Brad Richards’ 28th goal of the season tied the Stars’ win-and-you’re-in game against the Wild Sunday afternoon, and Brenden Morrow’s power play goal – his 33rd of the year – four minutes later in the first period gave them their first lead. Brad Staubitz opened the scoring for Minnesota at the 6:05 mark.
The Stars must win in regulation or overtime to qualify for the NHL playoffs as the eighth seed in the West. Earlier Sunday afternoon the Detroit Red Wings hung on late to top the Chicago Blackhawks 4-3. That opened the door for Dallas to pass them on tiebreakers with a win.
The Wild were dangerous in the first period, as Kari Lehtonen made big saves early and late, but Dallas dominated the shot clock 15-9. Power plays were 2-0 in the Stars’ favor.