The Minnesota Wild are currently in the heat of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs, facing off against the Dallas Stars in a high-stakes first-round matchup. As of late April 2026, the series has reached a critical juncture with the Wild trailing the best-of-seven series 2–1. Every puck drop from here on out carries immense weight for the State of Hockey.

Fans looking for the latest schedule, broadcast channels, and series updates can find the comprehensive details for the remainder of this opening-round battle below.

Current Series Status and Results

The rivalry between Minnesota and Dallas has intensified through the first three games of this series. While the Wild started strong with a dominant performance on the road, the Stars have clawed back to take the series lead.

  • Game 1: Minnesota Wild 6, Dallas Stars 1 (At Dallas) – A statement win for the Wild to open the postseason.
  • Game 2: Dallas Stars won (At Dallas) – The Stars adjusted their defensive schemes to even the series.
  • Game 3: Dallas Stars 4, Minnesota Wild 3 (Double Overtime) – A heartbreaking loss for Minnesota at home in a marathon session that tested the endurance of both rosters.

Currently, the Wild face a must-win atmosphere heading into Game 4 to avoid a daunting 3–1 deficit.

Minnesota Wild 2026 Playoff Schedule: Remaining Games

The following is the confirmed schedule for the remainder of the first-round series against the Dallas Stars. Please note that games marked "if necessary" will only be played if neither team has reached four wins.

Game 4: Today’s Critical Matchup

  • Date: Saturday, April 25, 2026
  • Time: 4:30 p.m. ET / 3:30 p.m. CT
  • Location: Xcel Energy Center, Saint Paul, MN
  • Status: Confirmed

Game 5: Heading Back to Texas

  • Date: Tuesday, April 28, 2026
  • Location: American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX
  • Status: Confirmed

Game 6: Potential Home Stand

  • Date: Thursday, April 30, 2026
  • Location: Xcel Energy Center, Saint Paul, MN
  • Status: If necessary

Game 7: The Decider

  • Date: Saturday, May 2, 2026
  • Location: American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX
  • Status: If necessary

How to Watch and Stream the Minnesota Wild Playoff Games

Broadcast rights for the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs are distributed across several national and regional networks. For Game 4 and the subsequent matchups, fans have multiple viewing options depending on their location and service provider.

Television Broadcasts

For viewers in the United States and Canada, the games are available on the following networks:

  • National (USA): TBS, truTV
  • Regional (Minnesota/Wisconsin): FanDuel Sports Network North (FDSNNO), FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin (FDSNWI)
  • National (Canada): Sportsnet (SNP, SNW, SNO), TVA Sports (French language)

Streaming Services

If you have cut the cord or prefer watching on mobile devices, the following platforms offer live coverage:

  • Max (formerly HBO Max): Streaming via the B/R Sports Add-on.
  • Victory+: Available for specific regional markets.
  • NHL Center Ice: For out-of-market fans (subject to blackout restrictions).

Radio and Audio

Fans who cannot get to a TV can listen to the live play-by-play on the Minnesota Wild Radio Network:

  • Flagship Station: KFAN FM 100.3
  • Alternative: Any preempted contests are typically moved to KOOL 108 FM.

Keys to the Series: Can the Wild Rebound?

Trailing 2–1 is not an unfamiliar territory for playoff-hardened teams, but the nature of the Game 3 double-overtime loss requires a swift mental reset.

Special Teams Performance

In the postseason, the margin for error on the power play and penalty kill is razor-thin. During the regular season, the Wild relied heavily on their top-six forwards to produce on the man advantage. In Game 4, exploiting the Stars' aggressive penalty-killing unit will be essential.

Goaltending Stability

Filip Gustavsson has been the backbone of the Wild's defensive efforts throughout the 2025-26 campaign. After a grueling Game 3, his ability to track the puck through traffic against the Stars' net-front presence will determine if Minnesota can even the series.

Home Ice Advantage

The atmosphere at the Xcel Energy Center is widely regarded as one of the loudest in the NHL. With over 18,000 fans expected for Game 4, the "State of Hockey" must act as the seventh skater to help propel the team past a disciplined Dallas squad.

Historical Context of the Wild-Stars Matchup

The history between these two franchises adds another layer of intrigue. With the Stars originally being the Minnesota North Stars before their move to Dallas, local fans always carry an extra level of passion for this matchup. This 2026 series marks another chapter in a rivalry that spans decades and multiple generations of hockey fans in the Midwest.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What time is the Wild game today?

Game 4 against the Dallas Stars is scheduled for Saturday, April 25, at 4:30 p.m. ET (3:30 p.m. local Minnesota time).

Is the Minnesota Wild game on TBS?

Yes, national coverage for Game 4 is being provided by TBS and truTV.

Who is leading the Wild vs Stars series?

As of April 25, 2026, the Dallas Stars lead the series 2–1.

Where is the Minnesota Wild playoff game being played?

Game 4 and a potential Game 6 are played at the Xcel Energy Center in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Games 5 and 7 are scheduled for the American Airlines Center in Dallas.

How can I buy tickets for the playoff games?

Playoff tickets are typically available through the official team website or verified secondary marketplaces. Due to high demand in the State of Hockey, most games at the Xcel Energy Center sell out quickly.

Summary of the Minnesota Wild Playoff Schedule

The Minnesota Wild are at a crossroads in their 2026 playoff journey. Following a split in Dallas and a tough double-overtime loss at home, the team must secure a victory in Game 4 today, April 25, at 4:30 p.m. ET. With national coverage on TBS and local coverage on FDSNNO, there are ample opportunities for fans to follow the action. The road to the Stanley Cup is never easy, but the Wild have the talent and the home-ice support to turn the tide against the Stars.