Dallas Stars falter in Game 1 as Minnesota Wild dominate 6-1. Can Jake Oettinger and company regroup before it’s too late? Joey Erickson breaks down the Stars’ listless start to the NHL Playoffs, spotlighting Minnesota’s clinical power play and Matt Boldy’s standout performance. Key topics include the Stars’ ongoing struggles in Game 1s, defensive breakdowns in front of Oettinger, a puzzling Michael Bunting scratch, and the vital adjustments Dallas must make for Game 2. Special teams trouble, a lack of discipline, and low energy on home ice raise critical questions about Peter DeBoer’s next moves and how the Stars can neutralize the Wild’s aggressive attack. Is this just a one-off stinker, or are the Dallas Stars facing an early postseason exit if things don’t change fast?
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00:00 Game 1 Recap & Reaction
11:12 Stars Special Teams & PK Issues
21:28 Adjustments Needed for Game 2
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23 Comments
Literally, if this team cannot get pressure, and SUSTAIN it at 5v5, beyond their PP, this is going to be a short post-season. This did not even feel like a playoff game until we scored our lone goal. Rantanen was out of position on a goal he could and should have gotten back for and Myers SUCKS. Chaos Giraffe indeed. Plus Otter was softer than should have been. Not all his fault though. Jake is truly making the money he is after standing on his head that game in the Calgary playoffs a few years ago, but he's better than most people think at the same time.
I think you're right. Something was missing today. But in the playoffs you can't really tell anything from the first game.
I'm with you except the penalties. Did you have your eyes open for the two crazy bogus calls made on the wild? Those were insane and you know it
I'd rather start Petrovic or even Capobianco I think over Myers at this point. Let THAT sink in. Petro for sure.
This team is not a cup team
As a wild fan, I've finally found a Dallas media outlet I can listen to. Thank you.
Yall are the 8th seed right? 😂
Skilled but soft team.
Both teams are excellent on the power play. So what did Bettmann tell the officials? Call every chippy penalty you can so we have 10+ goals scored. The only thing that irks me more than NHL refs is NFL refs. Just let the boys play. If it’s blatant, call it. If it’s Ticky tack, let it go. Do not be the reason one team wins over the other in an evenly matched series. Although, it may have been closer if Dallas was healthy. No excuses though, Wild have had these issues every year. Ek was out 2 years ago and he is the straw that stirs the Wilds drink. PK, PP and a force in front of the net. I look for it to be more competitive moving forward but it may be too much to overcome with all the busted up players.
Not tested? Wallstedt made some phenomenal saves. He had traffic in front of him all night. He managed to keep eyes on the puck, regardless.
The wild really did this a few weeks back minus they absolutely blew it at the end. What to make of that? Who knows
Ott wasn't the problem. Stars definitely played subpar for them, the wild played one of their best games, maybe ever. No idea what to make of it. Rather than worrying I'm simply trying to enjoy it. Good luck the rest of the way Dallas. From Minny
I know it's game 1, but the last regular season matchup in Dallas, had the Wild started Wallstedt instead of Gustovsson, it would have been the exact same outcome. Minnesota was in control of the last few games these teams played.
Minnys year..
5v5 will be their undoing this year, go Avs.
Still gonna be a great series..
Myers is big. But he plays dumb. He’s Klingberg 2.0
Wow. Did you really say the penalty where Lindell’s stick tripped TWO players was a bad call?!?! Do better.
I'm from Minnesota, and I didn't expect such an outcome like this! Perhaps this is the Wild's year,especially since Wally is our goalie!
Wild came to prove they’re legit contenders. To the note of weak penalty calls, though, Dallas also benefited from what I thought was an incredibly soft slashing penalty where the stick hit nothing but stick and didn’t break it
The Wild are too much for Dallas. Best Wild team ever, so only the refs can save Dallas now.
Oh I'm expecting the Stars will definitely bring it for game 2, but it's how our Wild will be ready for it!
It is not unheard of that pro sports teams throw games for bigger ratings that equal more $$$$$$ down the line.
Also, the “Wild” is the worst nickname in sports today. The “North Stars” was the best! Remember Norm “Greed”? He was a disaster for MN hockey fans. The name says it all.