Wild Dominates Stars in Game One

0:00It's April 19th, NHL News Today starts now, AI powered in game ready, I'm Cory with the story. Minnesota Wilde straight dominated the Dallas Stars 6-1 in game 1 of their first round playoff series right in Dallas. The Wilde jumped ahead early, scoring first just 5 minutes in. Then piled on three quick goals in the second period to blow it open. Despite the shots being close at 29-28, Minnesota's speed and skill made the higher-seated Stars look flat. Earlier this week, Stars coach Glenn Glutson stuck with goalie Jake O'Eddinger, who faced 28 shots but led in 5. Glutson put the blame on his team's special teams, 5 on 5 play, and losing puck battles, saying they got to get their nose over the puck more. The Wilde outblocked Dallas 18-8 and won those key skirmishes all night. Stars fans are reeling from seeing their team, who finished third overall, schooled by the seventh seed. Wilde stars like Hero Caprizov with a goal in three points, plus Matt Boldy and Joe Erickson.

1:03Each netting two goals lit up the scoreboard. O'Eddinger got B clean on a couple, including one over his shoulder, underperforming his expected saves. Meanwhile, Minnesota's rookie goalie, Jasper Wallstedt, shown in his playoff debut at 23 years old. He posted a 0.964 save percentage, stopping everything late even as Dallas peppered him with 12 shots and high danger chances in the third. Glutson admitted they barely tested him early. Dallas has to tighten defense around Orchinger, or maybe turn to back up Casey Dismith for Game 2, crank up the battles, and match that wild energy. Drop another home game, and they're down O2, heading to St. Paul, that's a steep hole to climb out of in this series.