Roope Hintz Leads Stars Past Capitals, Ending Washington’s 10-Game Road Streak

The Dallas Stars delivered a statement win on Monday night, snapping the Washington Capitals' impressive 10-game road winning streak with a decisive 3-1 victory at the American Airlines Center. Roope Hintz led the charge with two goals, showcasing his knack for coming through in big moments, while the Stars’ depth and grit shined through against one of the NHL’s toughest teams.

The victory was a test of Dallas’ resilience. Head coach Pete DeBoer emphasized the significance of beating a team like Washington, noting the adversity his squad faced heading into the game. “You’re short-handed, you’re playing the best and hottest team in the League,” DeBoer said postgame. “Your best players have to be your best players, and they were tonight.”

Jason Robertson provided a pair of assists, and rookie defenseman Lian Bichsel notched a pivotal goal for the Stars, who improved to 19-11-0 on the season. In net, Jake Oettinger made 25 saves, frustrating Washington’s offense and proving once again why he’s regarded as one of the NHL’s elite goaltenders.

The Capitals struck first when Dylan Strome tipped in a Jakob Chychrun shot late in the first period, giving Washington a 1-0 lead. However, the Stars responded with poise. Hintz tied the game 1-1 in the second period with a power-play blast off a crisp feed from Jamie Benn. The momentum only grew for Dallas when Bichsel fired a shot from the left point that deflected off a Capitals defenseman, giving the Stars a 2-1 edge.

Bichsel, in just his third NHL game, reflected on his early success. “Every day is a new opportunity for me,” the rookie said. “I’m fighting for a spot here, and I’m doing everything I can to help the team.”

Hintz capped off the night with his second goal late in the third period, sealing the win on a sharp shot from the right face-off circle. The Stars’ penalty kill also played a critical role, stifling the Capitals' power play and ensuring Washington couldn’t capitalize on their limited opportunities.

Despite the loss, Washington coach Spencer Carbery praised his team’s effort but admitted their inability to convert on the power play was costly. “We needed more out of it tonight,” Carbery said. “You have to give credit to Oettinger; he’s one of the best goalies in the world. We just couldn’t break through.”

Oettinger acknowledged the challenge of facing a team as complete as Washington. “They’re heavy, they’ve got great leadership, and we had to be at our best to win tonight,” he said.

The Stars’ ability to win tight, playoff-style games like this one bodes well for their future. Monday’s victory was not only a reminder of their talent but also their ability to step up in critical moments, even when facing adversity.

This win marks a significant moment for Dallas as they continue to position themselves among the NHL’s top contenders while halting Washington’s dominant run away from home. The Stars proved that when their best players shine, they’re a team to be reckoned with.