Dallas Stars vs Washington Capitals Prediction & Picks - NHL

Prediction published on 1/7/26, 3:37 PM  by Taavi Pailk | Modified on 1/7/26 at 4:22 PM in NHL Picks

After opening the week with a big win, the Washington Capitals look to gain more momentum on Wednesday night against the out-of-form Dallas Stars at Capital One Arena.

While Washington’s defensive struggles continued on Monday, the team matched its best offensive performance of the season. Justin Sourdif tied the franchise rookie record with five points (three goals, two assists), helping the Capitals defeat the Anaheim Ducks 7-4.

This was an impressive performance from Spencer Carbery’s men after two top-six forwards, Tom Wilson and Aliaksei Protas, were ruled out for Monday’s game. Protas was labeled a game-time call ahead of the contest, so he could be available to return on Wednesday. It’s unclear if Wilson can make it back from his injury.

Dallas lost captain Jamie Benn in Sunday’s 4-3 overtime loss to the Montreal Canadiens, and he will definitely be out on Tuesday. The team’s attack is also without Tyler Seguin, but the offensive output has been just fine recently. On Sunday, the Stars suffered their fifth consecutive loss because of another poor defensive display.

Glen Gulutzan’s side has allowed four goals in every game during the recent slide. The defense needs to tighten up for the team to start winning again, especially on Wednesday night against the NHL’s all-time leading goal-scorer, Alex Ovechkin, and his crew.