Preview: Can the Washington Capitals Get Past Dallas Stars’ Defense?

The Washington Capitals face a tough offensive challenge Tuesday night, hosting the Dallas Stars in the second game of a three-game homestand.

The Capitals are coming off a 5-1 home loss to the Minnesota Wild and face a daunting task of trying to get past one of the staunchest defenses in the National Hockey League.

Dallas is allowing just 2.14 goals per game through its first 14 contests. The Stars have also limited opponents to 22.3 shots per game, the lowest mark in the league, and own a league-best 93.6% penalty kill.

Washington ranks in the top half of the league in shots per game (27.8) and goals per game (3.4), but faces its toughest test of the season thus far against the Stars.

Last season, Dallas allowed just one goal to the Capitals across the teams' pair of meetings.

The Capitals had 27 shots against Minnesota on Sunday, but missed the net on 19 attempts and had another 20 shots blocked. Getting more pucks on net will be important against a Dallas team that has done a good job limiting opponents' chances.

Logan Thompson will start in net for Washington against Dallas, which counters with Jake Oettinger.

Puck drop between the Capitals and Stars is set for 7:00 p.m. ET and the game will be broadcast locally on Monumental Sports Network.