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The NHL is known for its intense rivalries, and one matchup that has developed into a compelling competition is the Minnesota Wild versus the Dallas Stars. Both teams hail from the Central Division of the Western Conference and have developed a competitive history on the ice. In this post, we will explore the key aspects of the Minnesota vs Dallas NHL rivalry and delve into what makes this matchup so intriguing.
18 APRIL 2023
TIME: 09:30 PM ET
On-Ice Performance
When it comes to on-ice performance, both the Minnesota Wild and the Dallas Stars have had their moments of success. The Stars have a storied history, having won the Stanley Cup championship in 1999 and appearing in the Stanley Cup Final twice (1999 and 2000). The team has had many notable players throughout the years, including Mike Modano, Jamie Benn, and Tyler Seguin. The Stars have also had their share of playoff appearances, making the postseason consistently in recent years.
On the other hand, the Minnesota Wild have not yet won a Stanley Cup championship and have only advanced past the second round of the playoffs once in their history. However, the team has had success in the regular season, often finishing in the top half of the league standings. The Wild have a dedicated fan base and a solid roster of players, including Zach Parise, Ryan Suter, and Kirill Kaprizov, who won the Calder Trophy as the NHL’s Rookie of the Year in the 2020-2021 season.
Style of Play
One of the intriguing aspects of the Minnesota vs Dallas NHL rivalry is the contrast in their style of play. The Wild are known for their defensive-oriented game, focusing on tight checking, shot blocking, and disciplined play. They often rely on their goaltending to keep them in games, and their defensive structure makes it difficult for opponents to generate scoring chances.
On the other hand, the Stars are known for their high-scoring and fast-paced style of play. They have a potent offense led by skilled forwards like Benn, Seguin, and Alexander Radulov, who can create scoring opportunities with their speed and skill. The Stars also have a strong power play, which can be a game-changer in close matchups.
Head-to-Head Battles
Over the years, the Minnesota vs Dallas NHL rivalry has produced some memorable head-to-head battles on the ice. The teams have faced each other in the playoffs multiple times, creating an added level of intensity to their matchups. One notable series was in the 2016 playoffs when the Stars and the Wild met in the first round. It was a thrilling seven-game series that went back and forth, with the Stars eventually coming out on top.
Another memorable moment in the rivalry was a game in March 2021 when the Wild and the Stars combined for a total of 15 goals, with the Wild ultimately prevailing with a 6-9 victory. These high-scoring and intense games add to the excitement of the rivalry and create memorable moments for fans of both teams.
Fan Base and Atmosphere
Both the Minnesota Wild and the Dallas Stars have passionate fan bases that create a unique atmosphere at their home games. The Wild have a strong following in Minnesota, known for their “State of Hockey” culture, with fans who are deeply invested in the team’s success. The team plays at the Xcel Energy Center, which is often filled with a sea of green jerseys and a loud, enthusiastic crowd.
On the other hand, the Stars have a loyal fan base in Dallas, known for their “Victory Green” culture, with fans who are vocal and passionate about their team. The team plays at the American Airlines Center, which boasts a lively atmosphere during home games. The Stars also have a unique pre-game tradition of having a live horse named “Victory” lead the team out onto the ice.
