DLLS Dallas Stars Podcast

The Dallas Stars saw their season come to an end last night in their Game 6 loss to the Minnesota Wild at Grand Casino Arena, as they were eliminated from the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs. It’s a blunt reminder of just how difficult it is to win a playoff series, as the Stars have won six series over the last four post season campaigns (2023-2026). Today, we start to digest the end of the season by breaking down some post Game 6 reaction from head coach Glen Gulutzan and several players and we will begin to dive a little deeper on a lot of hard questions facing the organization as they now turn their collective attention to the 2026-27 season. We take a bigger look at the injuries suffered all season, not just during the playoffs. Plus, now that the Stars are out, who do we root for in the rest of the playoffs this year?

The Dallas Stars’ struggles are being put under the microscope as the physical edge, net-front battles, and defensive breakdowns continue to define this series. Minnesota’s aggressive style, out-hitting Dallas and consistently winning races to the front of the net is creating chaos in key areas, making life difficult for Jake Oettinger while limiting the Stars’ ability to generate high-danger chances of their own. The breakdown highlights a major issue: Dallas is too often playing on the perimeter, failing to establish traffic in front of the net, and losing critical positioning battles in both zones. Meanwhile, the Wild are executing a relentless game plan that is paying off in crucial moments. From missed assignments to lack of net-front presence, the Stars are being forced into a reactive style of play and it’s costing them. The question now: can Dallas flip the script, get to the dirty areas, and start dictating play before it’s too late?

Why are the Dallas Stars struggling so much at 5-on-5? The numbers tell the story. Despite generating solid chances and strong expected goal metrics, the Stars rank near the bottom of the playoffs in 5-on-5 shooting percentage — a major factor in the series. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Wild are capitalizing on their opportunities, finishing at a much higher rate and converting in key areas. The breakdown highlights a frustrating trend: Dallas is creating looks but failing to finish, often settling for perimeter shots instead of attacking the net front where playoff goals are scored. With the season on the line, the message is clear — the Stars must get to the dirty areas, fight through traffic, and start converting chances if they want to extend the series.

The Minnesota Wild took a 3-2 series lead on Tuesday night by winning Game 5 in Dallas 4-2. Now the Stars must travel to St. Paul and find a way to win Game 6 on Thursday night to force a deciding Game 7, which would be on Saturday at American Airlines Center. On today’s show, we will dive into Game 5 post game reaction from Jamie Benn, Mikko Rantanen and Miro Heiskanen, as they all answer questions about the team’s struggles to score 5-on-5 goals in this series. We’ll also discuss the potential injury impact of Dallas losing Arttu Hyry (lower body) and Minnesota losing Jonas Brodin (lower body). Then we will go around the rest of the Stanley Cup Playoffs and cover some NHL News & Notes, including the finalists announced for both the Vezina Trophy and the Ted Lindsay Award.

The first round playoff series between the Dallas Stars and the Minnesota Wild has become a best-of-three, with both teams splitting the first four games. With Game 5 tomorrow night (Tuesday, April 28) at American Airlines Center, we examine why the Stars have trailed the Wild in 5-on-5 scoring in the series. We will hear Game 4 post game reaction from both Miro Heiskanen and Mikko Rantanen, as well as Sunday reaction from head coach Glen Gulutzan. Then we will provide a Monday practice report, including the latest injury updates from Nils Lundkvist and Roope Hintz. Time permitting, we will take a look around the rest of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, including our first two hand shake lines of 2026, and do some other NHL News & Notes.

The DLLS Stars crew breaks down the impressive growth of Nils Lundkvist and how his development is finally paying off for Dallas. Once questioned after limited opportunities and inconsistent play, Lundkvist has emerged this season as a steady, confident presence on the blue line. The discussion highlights his improved poise, decision-making, and ability to contribute on both ends of the ice, including key plays that have directly led to scoring chances. The group also credits the patience of the organization, particularly GM Jim Nill, for sticking with Lundkvist’s development. After early struggles and limited trust from the coaching staff, Lundkvist has found the right balance between offense and defense, earning a more reliable role in the lineup. Now, he’s proving he can be a legitimate top-four option, showcasing the growth, work ethic, and confidence that have defined his breakout season.

