Wild vs. Stars, NHL playoffs 2016: Time, TV schedule and how to watch live online
A weakened Wild limp into the home of the Central’s deadliest team for Game 1.
Scouting the Wild
Minnesota backed into the playoffs with five straight losses, and as a result, drew the deadly Stars from the Central Division. After firing their head coach mid-season, the Wild seemingly had things turned around, until the team got complacent near the end of the season. Key injuries that are keeping Zach Parise (back) and Thomas Vanek (upper-body) out of the lineup indefinitely will no doubt play on the minds of the Stars as Dallas looks to exploit weaknesses. Erik Haula is also out for at least Game 1 with an undisclosed injury.
Devan Dubnyk gets the start for Minnesota in net.
Scouting the Stars
Dallas boasts some of the best offensive talent in the league in Tyler Seguin, Jamie Benn and Patrick Sharp. When they're clicking, the Stars play the fast and aggressive type of hockey that can leave even the best defensive team spinning their wheels. The Central's top dog also comes into the playoffs with most of their team intact, which will have a big impact on this series compared to Minnesota's depth. Seguin looks to be out for Game 1 due to a nagging Achilles tendon injury.
No decision has been made yet on whether Antti Niemi or Kari Lehtonen is starting for the Stars. It will most likely be a game time announcement.
Minnesota Wild at Dallas Stars
9:30 p.m. | Game 1, Western Conference Round 1
American Airlines Center | Dallas, Texas
Local: FS-SW, FS-N, FS-WI | Nat'l: NBCSN, SN360, TVAS3
Live stream at NBC Live Extra and Rogers GameCentre
More coverage: Wild blog | Stars blog
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