SUNRISE, Fla. - It was a moment that Nick and Marcus Foligno had dreamed of, and on Thursday night, it became a reality. The brothers found themselves not just on the same NHL team for the first time since their high school days, but lining up as linemates. Talk about a family reunion on ice.
Marcus summed it up perfectly: “It’s like a dream come true.” And you could see it in their smiles on the bench-a shared acknowledgment of how special this moment was, especially at this stage in their careers. Nick, at 38, and Marcus, at 35, know these opportunities don't come around often, and they're ready to make the most of it.
Nick had made it clear to Blackhawks GM Kyle Davidson that Minnesota was his top choice at the trade deadline, aiming for a Stanley Cup run alongside his brother. The anticipation only built during the weeks it took for Marcus to return from a lower-body injury.
But once back, the duo, alongside Yakov Trenin, wasted no time making an impact. Just three minutes into the second period, Trenin's wide drive into the Panthers' zone set up Marcus for a slick goal through Daniil Tarasov's pads.
“It was awesome,” Marcus said, highlighting the unique joy of celebrating an NHL goal with his brother. You can bet there’s a photo of that moment that’ll be cherished by the Foligno family.
Wild GM Bill Guerin, watching from the press box, couldn’t help but feel a sense of joy witnessing the milestone. “It’s really special,” he admitted.
The last time the Folignos played together was back in junior high, in a fun twist where they joined their sisters' team for a game. Now, as NHL linemates, they’re bringing a mix of nostalgia and grit to the ice.
Their debut together was promising. Nick’s versatility at center, combined with Marcus and Trenin’s aggressive forechecking, created a formidable line.
In just over nine minutes of 5-on-5 play, they dominated with a 78.26 Corsi-for percentage and outshot the Panthers 15-2. Marcus emphasized their strategy: “Our forecheck is probably our bread and butter...
We’re going to be good defensively. We don’t cheat the game.”
Coach John Hynes praised their performance: “A big, strong heavy line. They played a north-south game and were strong on the forecheck.”
In the third period, Marcus nearly set up Nick for a goal with a slick pass, but it wasn’t to be. “Man, I thought I scored,” Nick lamented, but he’s optimistic about what they can achieve together.
“We’re not just a bang and crash line. We can create momentum and scoring chances.”
The Foligno brothers are playing with a purpose, knowing their late mother Janis is watching from above. Their father, Mike, a former NHL player himself, is cheering them on from home, with plans to see them live soon.
Nick is still waiting for his first goal with the Wild, but he’s hopeful: “Maybe the playoffs, hopefully the playoffs.” And with the chemistry these brothers are building, the postseason could be just the stage for their next big moment.