ST. PAUL, Minn. — Matt Murray delivered an outstanding performance for the Dallas Stars, securing his first NHL shutout with 23 saves in a 4-0 victory over the Minnesota Wild at Xcel Energy Center on Monday. The win ended a three-game losing streak for Dallas (23-11-5) and marked Murray’s first start of the season and fourth in the NHL.
Tyler Seguin and Roope Hintz each contributed with a goal and an assist, while Radek Faksa and Jason Robertson also scored for the Stars. Dallas coach Peter DeBoer praised Murray’s significant role in the victory, especially in the first period, where he stopped several key Wild attempts.
The Wild (17-18-4), who have lost five of their last six games, struggled offensively, going 0-for-6 on the power play and conceding two short-handed goals. Marc-Andre Fleury made 16 saves for Minnesota, but the team’s offensive woes were too significant to overcome.
Hintz scored the opening goal with a short-handed effort in the first period, capitalizing on a turnover forced by Seguin. Seguin later extended the lead in the third period with a shot that slipped past Fleury. Faksa’s short-handed goal and Robertson’s power-play score in the third period sealed the win for the Stars.
Wild coach John Hynes acknowledged the team’s difficulties on the power play and the overall lack of scoring. Forward Pat Maroon also expressed the need for improvement, especially in response to the Stars’ early short-handed goal.
Despite the loss, Fleury remains just one win away from surpassing Patrick Roy’s 551 NHL victories, which would place him second in league history. Seguin’s recent form has been a bright spot for Dallas, with eight points in his last five games, including five goals.
Faksa’s goal highlighted his ability to contribute in special teams situations, as two of his three goals this season have been short-handed. The Wild’s Marcus Foligno returned to the lineup after missing three games with a lower-body injury, making an impact with six hits.
The Stars’ victory showcased their resilience and the importance of strong goaltending and special teams play, while the Wild will look to address their power-play issues and overall offensive execution in their upcoming games.
