A 2-1 finish made Dallas’ preseason finale a close test, and the Stars left Grand Casino Arena with the win. Harley supplied the decisive goal, while Minnesota pressed for another opening in the closing stretch but could not find an equalizer.
How the Game Played Out
The early first-period action brought chances at both ends. Minnesota pushed the puck toward the net through a sequence of passes and close-range looks, while Dallas created danger of its own. A breakaway gave Sam Steel room to skate in alone, but he lost control before turning the chance into a shot that could change the game. The sequence set an early tone: there were openings, but neither side made every opportunity count.
Minnesota continued to challenge the Dallas defense and goalie, including with a shot that required a strong stop. At 10:42 remaining in the first period, the broadcast called out a dangerous, screened shot. The game’s low final score tells the broad story of a narrow contest, but the available scoring details do not establish exactly when either goal arrived. Harley is credited with the winning goal, giving Dallas the edge it needed to finish in front.
The late action brought more pressure from the Wild. Minnesota worked the puck into the offensive zone, with one attack leading to a penalty against Dallas and further attempts around the slot and from the point. Dallas blocked one effort, and Casey DeSmith stopped another shot as the Wild searched for a way back into the game. Minnesota kept coming, but the final opportunity was turned aside and the clock ran out on the 2-1 result.
What the Result Means
For Dallas, the win closed the preseason schedule on a positive note. The Stars did not need a high-scoring finish: Harley’s winning goal stood up, and DeSmith’s work helped protect the narrow margin as Minnesota made its late push. A close final offered a useful test of holding a lead under pressure before the exhibition schedule ended.
Minnesota, meanwhile, had attacking moments and late chances, but the Wild came away with one goal. The result belongs to preseason, not the regular-season standings, so it is best read as a final tune-up rather than a statement about either club’s season. Dallas can carry the closing win into the start of regular-season play, while Minnesota will look to turn its pressure into more offense when the games count.
Watch the Highlights
The highlight reel brings together the early breakaway, Minnesota’s net-front pressure and the late attempts that tested Dallas’ defense. Watch the video above for the key sequences and the finish to Dallas’ preseason finale.
Final Score: Dallas Stars 2, Minnesota Wild 1.
Final Score: Minnesota Wild 1, Dallas Stars 2.
Source: NHL.com + Highlightly match data