Stars Edge Wild 2-1 in Overtime Thriller at Grand Casino Arena

Stars Take Control in Second Period

The Dallas Stars traveled to Saint Paul on Saturday, September 26, 2026, and secured a 2-1 victory over the Minnesota Wild at Grand Casino Arena. The game featured tight scoring, with each team finding the back of the net in the first two periods before the decisive goal was struck in the second frame.

Attendance at the venue reached 15,645 fans, creating a charged atmosphere for the regular-season matchup. The Stars, coming into the contest with a perfect 4-0 record, looked to extend their dominance against the host Wild, who entered the game with a 1-2-1 record and three points.

First Period Sets the Pace

The visiting Stars struck first to take an early lead. In the first period, Radek Faksa scored the opening goal of the game with a wrist shot. The play was assisted by Oskar Bäck and Joel Kiviranta, giving Dallas a 1-0 advantage.

The Wild, playing at home, did not answer in the opening frame, leaving the score unchanged at the end of the first ten minutes of regulation. The early goal set the tone for a defensive battle that would continue into the subsequent periods, with both teams focusing on limiting high-danger chances in the neutral zone.

Wild Tie It, Stars Strike Again

The momentum shifted in the second period when the Minnesota Wild found their way to the net. Joel Eriksson Ek scored the equalizer with a wrist shot, assisted by Blake Coleman and Matt Boldy. This goal tied the game at 1-1 and energized the home crowd.

However, the Stars responded quickly to reclaim the lead. Thomas Harley scored the game-winning goal in the second period with a wrist shot. His assists were provided by Mikko Rantanen and Jamie Benn.

This goal put the Stars ahead 2-1, a lead they would maintain for the remainder of the game. The third period saw no further scoring, with the final score remaining 2-1 in favor of Dallas. The period scores reflected the tight nature of the contest, with Dallas scoring one goal in the first and one in the second, while Minnesota scored one in the second.

Standout Performances and Records

Radek Faksa was a key performer for the Stars, recording one goal and one point in the victory. Jamie Benn also contributed significantly, posting one assist. For the Wild, Joel Eriksson Ek scored one goal and recorded one point, while Matt Boldy provided one assist.

The results left the Dallas Stars with a 4-0-0 record and eight points, cementing their status as a top team in the league. The Minnesota Wild fell to 1-2-1 with three points. The game concluded without any overtime or shootout, as the regulation score held.

The Stars' ability to score in both of the first two periods proved decisive in this competitive matchup, showcasing their depth and offensive balance. The Wild's effort was commendable, but the Stars' timely scoring in the second period sealed the win.

Both teams will look to build on these performances as the season progresses, with the Stars aiming to maintain their undefeated streak and the Wild seeking to improve their record in the coming weeks.

Sources

ESPN