Stars Vs. Wild: Minnesota Eliminates Dallas With 4-3 Victory; Blackhawks Make Playoffs

Could another team in a “win and in” situation be due for a final day flop? The Dallas Stars and Minnesota Wild are tied 3-3 at the XCel Energy Center in St. Paulafter two periods. If they do not come back to win in regulation or overtime, they will be eliminated from the Stanley Cup Playoffs, and the Chicago Blackhawks - who also lost in a win and in situation - would be in the post-season.

At 5:38, the Wild got their first power play of the game. Brandon Segal hauled down a Minnesota player in the slot. The Wild were able to cash in on the ensuing power play. Andrew Brunette made a great pass to Jared Spurgeon, who hauled a one-timer past Kari Lehtonen to make it 2-2. It was the fourth goal of Spurgeon’s career at 7:19 of the second.

The Dallas Stars have gotten goals from their captain and leading goal-scorer, Brendan Morrow, and their leading point-getter, Brad Richards, to lead the Minnesota 2-1 at the XCel Energy Center. The Stars must win today’s game in regulation or overtime to make the Stanley Cup Playoffs. A shootout win or a loss of any kind means the Chicago Blackhawks will survive and make the post-season.

The Wild came out flying, and eventually struck first. At 6:05, Brad Staubitz got the rebound of a Brett Burns shot. He waited out just long enough and made a great backhand to give the Wild the lead. He beat Kari Lehtonen for his fourth goal of the season. It almost looked as if another team headed towards a “win and in” situation would falter early, but the Stars got their game in gear.

In a span of 23 hours, the Xcel Energy Center will play host to two different, yet equally as huge hockey games.

Dallas hasn’t exactly been on fire in their last 10 games, but they were strong enough to remain in striking distance of the Blackhawks. Now, with their season on the line and some hope still lingering thanks to the help of the Wings, the Stars are in the position to make the final leap into the postseason.