Preview: Since Round 2 of the 2003 playoffs, the Wild has dropped Game 1 nine of 10 times. Of the previous eight, the Wild evened the series twice. Thursday night, the Wild was blown out 4-0 in the series opener with the Stars, going the first 11 minutes, 21 seconds without a shot and taking six penalties. Since 2003-04, the Wild's 4-16-6 in Dallas, its worst record in any road arena. The Wild has lost six games in a row since beating Chicago on March 29, having scored six goals while giving up 20 over that stretch.
Players to watch: Stars LW Jamie Benn has registered at least one point in six of his seven career playoff games (five goals, eight points). He has a nine-game point streak against the Wild dating to the 2014-15 regular season (16 points). Goalie Kari Lehtonen is 7-1 since March 17. C Jason Spezza has 18 goals and 54 points in 57 career playoff games. Wild C Mikko Koivu has two goals and nine assists in 29 playoff games since 2013. LW Jason Zucker has two goals and two assists in his past 32 games.
Numbers: The Wild's power play is 0-for-18 over the past seven games.
Injuries: Wild LW Zach Parise (back) and LW Thomas Vanek (upper body) are out. G Devan Dubnyk (maintenance) didn't practice Friday. Center Erik Haula (lower body) is expected to return. For Dallas, C Tyler Seguin (Achilles') might return after missing 11 games. RW Brett Ritchie (lower body) is doubtful.
MICHAEL RUSSO
