Matt Boldy's two empty-netters seal series win for Minnesota (0:58)

The Wild crowd erupts as Matt Boldy's two empty-net goals seal it for the Wild to surpass the Stars in Game 6. (0:58)

Associated Press

Apr 30, 2026, 10:46 PM ET

ST. PAUL, Minn. -- Quinn Hughes led Minnesota to its first playoff series victory in 11 years, scoring twice in the Wild's 5-2 victory over the Dallas Stars in Game 6 on Thursday night.

Minnesota will face Presidents' Trophy winner Colorado in the second round. The Avalanche have not played since sweeping Los Angeles on Sunday.

The Wild won a playoff series for the first time in 10 tries since 2015. They lost to Dallas in the first round in 2016 and 2023.

"I see our fans when we scored our fourth goal, I looked back through the glass and I see someone crying in the stands," said Jesper Wallstedt , who made 22 saves. "I realize how big this is for our fan base. Not just us but there's so many more people who are with us on this road and this journey.…