Dallas Stars vs Washington Capitals Picks and Predictions for Tuesday, November 3, 2026

Dallas takes to the road Tuesday to face Washington at Capital One Arena at 7:00 pm ET on ESPN+. The Stars (8-5-1, 4th Central Division, 17 points) are coming off Saturday's 3-1 win over Columbus. Dallas has won three of five and is 3-1-1 away from home. Washington (8-5-0, 3rd Metropolitan Division, 16 points) had its three-game winning streak snapped Sunday in a 5-1 loss to Minnesota. The Capitals have won six of nine at home. Check out our free NHL picks for other games on the schedule.

Dallas Stars Relying on Defense and Goaltending

Dallas has won three of its last five games, but scoring has been a struggle at times. The Stars beat Columbus 3-1 on Saturday after losing to Montreal 5-2 and New Jersey 5-1. Earlier wins against the Islanders and Winnipeg helped Dallas stay above .500. The Stars average 2.64 goals per game, while their defense gives up just 2.14, the lowest mark in the NHL. Dallas also has the league's best penalty kill at 93.6%.

Mikko Rantanen (7 goals, 17 points) leads the Stars in scoring. Jason Robertson has five goals and 14 points, giving Dallas another threat around the net. Jake Oettinger has been excellent in goal, posting a 7-3-1 record with three shutouts. His 1.63 GAA ranks third in the NHL, and he's stopped 92.1% of the shots faced. Casey DeSmith has one win and a 2.94 GAA. Dallas will need its defense playing well again against Washington's scoring attack.

Injuries: Radek Faksa is questionable. Kyle Capobianco, Oskar Back, Matt Duchene and Luke Krys are out.

Washington Capitals Looking to Bounce Back

Washington returns to the ice Tuesday after a rough 5-1 loss to Minnesota on Sunday. The Capitals had won three straight before that defeat, beating Nashville 4-3, Philadelphia 5-2 and Buffalo 4-3 in overtime. Washington has been getting goals, averaging 3.38 per game, but has allowed 3.23. The Capitals have also given up five goals in two of their last five outings. Playing at home has helped Washington, with six wins in nine games at Capital One Arena.

Alex Tuch (10 goals, 12 points) has been Washington's leading goal scorer, while Dylan Strome has matched him with 12 points. Jordan Kyrou has added 11 points, and Boone Jenner has scored five goals. Logan Thompson has handled most of the work in net, going 5-4-0 with a 2.93 GAA and .898 save percentage. Charlie Lindgren has three wins and a 2.98 GAA. Washington is missing two defensemen, Rasmus Sandin and Vincent Desharnais, leaving fewer options on the blue line.

Injuries: Vincent Desharnais, Rasmus Sandin and Patrick Thomas are out.

Key To The Game

Dallas wants this game played at a slower pace. The Stars have limited opponents' shots all season, and Oettinger has rarely needed much goal support. Washington needs Tuch and Strome to produce chances before Dallas settles into its defensive game. Special teams favor the Stars, particularly if the Capitals take penalties.

Dallas Stars vs Washington Capitals Game Pick

• Dallas Stars

Dallas has a difficult road matchup against a Washington team that has won six of nine home games. Still, the Stars have the better defensive numbers and a clear advantage in goal. Oettinger has a 1.63 GAA and three shutouts, while Washington has allowed more than three goals per game. Dallas also held Columbus to one goal Saturday, an encouraging response after two losses. The Capitals have scoring threats in Tuch and Strome, but their 5-1 loss to Minnesota raises questions about their defense. I expect Dallas to keep this close and find enough offense to win.

Dallas Stars vs Washington Capitals Over/Under Pick

• Under

Washington has scored four or more goals in three of its last four games, so this isn't a matchup without scoring potential. Dallas, however, has allowed only 2.14 goals per game and faces fewer than 23 shots per contest. Oettinger has stopped 92.1% of shots, and the Stars' penalty kill is operating at 93.6%. Those numbers make it difficult to expect Washington's recent scoring pace to continue. Dallas hasn't been putting up big totals consistently, either, averaging 2.64 goals. If the Stars keep Washington's shots down, this game should finish with fewer goals.