Dallas Stars vs. Carolina Hurricanes Pick and Prediction for Tuesday January 6, 2026

The Dallas Stars travel to Raleigh to face the Carolina Hurricanes at the Lenovo Center. The game has a puck drop time of 7:00 PM and will be available for fans to stream on ESPN+. This clash of division leaders features the second-ranked teams from both the Central and Metropolitan divisions in a highly anticipated rematch of their October encounter. For more great NHL picks, find our free NHL picks.

Stars Look to Break Out of Rare Slump

The Dallas Stars enter this contest with a 25-9-8 record but find themselves in uncharted territory, currently mired in a season-long five-game losing streak (0-3-2). Most recently, Dallas fell 4-3 in overtime to the Montreal Canadiens on January 4. Despite the recent slide, the Stars remain one of the most dangerous road teams in the NHL, sporting a 13-3-5 record away from American Airlines Center.

Dallas features the league’s 3rd-ranked offense, averaging 3.40 goals per game, bolstered by an elite power play clicking at 29.1%. Defensively, they remain stout, allowing just 2.71 goals per game (5th in NHL) and maintaining an 82.1% penalty kill. Leading the charge is Mikko Rantanen, who has tallied 57 points, while Jason Robertson leads the team in goals with 24.

In net, Jake Oettinger is the expected starter. He has posted 16 wins, 7 losses, and 4 overtime losses with a 2.62 GAA and a .905 save percentage. He’ll look to recapture the form that led Dallas to a 3-2 victory over Carolina earlier this season.

• Jamie Benn (LW): OUT - Est. Return Jan 10 (Facial injury)

Hurricanes Aim to Build on Division Lead

The Carolina Hurricanes sit atop the Metropolitan Division with a 25-14-3 record. They have been inconsistent of late, going 4-5-1 in their last ten, but are coming off a solid 3-1 road win against the New Jersey Devils on January 4. Carolina has been strong at the Lenovo Center, posting a 13-8-1 record at home.

The Hurricanes' identity remains their puck-possession dominance, as they lead the league in shots allowed (only 24.8 per game). Offensively, they average 3.26 goals per game (9th in NHL), led by Sebastian Aho (42 points) and Andrei Svechnikov. Their special teams are middle-of-the-pack, with an 18.9% power play and a 79.8% penalty kill.

The goaltending situation is currently in flux due to injury. With Pyotr Kochetkov sidelined, Carolina will likely turn to Brandon Bussi, who has been excellent in relief with a 13-2-1 record, 2.33 GAA, and .901 save percentage. Alternatively, veteran Frederik Andersen (5-9-2, 3.38 GAA) remains an option.

• Seth Jarvis (RW): Day-To-Day - Est. Return Jan 6 (Rib injury; returned to practice Jan 1)

• Pyotr Kochetkov (G): IR - Likely out for season (Lower body)

Analysis & Betting Picks

Stars vs Hurricanes Pick

• Moneyline: Dallas Stars (+110)

While Dallas has lost five straight, four of those losses came by just one goal (three in overtime/shootouts). They are due for a regression toward their season-long mean. The loss of Jamie Benn hurts their depth, but their 3rd-ranked power play should find success against a Carolina penalty kill that has dipped below 80%. As a plus-money underdog, the Stars offer great value to "right the ship."

Stars vs Hurricanes Total Pick

• Total: Under 6.5 (-120)

Both teams are defensively oriented and rank in the top half of the league in goals allowed. Their previous meeting this season was a tight 3-2 affair. With both teams prioritizing structure to snap out of recent inconsistencies, expect a disciplined game where scoring chances are at a premium.