Stars vs Capitals Prediction 1/7/2026 Today’s NHL Picks

In this article we will formulate a Stars vs Capitals prediction for this NHL game on Wednesday, January 7th at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup.

Dallas Stars Betting Preview

The Dallas Stars are 25-10-8 this year after they lost to Carolina by a score of 6-3 in their last game. Dallas tied the game at one in the first period, but they allowed the next four goals and never recovered in the loss. The Stars were out shot by a total of 32-22, won 45.2% of the face-offs, and went 2-3 on the power play in the game. Dallas got goals from Johnston, Rantanen, and Robertson, while Oettinger stopped 10 out of 15 shots and DeSmith stopped 16 out of 17. 

Prior to that game, Dallas lost to the Canadiens by a score of 4-3 and the Blackhawks by a score of 4-3. The Stars have lost six games in a row and they are currently second in the Central standings with 58 points. Dallas has scored 3.40 goals per game and they have allowed 2.71 goals against per game, while also going 29.1% on the power play and 82.1% on the penalty kill this season. Mikko Rantanen has led Dallas with 16 goals and 41 assists, while Jason Robertson has added 24 goals and 25 assists. The projected starting goalie for Dallas is Casey DeSmith, who is 9-2-4 with a 2.44 goals against average and a .912 save percentage this year. 

Washington Capitals Betting Preview

The Washington Capitals are 22-15-6 this season after they defeated Anaheim by a score of 7-4 in their last game. Washington led 5-1 in the second period, but that lead was cut to 5-4, before they added two empty net goals to seal the win. The Capitals were out shot by a total of 45-29, won 56.9% of the face-offs, and went 0-2 on the power play in the game. Washington got goals from Leonard, Ovechkin (2), Sourdif (3), and Carlson, while Lindgren stopped 41 out of 45 shots, which was a .911 save percentage. 

Prior to that game, Washington lost to the Blackhawks by a score of 3-2 and the Senators by a score of 4-3. The Capitals have lost six of their last nine games and they are currently third in the Metro standings with 50 points. Washington has scored 3.30 goals per game and they have allowed 2.79 goals against per game, while also going 15.6% on the power play and 76.9% on the penalty kill this season. Tom Wilson has led Washington with 22 goals and 20 assists, while Alex Ovechkin has added 17 goals and 19 assists. The projected starting goalie for Washington is Logan Thompson, who is 15-11-4 with a 2.37 goals against average and a .915 save percentage this season. 

Why the Washington Capitals will win

• The Capitals have won 11 of their last 12 games at Capital One Arena against opponents on a losing streak.
• The Stars have lost each of their last five night games.
• The Stars have failed to cover the puck line in each of their last five night games.
• The Capitals have covered the puck line in each of their last four games against opponents on a losing streak.
• The Stars have lost the second period in each of their last three games at Capital One Arena.

Total Goals Facts

• Thirteen of the Capitals’ last 14 night games against opponents on a losing streak have gone OVER the total goals line.
• Five of the Stars’ last six games have gone OVER the total goals line.
• The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 2′ market has hit in each of the Capitals’ last nine games as favorites against the Stars.
• The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 2′ market has hit in each of the Stars’ last eight road games.

Washington Capitals Player Prop Facts

• Dylan Strome has scored at least one goal in each of his last four appearances against the Stars.
• Tom Wilson has recorded an assist in eight of his last 10 appearances in home games.

Dallas Stars Player Prop Facts

• Jason Robertson has scored at least one goal in each of the Stars’ last six games as road underdogs.
• Mikko Rantanen has recorded at least one assist in eight of the Stars’ last nine night games.

Stars vs Capitals Prediction 

Dallas comes into this matchup looking to snap their lengthy losing streak, but they will be on a back to back and on the road here. The Stars are 13-4-5 on the road this year, while the Capitals are 13-7-3 at home. Washington is coming off of a win over Anaheim in their last game, but they have struggled over the last two weeks. We have seen this Dallas defense allow at least four goals in six straight games and I can’t back them with how they looked last night. Take the Capitals at home here.

David Racey's Pick: Capitals ML