Wild vs Stars: Power Play Showdown

0:00It's April 17. From game day to every day, this is NHL News today, powered by AI. The Minnesota Wild faceoff against the Dallas Stars in the Western Conference, first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs. It's a best of seven series, keeking off Saturday at 5.30 p.m. in Dallas on ESPN. The Stars snack second in the Central Division with 112 points for home ice, while the Wilds hit third with 104 points. These two have battled neck and neck all season, splitting their games in tight fashion. Both squads boast firepower, with multiple 40 goal scores, a rare feat, league wide. Dallas has Wyatt, Johnston and Jason Robertson each at 45, and Minnesota counters with Carole Caprizov at 45, and Matt Boldy at 42. The Wild also landed Quinhees mid season, the Norse winner who's lit it up with 53 points in 48 games, changing their blue line. Big time, players are hyped for this clash of top teams, calling it playoff style intensity, right from the regular season.

1:03Stars forward, Johnston said it'll be a battle of elite squads with fun hockey ahead. Wild captain Jared Spurgeon echoed that, noting their matchups feel like postseason already, and they're pumped for the challenge. Injuries could shake things up for Dallas, with center RuPins at at least the first two games and defenseman Mirro Hayescan in questionable after. Missing the end of the year, goalie Jake O'Edinger, a Minnesota kid, returns strong against the Wild. Minnesota might split starts between Philip Gustavesson and Jesper Walstead, both solid with sub three goals, against averages. Both teams crushed it on the power play, setting franchise records and ranking top three league wide, so special teams battles will decide a lot. Watch for hues to drive Minnesota and Dallas to lock down early periods like they did all year. This series shapes up as a grinder either way.