The Dallas Stars continue to shine in their flawless start to the 2025–26 season, defeating the Minnesota Wild 5–2 on Tuesday night at the American Airlines Center. Behind Jake Oettinger’s 39 saves and another electric performance from Wyatt Johnston, the Stars improved to 3–0–0, extending their early-season statement under returning head coach Glen Gulutzan.

Johnston continued his torrid start, netting a first-period power-play goal — his third in as many games — to become the first Stars player since Alexander Radulov in 2018–19 to score in each of the team’s first three contests. The 22-year-old center is quickly establishing himself as one of Dallas’ most dependable offensive weapons in what’s shaping up to be a breakout campaign.

Fast Start Fuels Another Dallas Win

Dallas wasted no time energizing its home crowd, scoring early and often to take control. Esa Lindell got things started just 5:37 into the game, firing a wrister from the top of the right circle that beat Minnesota goaltender Filip Gustavsson glove side for a 1–0 lead.

The Stars doubled their advantage late in the opening frame when Roope Hintz set up Johnston with a crisp cross-ice pass on the power play. Johnston buried it from the slot, giving Dallas a 2–0 cushion after one.

“We came out with the right energy,” said Lindell. “The crowd was buzzing, and we wanted to reward that. We’ve talked all preseason about starting fast, and tonight we did that again.”

That momentum carried into the second period when Matt Duchene found the net just 91 seconds in. The veteran forward, acquired to bolster Dallas’ secondary scoring, was credited with his first goal of the season after a puck deflected off Minnesota defenseman Jake Middleton’s skate and past Gustavsson.

The goal made it 3–0 and sent the AAC crowd into a frenzy, as chants of “Let’s Go Stars!” echoed throughout the arena.

Oettinger Stands Tall, Wild Show Late Fight

Minnesota pushed hard to claw back in the third period, breaking Oettinger’s shutout bid with two power-play goals. Matt Boldy converted from close range midway through the period, followed by Kirill Kaprizov’s laser from the left circle that cut the deficit to 3–2 with just under six minutes to play.

Both goals were assisted by rookie defenseman Zeev Buium, who showcased impressive poise on the blue line.

But every time the Wild threatened, Oettinger answered. The 26-year-old netminder made several highlight-reel stops, including a sprawling glove save on Joel Eriksson Ek in the dying minutes to preserve the lead.

“Jake was our backbone tonight,” said Gulutzan. “When things started getting hectic, he made the saves that settled everyone down. That’s what elite goaltending does — it gives your team confidence.”

Stars Seal It Late

As the Wild pulled their goaltender for an extra attacker, Dallas slammed the door shut. Radek Faksa scored into the empty net with 1:42 remaining, and Roope Hintz followed just 25 seconds later with another, securing the 5–2 victory.

With those two tallies, Faksa and Hintz became the 10th and 11th different Stars to score this season — a testament to the team’s offensive depth and balance through three games.

“It’s not just one line carrying us,” Hintz said. “Everyone’s contributing — that’s what makes this team dangerous.”

The win also marked Dallas’ sixth straight home opener victory and continued a rare offensive feat: scoring at least three goals in each of their first three games, something the franchise has accomplished only three times since relocating to Dallas in 1993.

Gulutzan’s Triumphant Return

For coach Glen Gulutzan, Tuesday’s game was a full-circle moment. It was his first time behind the Stars’ bench at American Airlines Center since April 27, 2013 — a 3–0 loss to Detroit that ended his first stint in Dallas. Now, a dozen years later, he’s back and off to a perfect 3–0 start.

“It’s special,” Gulutzan said. “Walking out of that tunnel again and hearing the fans — it felt like coming home. But it’s about the players. They’ve set the tone early this year.”

Up Next

The Stars will look to keep their early momentum rolling when they host the Vancouver Canucks on Thursday night. With their offense clicking, Oettinger locked in, and Johnston emerging as a rising star, Dallas is already proving it intends to contend in the Western Conference once again.

Final Score: Dallas Stars 5, Minnesota Wild 2
Next Game: Stars vs. Canucks — Thursday, Oct. 16, 8:30 PM CT, American Airlines Center