Minnesota’s preseason ended with a scare that no team wants this close to opening night: Brock Faber took a shot to the head in Friday’s game against the Dallas Stars and left the contest.
The Wild defenseman did not come back for the third period, though he did finish the second after the play. Faber was struck by a shot from Stars forward Sam Steel from the point off the left side of his helmet, went down quickly, and eventually skated to the bench under his own power.
The immediate reaction suggested caution, but the absence of Faber for the third period still set off alarm bells with the regular season just a week away. Head coach John Hynes didn’t have an update right after the game, but on Saturday he said Faber is doing better and will be evaluated over the next day or so. For now, he’s considered day-to-day.
“Hopefully Brock is OK, but for the most part, I’m happy that everyone got out just feeling OK.”
Saturday’s practice offered another clue that the Wild are treating the situation carefully. Faber was not on the ice as Minnesota worked on power play and special teams. The team also adjusted its line rushes, with Jared Spurgeon skating with Quinn Hughes, Jonas Brodin alongside Olli Maatta, Daemon Hunt with Zach Bogosian, and Carson Lambos recalled to skate with David Spacek.
Friday’s game also turned ugly in the final minute, with the temperature rising well beyond anything you’d expect in a preseason finale. Matt Boldy fought.
Then, with around a minute left and Minnesota down a goal, Marcus Foligno and Michael McCarron dropped the gloves at the same time. At the same time, Zach Bogosian and Nick Foligno tangled with Dallas players and tried to spark a full line brawl.
Only Foligno and McCarron landed punches on Justin Hryckowian and Jamie Benn.
“Once the shenanigans went out, then we made the change in the lines,” Hynes said. “I think it’s just two teams that really don’t like each other too much.”
Minnesota opens the regular season Oct. 1 on the road against the Nashville Predators, then returns home for its first game in St. Paul on Oct. 3 against the Boston Bruins.
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