Dallas Stars push their preseason run to 3-0, rolling to a 5-2 win over Minnesota and setting up a Saturday test against Colorado at Ball Arena. Wyatt Johnston supplied a two-goal outburst as Dallas showcases depth and scoring touch early, even as captain Jamie Benn faces surgery for a collapsed lung. The matchup against the Avalanche, a central-divison foe they knocked out of the playoffs last season, will be a key gauge of how Dallas translates exhibition success into regular-season impact.

With Benn sidelined for weeks, Dallas leans on its emerging depth and reliable veterans to fill minutes on a six-game preseason slate (three at home). The schedule tightens the evaluation window, and Johnston’s performance offers a clear signal for fantasy managers about potential early-season roles and PP exposure as lines are dialed in before October.

The Devils lean on internal options as Luke Hughes’ status remains up in the air, with Dawson Mercer showing flashes of top-six scoring but not yet delivering consistency. Gritsyuk could push for a middle-six role as preseason progresses, while Juho Lammikko anchors the fourth line. In goal, Jake Allen and Jacob Markstrom form a tandem whose split workload may cap fantasy upside. Dallas’ Jamie Benn faces an injury scare that could shift depth chart dynamics early in the season.