Wild beat Stars 5-2 for first playoff series win in 11 years
AP News
—
Quinn Hughes led Minnesota to its first playoff series victory in 11 years, scoring twice in the Wild’s 5-2 victory over the Dallas Stars in Game 6 on Thursday night.
Minnesota will face Presidents Trophy winner Colorado in the second round.
The Avalanche have not played since sweeping Los Angeles on Sunday.
The Wild won a playoff series for the first time in 10 tries since 2015.
The past eight came in the first round, including against Dallas in 2016 and 2023.
After Hughes broke a tie midway through the third period, Matt Boldy scored his team-leading fifth and sixth goals of the series into empty nets to seal it.
Vladimir Tarasenko also scored and Jesper Wallstedt made 22 saves.
Wyatt Johnston and Mavrik Bourque scored for Dallas.
- Quinn Hughes comes up big in Wild's first playoff series win since 2015 ABC News —
- NHL futures odds, predictions: Hurricanes to face Flyers in second round of 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs CBS Sports —
- Wild vs. Stars Game 6: Quinn Hughes scores 2, Minnesota advances to 2nd round The New York Times —
- Quinn Hughes delivers a signature performance in his biggest Wild game: 'He's the best' The New York Times —
- Carolina Hurricanes vs. Philadelphia Flyers 2026 NHL Stanley Cup playoffs preview The New York Times —