Benn and Foligno Trade Punches as Stars-Wild Preseason Game Erupts
Dallas captain Jamie Benn and Minnesota's Marcus Foligno fought in the third period of Friday's preseason finale, triggering a bench-clearing scrum. The altercation followed Thomas Harley retaliating against Matt Boldy for a high stick on Esa Lindell, while Justin Hryckowian fought Cal McCarron. The Stars won 2-1, and Tyler Seguin played 13:57 in his return from a torn ACL.
Dallas and Minnesota closed exhibition play with a heated third-period scene in St. Paul. After Matt Boldy's high stick struck Esa Lindell, Thomas Harley confronted Boldy, and the altercation widened when Marcus Foligno and Nick Foligno entered. Jamie Benn and Marcus Foligno then fought, while Justin Hryckowian exchanged blows with Cal McCarron.
The Stars earned a 2-1 victory behind goals from Radek Faksa and Harley; Joel Eriksson Ek scored for Minnesota. Casey DeSmith stopped 26 shots, Jesper Wallstedt made 16 saves. Tyler Seguin returned from a December ACL tear and logged 13:57. Dallas finished the preseason unbeaten and opens Oct. 2 versus St. Louis; Minnesota begins Thursday at Nashville.
This preseason brawl may draw extra attention to hockey's physical culture, affecting players who risk injury, fans who view fights as entertainment or concern, and league officials weighing safety and discipline. It could also intensify the Dallas-Minnesota rivalry, boosting ticket demand and media coverage when they meet Jan. 30. For younger viewers, such scenes may shape expectations about conflict in sports, though preseason games are often used to evaluate roster decisions rather than settle scores.