2003 Wild Divisional Round Game 5 vs Dallas Stars
Wild win Game 5, but fall in Game 6 to Dallas.
The Minnesota Wild defeated the Dallas Stars in Game 5 of the 2003 Western Conference Divisional Round, but were eliminated in Game 6.
- Key Goalie
- Manny Fernandez
Lore & Background
In the 2003 playoffs, the Wild faced the Dallas Stars in the Divisional Round. The Wild won Game 5 but lost the series in Game 6. At that time, the Wild were in the Northwest Division and the Stars were in the Pacific Division.
In Their Own Story
The air inside the American Airlines Center was thick with anticipation and tension. On one side of the ice stood the hopefuls from Minnesota, clad in red and green; on the other, the experienced veterans of Dallas. As the puck dropped for Game 5, every shift felt heavier than usual. The crowd noise rose with each save by Khabibulin, but the pressure mounted as minutes ticked away.
Reader's Guide
The Wild's 2003 playoff run included a first-round upset of the Colorado Avalanche and a second-round victory over the Vancouver Canucks before falling to the Mighty Ducks of Anaheim in the Western Conference finals.
Did You Know?
- The Dallas Stars were the 3rd seed in the Western Conference in 2003, not the 6th seed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the outcome of Game 5 in this series?
The Dallas Stars defeated the Minnesota Wild at American Airlines Center to close out the series 4-1. This loss ended the franchise's first-ever playoff run after their inaugural season.
Who was the starting goaltender for Minnesota during this match?
Nikolai Khabibulin served as the starting goaltender for the Wild during this pivotal matchup against Dallas. His performance highlighted the team's effort despite ultimately falling short in elimination fashion.
Why is this game considered important to franchise history?
It marked the end of Minnesota's debut postseason campaign and intensified the rivalry with their Central Division neighbors. Fans remember it as a heartbreaking but defining moment for the new franchise's competitive spirit.
Where was Game 5 played during the 2003 playoffs?
Game 5 took place at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. The Wild faced elimination on the road against the top-seeded Western Conference team.
How did the series conclude overall between these two teams?
The Stars advanced to the next round after winning four games compared to Minnesota's one victory. This result concluded the 2002-03 playoff journey for the Wild organization.
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