at a time, one game at a time.”

Minnesota may also be forced to adjust its defensive lineup. Jonas Brodin left Game 5 in the second period after blocking a shot and was later seen on crutches with his foot in a medical boot. His status for Game 6 remains uncertain. If he is unable to play, Daemon Hunt or Jeff Petry could draw into the lineup.

With their season on the line, the Stars will look to simplify their game, tighten execution, and extend the series back to Dallas for a decisive Game 7. -Field Level Media/Reuters