The Minnesota Wild's playoff series against the Dallas Stars is generating excitement, but there鈥檚 concern over late local start times. With games beginning as late as 8:30 PM, fans may struggle to stay awake for thrilling matches featuring stars like Kirill Kaprizov and Jason Robertson. The series features some of the top NHL talent, making the case for prime-time slots highly compelling. The NHL's scheduling has led to criticism over the current playoff format, but there's a call for more visibility to capitalize on the hype surrounding this matchup.

By the Numbers
  • The Stars have the third-most points in the NHL, while Minnesota ranks seventh.
  • Both teams have multiple players with over 40 goals this season.
State of Play
  • Current start times for the series are largely set in late evening slots.
  • Last year, a similarly high-profile series involving the Stars had late puck drops.
What's Next

As the NHL finalizes its playoff schedule, fans may anticipate more late-night game times. Despite the outcry, the NHL is likely to maintain its current format and scheduling practices. Fans should brace for another evening of coffee and late nights ahead.

Bottom Line

This Wild-Stars series is a prime showcase for NHL talent and should be positioned in prime time. Fan interest depends on visibility, and the league must acknowledge the demand for early start times to maximize viewership and excitement.