Preview: Stars open key stretch of home games vs. Washington

Washington Capitals at Dallas Stars

About the Stars

The Stars (18-14-2) wrapped up a four-game road trip with a 2-1 loss at Philadelphia on Saturday. Both Philadelphia goals were power-play tallies scored by Shayne Gostisbehere, including the game-winner in overtime. The Stars were shorthanded six times in the game.
"To give yourself a chance to win you've got to stay out of the penalty box," said Stars captain Jamie Benn. "Take however many penalties tonight, two power-play goals shoot you in the butt, and they won the game because of that."
The Stars went 2-1-1 on the trip and improved to 5-2-1 in their last eight road games. They now have a stretch where they will play nine of their next 10 games at home, where they have won 10 of 14 this season.
"It's a huge stretch, for sure," said defenseman John Klingberg. "We are right in it on the wild card. We've got nine out of 10 at home, so it's going to be huge. We've been playing pretty good at home. It should be fun, and it's some serious competition for us, because we are playing a lot of top teams.
"It's going to be maybe the most important stretch so far."
Ben Bishop will get the start in goal for the Stars on Tuesday.
Tuesday's game opens a three-game homestand that will take the Stars into the holiday break.
Injuries: D Marc Methot (knee) is out.

About the Capitals

The Capitals (21-12-1) won their third straight game, rallying from a 2-0 deficit to defeat Anaheim, 3-2, in overtime Saturday in Washington. Nicklas Backstrom and Evgeny Kuznetsov scored in the third period to erase the two-goal deficit, and Alex Ovechkin scored 1:58 into overtime.
"We haven't played our best maybe over 60 minutes, but we find ways to win, and that's all that matters," Backstrom told media. "I feel like this is the time you need to get points and climb that ladder. That's what we've got to do."
The Capitals are 7-1-0 in their last eight games and 10-2-0 over their past 12 and have climbed into first place in the Metropolitan Division.
Right wing T.J. Oshie, who has missed the last six games with a concussion, practiced Monday and is expected to play Tuesday.
Tuesday's game kicks off a stretch of four straight games on the road for Washington.
Injuries: RW T.J. Oshie (concussion) is probable.

Season Series

Statistical Tidbits

Mark Stepneski is an independent writer whose posts on DallasStars.com reflect his own opinions and do not represent official statements from the Dallas Stars. You can follow Mark on Twitter at @StarsInsideEdge.