The Minnesota Wild tied the series up this past Sunday, where they defeated the Dallas Stars in overtime to tie the series up at two games apiece. That made Game 5 that much more pivotal, as the winner of that matchup would be in the driver's seat to to clinch the series win and secure their spot in the second round against the Colorado Avalanche. The Wild did get a boost this week, as winger Mats Zuccarello returned to practice after being sidelined since getting hit in the head by Stars defenseman Tyler Myers.
On Tuesday morning, head coach John Hynes announced that Zuccarello would be a game-time decision. During pre-game warmups, Zuccarello was spotted on the ice, confirming that he would be playing in Game 5. And the veteran winger proved immediately why the Wild missed him so greatly.
Under four minutes into the game, Kirill Kaprizov had a chance that deflected off Stars goalie Jake Oettinger. Kaprizov then backhanded a pass to Zuccarello, was waiting on the opposite side of the net, and buried the puck in the back of it to put Minnesota up 1-0 early.
WELCOME BACK, MATS ZUCCARELLO ‼️
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) April 29, 2026
The Wild take an early Game 5 lead in Dallas 👏 pic.twitter.com/smklvAfmFM
Mats Zuccarello scores quick goal in Game 5 in return to Wild lineup
That is why the Wild missed Zuccarello so much. It's no secret that he has incredible chemistry with Kaprizov, which contributed to him only recording one point in Games 2 and 3. Sure enough, that chemistry was on full display with Zuccarello knocking in the rebound from Kaprizov's shot on goal.
Unfortunately for the Wild, their lead was relatively short lived, as the Stars tied things up on a power play goal from Miro Heiskanen. That has been the story of the series, as Dallas has nine power play goals on 20 opportunities.,
Before the injury, Zuccarello played a major role in the team's dominating 6-1 victory over the Stars in Game 1, notching three assists. Zuccarello brings Minnesota playoff experience, as he played in 101 total games during his 16 year career, where he recorded 19 goals and 42 assists.
The Wild needed all hands on deck to get through this tough first round battle against the Stars. Zuccarello showed the impact he brings to the team early on in Game 5.
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