Jason Robertson's 3rd-period goal helps Stars rally past Wild
Apr 9, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Dallas Stars center Cameron Hughes (34) and Minnesota Wild right wing Vladimir Tarasenko (91) look for the puck during the first period at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images Mikko Rantanen, Wyatt Johnston, and Colin Blackwell each had a goal and an assist in the Dallas Stars' 5-4 comeback win over the visiting Minnesota Wild on Thursday.
Dallas trailed 4-3 in the third period, until Thomas Harley's point shot deflected off Rantanen's skate and into Minnesota's net at 4:28. Jason Robertson then put the Stars ahead at the 10:35 mark, converting a wrist shot for his 42nd goal of the season.
Thursday was a postseason preview, as the Stars (47-20-12, 106 points) and Wild (45-22-12, 102 points) will meet in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs. The Stars hold a four-point lead on the Wild for second place in the Central Division, with three regular-season games remaining for each club.
Cameron Hughes scored his first career NHL goal, and Esa Lindell had two assists for the Stars.
Jake Oettinger stopped 27 of 31 shots to earn his 33rd win of the season.
Stars defenseman Miro Heiskanen left late in the first period after sustaining a lower-body injury, creating an unwelcome concern for Dallas as the postseason looms.
Filip Gustavsson stopped 15 of 20 shots for the Wild, whose four-game winning streak was snapped.
The Wild were 3-for-5 on the power play, on two goals from Kirill Kaprizov and a tally from Ryan Hartman. Quinn Hughes had an even-strength goal, plus an assist.
Mats Zuccarello had three assists, and Matt Boldy added two more.
Johnston's 44th goal opened the scoring 4:26 into the first period. Quinn Hughes equalized for Minnesota at the 13:02 mark, ringing a shot off both goal posts.
Just 16 seconds before the first intermission, Boldy's pass from the circle found Kaprizov in front during a Wild power play. Kaprizov struck again with the extra attacker 6:39 into the second period, depositing a Boldy rebound.
The multi-goal game was the 42nd of Kaprizov's career, getting a new Wild franchise record.
Blackwell reduced the Stars' deficit 8:03 into the second period, and Cameron Hughes scored the equalizer for his milestone goal at the 16:16 mark. Minnesota restored its lead on the power play, as Hartman found the net with only 11 seconds left before intermission.
--Field Level Media
Why the Tar Heels Made a $50M Gamble on Michael Malone
Why None of These NBA Play-In Teams Are True Contenders
- Wednesday April 8th MLB Pitcher Props: Dylan Cease and Kyle Bradish Bet Picks
- MLB Picks Today: Best Bets for Diamondbacks vs Mets and Athletics vs Yankees
- Masters Betting Picks 2026: Best Value Bets Beyond Scottie Scheffler
- Best NBA Betting Picks and Predictions for Monday April 6th
- National Championship Bet Pick: Why Michigan Has the Edge Over UConn
- UFC Vegas 115 Betting Picks: Moicano vs. Duncan Headlines April 4th Card
- NBA Betting Picks April 4th: Three Best Bets for Saturday's Slate

