The Minnesota Wild are set to face the Dallas Stars in Game 4 of their playoff series on April 25, aiming to even the series at two games apiece. The game will be broadcast at 4:30 p.m. on TNT, TruTV, HBO Max, FanDuel Sports Network and KFAN FM 100.3.
Game 3 ended with Dallas defeating Minnesota in double overtime after Wyatt Johnston scored a power play goal. According to Stats Perform, the last time Minnesota overcame a 2-1 series deficit was in 2014 against Colorado when they won Game 4 and ultimately took the series in seven games.
Special teams performance has been a major focus following the recent loss. The Wild had seven power play opportunities but converted only one—matching their postseason franchise record for most power plays in a single game. Meanwhile, Dallas scored three power play goals on eight chances, marking the second-most Minnesota has allowed in team postseason history. The Stars have managed at least one power play goal in each of the first three games of this series (6-for-18), highlighting discipline as an important factor for tonight’s matchup.
Minnesota is also dealing with injuries that impact its lineup. Forward Mats Zuccarello’s absence has been noticeable, particularly during power plays; without him over Games 2 and 3, Minnesota went just one-for-eleven with the man advantage after going two-for-four with him present in Game 1. Zuccarello remains a gametime decision according to Head Coach John Hynes, who confirmed Yakov Trenin will not play tonight.
Key players are expected to step up as well—especially Kirill Kaprizov, who did not score in Game 3 and last found the net during Game 1. “My play has been okay, but I need to score some goals,” said Kaprizov after Friday’s practice session.
Kaprizov enters tonight’s contest with four points and a plus-5 rating through three games; he narrowly missed scoring again in Game 3 when he hit the post. With significant practice time devoted to special teams ahead of this crucial game—and Kaprizov having finished tied for third place league-wide with nineteen regular season power play goals—the Wild will look to capitalize on these opportunities.
