The Washington Capitals haven’t lived up to preseason predictions as the East’s sleeper team yet, but with a major player overhaul and some young players still finding their stride, head coach Spencer Carbery has been patient with his squad. The Caps are still 8-5-0 through a lighter schedule than most teams, and sit in third place in a weaker Metropolitan Division. They were also on a three-game winning streak before losing to the Minnesota Wild on Sunday.
It's been a bumpier ride for the Dallas Stars, which everyone should’ve seen coming with some fresh teams in the Central Division threatening to overtake them. The Stars have to worry about a team like the Utah Mammoth, who look like legitimate threats to challenge the top three of Dallas, Colorado, and Minnesota. Sticking around .500 won’t help Dallas, and they’ll need to start stringing together some wins. Luckily, the Central isn’t as deep as other divisions, which will allow the Stars to figure out their struggling offense.
The Stars do have a stingy defense, led by Jake Oettinger, who owns a 1.62 goals-against average and a .921 save percentage this season. It hasn’t always been smooth sailing for another Vezina candidate, Logan Thompson, in the Capitals’ crease, but he can handle a cold offense like Dallas well, which could set up a goaltender's duel here.
Stars vs Capitals prediction: Under 5.5 (+100) available at time of publishing. Playable at that number to -110.
