The Dallas Stars have clinched the playoffs for the fifth consecutive year, entering as the second seed in the Central Division and the Western Conference.

Since the 2022-23 season, the Stars have reached the Western Conference Finals three straight times, losing to Vegas in 2023, and Edmonton in 2024 and 2025.

This year, Dallas faces the Minnesota Wild in the first round — the second time the two teams have met in that stage. The matchup pits the No. 2 and No. 3 seeds in the Western Conference against each other.

Dallas defeated Minnesota in 2016 and 2023, holding an 8-4-0 all-time playoff record against the Wild. The Stars won both series 4-2. This season, the two teams split their four regular-season meetings 2-2.

Both teams carry strong rosters into the postseason. The Athletic rates Dallas at +27 offense, +21 defense and +48 net rating. Minnesota checks in at +17 offense, +25 defense and +42 net rating.

Two key players to watch for Minnesota are forwards Kirill Kaprizov (No. 97) and Matt Boldy (No. 12). Kaprizov posted 89 points (45 goals, 44 assists) this season and has tallied 21 points (15 goals, six assists) in 25 career playoff games. Boldy finished with 85 points (42 goals, 43 assists) and has seven points (five goals, two assists) in six playoff games.

Two key players to watch for Dallas are forwards Jason Robertson (No. 21) and Mikko Rantanen (No. 96). Robertson leads the team with 96 points (45 goals, 51 assists) and has 44 career playoff points (18 goals, 26 assists) in 56 games. Rantanen posted 77 points (22 goals, 55 assists) this season and has logged 123 career playoff points (43 goals, 80 assists) in 99 games.

The Athletic projects Dallas and Minnesota each at 50% to win the series. Both outlets give either team less than a 10% chance of winning in four games, with most predictions pointing to a seven-game series.

The playoffs begin Saturday, April 18. The first-round series airs on Victory+ at no cost to viewers.