DALLAS — Roope Hintz had an exceptional performance, scoring two goals in a single game for the first time this season, while Jake Oettinger made 25 saves to lead the Dallas Stars to a 3-1 victory against the Washington Capitals on Monday evening.
Rookie defenseman Lian Bichsel also contributed to the scoreline, netting his second goal in just three NHL appearances.
For the Capitals, Ryan Strome found the back of the net in the first period, but the team saw their impressive streak of ten consecutive road wins come to an end.
The Stars have demonstrated strong play at home, holding a record of 13-3-0 at the American Airlines Center, which translates to the highest home points percentage (.813) in the league this season. Meanwhile, Washington entered the game boasting the best overall record in the NHL at 21-6-2, as well as an impressive road record of 12-2-0.
Oettinger now has 16 wins this season, placing him second in the NHL for victories. The matchup featured two goaltenders who not only attended the same high school in Lakeville North, Minnesota, but also share the same birthday of December 18. Charlie Lindgren, who made 21 saves, will celebrate his 31st birthday on Wednesday, while Oettinger turns 26.
Hintz tied the game at 1-1 with a power-play goal during the second period and scored an additional insurance goal with just over five minutes left in the third. His performance ties him for the team lead with 13 goals on the season.
Jason Robertson stood out with two assists throughout the game.
Observations from the game indicate the Capitals have managed an 8-3-1 record while missing the presence of Alex Ovechkin, who is sidelined with a fractured left fibula sustained on November 18. During the morning skate, Ovechkin participated in drills while wearing a non-contact jersey. Additionally, forward Andrew Mangiapane was unavailable due to illness.
For the Stars, defenseman Thomas Harley, who is known for logging significant ice time, was unable to play due to flu symptoms.
A pivotal moment occurred in the third period when the Dallas defense managed to prevent Washington from registering any shots during a power play with the score at 2-1.
In terms of special teams, the Stars excelled, going 4 for 4 on the penalty kill, and have now been perfect in their last four home games, killing off all ten penalties faced.
Looking ahead, the Capitals are set to face the Chicago Blackhawks on Tuesday, while the Stars will take on the Toronto Maple Leafs at home on Wednesday.