Capitals Fall 6-5 to Stars in Home Loss

Washington allowed 11 goals across its last two home games, dropping its third straight contest at Capital One Arena.

Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Hockey

The Washington Capitals lost 6-5 to the Dallas Stars on Tuesday, November 4, 2026, after trailing 4-0 early in the game. The loss followed a previous home defeat in which the Capitals allowed 11 combined goals across their last two games.

Why it matters

The defeat extends the Capitals' defensive struggles as they sit ninth-worst in the NHL in 5-on-5 expected goals against per 60 minutes. Their trouble at even strength is holding back a team that allows 3.43 goals per game, ninth-most in the league.

The Capitals hold a 76% penalty-kill percentage this season, indicating their defensive problems are concentrated at 5-on-5 play. Through 14 games, Washington has five goals scored at even strength against Dallas alone, and the team's expected goals data ranks among the league's weakest.

The players

Washington Capitals

The Washington Capitals are a professional ice hockey franchise based in Washington, D.C., competing in the NHL's Metropolitan Division.

Dallas Stars

The Dallas Stars are a professional ice hockey franchise based in Dallas, Texas, competing in the NHL's Central Division.

Jake Oettinger

Jake Oettinger is a Dallas Stars goaltender who was in net for the Stars' win over Washington.

The details

Dallas goaltender Jake Oettinger faced a Capitals offense that generated five goals despite the early 4-0 deficit. Washington mounted a comeback attempt that fell short, leaving the Capitals with a third straight loss at home after allowing 11 goals across their last two games.

Tuesday, November 4, 2026: Capitals lose 6-5 to the Dallas Stars.
Thursday, November 6, 2026: Capitals face the Florida Panthers to end their three-game homestand.
Saturday, November 8, 2026: Capitals face Florida again in a game described as a real good test.

Season Trajectory

The Capitals' ninth-worst ranking in the NHL's 5-on-5 expected goals against data places them among the league's weaker defensive teams through 14 games. Their offense ranks 10th, meaning the team's season hinges on whether its even-strength defense can catch up to its scoring output.

Fantasy managers rostering Capitals players should note the team's ninth-worst 5-on-5 expected goals against ranking, which points to continued defensive exposure at even strength. The Florida games on November 6 and November 8 offer the next scheduled opportunities to see whether the defensive trend changes.

The takeaway

Teams that allow frequent even-strength goals often struggle to sustain winning records even when their offense performs. For the Capitals, the next two games against Florida will show whether defensive adjustments can match the team's scoring pace.

What happens next

The Capitals face the Florida Panthers Thursday, November 6, 2026, to conclude their three-game homestand, followed by another game against Florida on Saturday, November 8, 2026.