The Dallas Stars (14-7-3) travel to face off against the Washington Capitals (12-8-2) on Thursday, December 7th. This game will be played at Capital One Arena in Washington and televised on ESPN. Both the Stars and Capitals will be looking to bounce back from losses in their previous games. Puck drop is scheduled for 8:00 ET.
Dallas Stars vs Washington Capitals
The Dallas Stars Look To Bounce Back From A Loss
This season, the Stars have an overall record of 14-7-3. On the road, Dallas holds a 8-3-2 mark, and they are 6-4-1 when playing at home. They are currently positioned 2nd in the Western Central division and 5th in the Western conference. Dallas’ average scoring difference this season sits at +.5, which has contributed to their overall puck line record of 10-14. When playing at home, they have a scoring margin of +.4, and on the road, it is +.6.
Coming off a 5-4 loss on the road to the Panthers, the Stars are hoping to bounce back today. In the 3rd period, the Stars found the net three times against the Panthers after their one goal in the first period. Dallas’ two power-play goals contributed to their total of 4 goals. Their offensive performance came with 33 shots on goal and nine giveaways.
Despite the loss, Dallas did cover the puck line, as they went into the game as the underdog. The combined total of 9 goals exceeded the over/under line, which was set at 6 goals for the game.
The Washington Capitals Look To Bounce Back From A Loss
Through 22 games, the Capitals have achieved an overall record of 12-8-2. When on the road, Washington holds a 5-4-1 record, while they are 7-4-1 when playing at home. Their current record places them 5th in the Eastern Metropolitan division and 10th in the Eastern conference. Washington heads into the game with five wins by more than one goal, and lost seven games by multiple goals. Their overall puck line record this season is 8-14.
Coming off a 6-0 loss on the road to the Coyotes, the Capitals are hoping to bounce back today. The Coyotes defense proved to be too much for Washington’s offense, resulting in being shutout. The Capitals’ offense finished with 4 giveaways and attempted 26 shots on goal during the game.
Coming in as the underdog, Washington not only lost straight-up but also failed to cover the puck line. The teams surpassed the over/under line, which was set at 5.5 goals, with a combined total of 6 goals.
Dallas Offense Breakdown
In terms of their offensive performance, the Stars are averaging 3.4 goals per game this season, putting them in the 9th spot in the NHL. When it comes to shots on goal per game, they are ranked 23rd in the league. The Dallas offense is ranked 15th in power play goals. As for shorthanded goals, they find themselves at 3rd in the NHL.
The Stars’ over/under record this season is 13-11-0. For the season, they have had 13 games that surpassed this game’s over/under line of 6. Overall, their games are averaging6.4 goals per game.
Washington Offense Breakdown
When looking at their offense, the Capitals have an average of 2.3 goals per game this season, positioning themselves 32nd in the NHL. In terms of shots on goal per game, they are ranked 32nd in the league. This season, the Capitals have a 4-3 record in games where they outshoot their opponent. In games with fewer shots on goal, they hold a 8-5 record.
The Capitals’ over/under record this season is 7-15-0. For the season, they have had 14 games failing to surpass this game’s over/under line of 6. Overall, their games are averaging 5.3 goals per game.
Dallas Team Defense
The Stars defense is currently 14th in goals allowed. Opponents are averaging 31.3 shots per game against Dallas. In terms of shutouts, they come into the game ranked 21st with 1 shutouts.
Washington Team Defense
Defensively, the Capitals come into the season ranked 27th in goals allowed. Opponents are averging 30.7 shots per game against Washington. For the season, they are ranked 23rd in shutouts, coming in with 1 shutouts.
Stars vs Capitals Trends
- When looking at their past five road matchups, Dallas has an puck line record of 3-2 while averaging 3 per game. The team went 2-3 overall in these games.
- In their last three games at home, the Capitals have a straight up record of 1-2 while going 0-3 vs. the spread. The team averaged 2 goals per game in this stretch.
- The last ten games that Washington was the underdog, they have an puck line mark of 6-4 while going 5-5 straight up.
- Going back to their previous three games as the favorite, Dallas has an puck line mark of 1-2 while going 1-2 straight up.
Stars vs Capitals Prediction
For a moneyline pick, I’m taking the Stars to pick up on a win over the Capitals and the road. With the moneyline sitting at -146, I’ll be locking in a bet on the Stars straight-up.
When it comes to my suggested pick for the puck line, I’d advise taking the Capitals to cover. Even in the event of a Stars victory, this matchup is likely to remain closely contested, and the Capitals should cover the puck line.
When considering the over/under line, which is currently at 6 goals, we believe that this game will go over that threshold, and we recommend wagering on the over.
All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!
* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.
Last updated:December 7, 2023 Dallas Stars, Teams, Washington Capitals