In a thrilling display of resilience, the Texas Stars clawed their way back from a two-goal deficit to defeat the Chicago Wolves 5-4 in overtime, forcing a decisive Game Five in the Central Division Semifinals of the 2026 Calder Cup Playoffs.

The Stars came out flying, outshooting Chicago 4-1 in the opening minutes. Forward Antonio Stranges capitalized on that early pressure, netting the game's first goal at the 7:27 mark. But Texas' lead lasted just over a minute before a penalty gave Chicago's AHL All-Star Bradly Nadeau the chance to tie it up on the power play. Undeterred, the Stars regained the lead at 10:49 when Cameron Hughes scored on a breakaway during a 4-on-4 situation. However, Chicago's Evan Vierling answered back just before the first intermission, knotting the score at 2-2.

The second period was a tight-checking affair, with Texas holding a slim 11-8 edge in shots. But a costly turnover by Stars defenseman Lyke Krys late in the frame allowed Chicago's Ivan Ryabkin to score in the final minute, giving the Wolves a 3-2 lead heading into the third period.

Chicago seemed to seize control early in the final frame when Noah Philp converted a 2-on-1 rush to make it 4-2. But the Stars showed their championship mettle, outshooting the Wolves 12-6 the rest of the way. Defenseman Vladislav Kolyachonok pulled Texas within one, and with just 11 seconds left in regulation, forward Kole Lind scored the equalizer to send the game to overtime.

The extra frame belonged to Texas. A double minor penalty to Nadeau gave the Stars a golden opportunity, and forward Artem Shlaine made no mistake, burying the game-winner to force a winner-take-all Game Five.

Texas goaltender Remi Poirier stopped 19 of 23 shots for a .826 save percentage, while Chicago's Cayden Primeau turned aside 32 of 37 shots for a .864 mark in the losing effort. The Stars now head home with all the momentum, knowing one more win will send them to the next round.