Robertson Rescues Stars: Dallas Rallies from 4-3 Deficit to Beat Wild 5-4

A riveting late-season clash at American Airlines Center delivered everything a first-round playoff preview should — drama, momentum swings, and a decisive late goal. Jason Robertson's 42nd goal of the season with under 10 minutes to play lifted the Dallas Stars to a 5-4 comeback win over the Minnesota Wild on April 9, 2026, snapping Minnesota's extraordinary run of form when holding a second-period lead.

A Wild First Period

Wyatt Johnston broke the ice early, tapping home his goal at 4:26 to put Dallas in front. But Minnesota took control. Quinn Hughes tied it at 13:02, and Kirill Kaprizov — already en route to a record-equalling season — struck on the power play with just 16 seconds left in the period to give the Wild a 2-1 lead heading into the first intermission.

Minnesota Push, Dallas Rally

The Wild looked set to take control of the second period. Kaprizov struck again on the power play at 6:39 to make it 3-1, his 45th goal of the season and his 19th on the power play — matching his own single-season franchise record.

But the Stars refused to fold. Colin Blackwell pulled one back at 8:03, and then the night's most unexpected hero stepped up: Cameron Hughes scored his first career NHL goal at 16:16, levelling at 3-3 and sending the home crowd into a frenzy.

The joy was short-lived. With just 9 seconds remaining in the second period, Ryan Hartman pounced on another power-play opportunity to slam the Wild back in front, 4-3. It was a devastating blow — Minnesota, remarkably, had gone 61-0-4 when leading after two periods since March 2024.

Robertson Delivers

But Dallas had different ideas. Mikko Rantanen tied the game at 4-4 just 4:28 into the third, deflecting a Thomas Harley point shot with his skate. The momentum had completely shifted.

Then came the defining moment. Esa Lindell spotted Robertson at the right face-off dot with a no-look cross-ice pass — Robertson's shot was instant and precise, his 42nd goal of the season making it 5-4 at 10:35. Minnesota pressed late, but Jake Oettinger (27 saves) held firm.

What It Means

Dallas stays four points clear of Minnesota (106 to 102) with three games left, keeping home-ice advantage for their already-confirmed first-round playoff series. The victory also shattered Minnesota's remarkable record of never losing when leading after two periods — 61-0-4 since March 2024, until tonight.

Kaprizov's power play remains a genuine playoff threat, and the Wild have the talent to go deep. But Dallas showed the resilience and star power to win when it matters. This playoff series is going to be special.