Preview: Stars at Capitals WASHINGTON (Interstat) — The Dallas Stars look to halt a recent skid when they visit the Washington Capitals at Capital One Arena on Wednesday night. Dallas (25-17-0) has dropped five of its last six games, including a 4-3 overtime loss to Montreal on Sunday. Despite the slump, the Stars remain eight points above the .500 mark. Washington (22-21-0) has been inconsistent but is coming off a 7-4 victory over Anaheim on Monday. A key matchup will feature two young forwards in strong individual form. Dallas center Wyatt Johnston has been a bright spot during the team’s struggles, recording seven points (four goals, three assists) in his last five games. He scored twice in the loss to Montreal. For the Capitals, right wing Justin Sourdif is riding a hot streak, with a five-point performance (three goals, two assists) in Monday’s win. He has seven points in his last four contests. The teams last met on Oct. 28, 2025, with Dallas earning a 1-0 shutout victory at home. The Stars’ recent road record is mixed, with wins at Anaheim and San Jose in mid-December but losses in Chicago and Detroit later in the month. Washington has struggled at Capital One Arena lately, with a 2-3-0 record in its last five home games, though the win over Anaheim provided a boost. Goaltending and defensive structure will be critical; Dallas has been held to three or fewer goals in five of its last six games, while Washington has allowed three or more in eight of its last ten. According to National Statistical’s game simulator, the projected final score is Washington 3, Dallas 2. Following this game, Dallas begins a four-game West Coast road trip in San Jose on Saturday. Washington opens a three-game road trip in Chicago on Friday.