In a recent NHL game featuring the Dallas Stars against the Seattle Kraken, Miro Heiskanen and Esa Lindell made significant contributions by scoring points right after the Olympic break. The Stars triumphed over the Kraken with a score of 4-1, although they were missing star player Mikko Rantanen due to injury. Heiskanen and Lindell's performances were crucial in securing the victory, while teammate Arttu Hyry played but did not register any points. Notably, Kraken's Eeli Tolvanen participated in the match, but Kaapo Kakko was sidelined.

Tensions escalated during the game as Kraken players aggressively targeted Heiskanen, culminating in a particularly controversial high hit by Jacob Melanson in the third period. This prompted Stars' Adam Erne to retaliate and attack Melanson, which initiated a series of brawls on the ice. The fighting escalated to the point where players continued to throw punches even after opponents had fallen to the ground, and the referees struggled to restore order amidst the chaos. The violent nature of the altercations drew attention to the ongoing issues of player safety in the league, highlighting the physicality often seen between rival teams.

Stars head coach Glen Gulutzan expressed his disapproval of the treatment directed towards Heiskanen, indicating a concern for the well-being of his players and the standards of conduct in the NHL. The game not only showcased the competitive spirit of both teams but also emphasized the need for officials to address player safety more effectively in light of escalating physical confrontations during matches.