Wed Jan 14 03:30:00 UTC 2026: # Stars Face Ducks in Key Matchup, Steel Returns to Anaheim

The Story:
The Dallas Stars are set to face the Anaheim Ducks on Tuesday, January 13th, 2026, at the Honda Center. This game holds particular significance as Stars forward Sam Steel returns to face his former team, the Ducks, where he spent his first four NHL seasons. Both teams enter the game with noteworthy individual performances: Steel is on a two-game point streak, while Ducks forward Leo Carlsson leads his team in scoring. The Stars defense pairings are under scrutiny, with adjustments being made to find the optimal combinations.

Key Points:

  • The Stars play the Ducks on January 13, 2026, at 9:00 PM EST at the Honda Center.
  • Sam Steel, a former Ducks player, is on a two-game point streak for the Stars. He has 17 points this season and leads the Stars in game-winning goals with 5.
  • Leo Carlsson leads the Ducks in scoring with 44 points in 44 games.
  • The Stars defense pairings are in flux, with coach Glen Gulutzan relying on assistant coach Alain Nasreddine for decisions.
  • Since returning from the Christmas break, Anaheim is last in goals against (5.25) and save percentage (.826), with a record of 0-7-1.
  • The Stars have a strong record on the second night of back-to-back games, standing at 14-3-1 dating back to last season, and 6-1-0 this season.

Key Takeaways:

  • Sam Steel’s performance against his former team adds an intriguing storyline to the game.
  • The Stars’ defensive pairings will be a crucial factor in their success. The success of players such as Capobianco, Petrovic, Lundkvist and Lyubushkin will be key to the Star’s success.
  • The Anaheim Ducks are struggling defensively since the Christmas break, presenting an opportunity for the Stars to capitalize.
  • The Stars’ historical success on the second night of back-to-back games suggests they are well-prepared for this matchup.

    Read More