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After a two-year hiatus, the Dallas Stars and Minnesota Wild are back for a first-round matchup in the NHL Playoffs.
The Stars won the matchup 4-2 in 2023, and return as the favorites in this matchup. After three straight conference finals losses, Dallas is looking to finally surpass the feat. The first team standing in its way? The Minnesota Wild.
The Wild are no strangers to recent playoff appearances. However, they do have a streak of playoff struggles, losing their last seven first round series, dating back to 2016.
This creates a matchup between two teams that are only separated by four regular season wins, but could not be more different in terms of recent playoff results.
Here's what you need to know to watch Stars vs. Wild, including broadcast information and start times.
Stars vs. Wild schedule
| April 18 | Game 1: Wild 6, Stars 1 | — | — |
| April 20 | Game 2 at Dallas | 9:30 p.m. | ESPN, ESPN app, fubo, DIRECTV |
| April 22 | Game 3 at Minnesota | 9:30 p.m. | TNT, truTV, DIRECTV |
| April 25 | Game 4 at Minnesota | 5:30 p.m. | TBS, truTV, DIRECTV |
| April 28 | Game 5* at Dallas | TBA | TBA, DIRECTV |
| April 30 | Game 6* at Minnesota | TBA | TBA, DIRECTV |
| May 2 | Game 7* at Dallas | TBA | TBA, DIRECTV |
* If necessary
Where to watch Stars vs. Wild: TV channel, live stream
Games in the Stars vs. Wild series will air on multiple channels.
Fans can stream every playoff game live on DIRECTV, which offers a free trial to new users. Games on ABC and ESPN networks can also be streamed on the ESPN app or fubo, which also has a free trial.
NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs schedule, key dates for 2026
Here are the key dates to know for the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs and offseason. Some series start dates could move up depending on when previous series end.
| First round begins | April 18 |
| NHL Draft Lottery | May 4 or 5 |
| NHL Scouting Combine at Buffalo | May 31-June 6 |
| Stanley Cup Finals Game 7 (if necessary) | June 21 |
| NHL Draft at Los Angeles | June 26-27 |
| Free agency begins | July 1 |
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