The Stars vs. Wild series is heating up both on the ice and across social media, with fans on both sides trading accusations of dirty play, diving, and missed calls. In this discussion, the crew breaks down the growing tension between the two fanbases, the physical nature of the series, and how every playoff matchup seems to create a new “villain.” This time, Stars captain Jamie Benn has become a central figure, drawing heavy attention from Minnesota fans after several controversial moments. Despite the noise, both teams have avoided blaming officiating, instead focusing on execution and discipline in a series defined by intensity and emotion. The conversation also highlights the unpredictable nature of playoff hockey, where momentum swings, controversial calls, and chaotic moments are all part of what makes the matchup so compelling. With the rivalry escalating and emotions running high, this series continues to deliver drama at every level.

Wyatt Johnston was the hero of Game 3, as he scored the game-winning goal at 12:10 of double overtime, giving the Dallas Stars a 4-3 win over the Minnesota Wild. Dallas now has a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven first round series, with Game 4 scheduled for Saturday, April 25th at Grand Casino Arena. The Stars went 3-for-8 on the power play in the game, including goals from Mikko Rantanen and Matt Duchene. Jason Robertson scored at even strength, as both he and Duchene finished with game-high three point games (1-2-3). For the Wild, Marcus Johansson scored a power play goal, while Joel Eriksson Ek and Michael McCarron each found the net at five-on-five. Join the DLLS Stars Post Game Show as we recap all the main storylines, provide comprehensive breakdowns of key plays and we take your Super Chats!

A rivalry series is brewing between the Dallas Stars and the Minnesota Wild. The two teams split the first two games of their first round series at American Airlines Center and now they will travel to Minnesota today for Games 3 and 4 at Grand Casino Arena in St. Paul on Wednesday and Saturday. On today’s show, we will hear some post game reaction from last night’s Game 2 Stars victory and discuss the emerging storylines - Wild dealing with upper body injuries to both Mats Zuccarello and Yakov Trenin, the Stars special teams and goaltending were big in Game 2, after Minnesota won those areas in Game 1, Marcus Foligno says the Stars “can’t hang with us at 5-on-5” and much more. Then, we’ll take a look around the Stanley Cup Playoffs and see what’s happening in the other seven first round series and toss in some NHL News & Notes for good measure.

The Dallas Stars are looking to respond after a tough Game 1 loss to the Minnesota Wild. Jake Oettinger, Mikko Rantanen, and Miro Heiskanen speak on what went wrong, how the team is handling the loss, and what needs to change as the Stars look to bounce back in the series. Hear from the Stars’ key players as they break down the performance, adjustments, and mindset heading into Game 2. #DallasStars #NHL #TexasHockey #StanleyCupPlayoffs Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dallas Stars star defenseman Miro Heiskanen took to the ice in front of media on Friday, the day before the team's first-round playoff series against the Minnesota Wild begins. The DLLS Stars crew discusses the news in the context of how it could influence the outcome of the series if Heiskanen is active for the good guys. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

With Game 1 right around the corner, Sam, Owen, and Mike Heika break down the biggest unknowns heading into Stars vs Wild — and there are a LOT of question marks. From injury updates and lineup uncertainty to whether key players will actually be ready to go, the crew dives into what we know… and what we definitely don’t. With names like Miro Heiskanen and others still in question, practice day becomes massive for clarity before puck drop. On the flip side, the Stars are getting healthier — and their depth is becoming a serious weapon. With multiple lineup options and tough decisions looming, Dallas may have “good problems” as they prepare for a playoff battle. But one thing is clear: there’s no replacing key stars if they’re out, and that could swing the entire series. Who’s in… who’s out… and how ready are the Stars for Game 1?