Welcome to our overview of Texas sporting events. Every day, we’ll highlight one or two big stories from across the Lone Star State, along with a roundup of other news you need to know.
NHL’s best battle
The Dallas Stars enter Monday’s game against the Washington Capitals with the NHL’s best home record after winning 12 of their first 15 games at American Airlines Center. This statistic bodes well for the Stars considering they will be hosting a matchup against a Stanley Cup contender.
The problem is, Washington is even better on the road than Dallas is domestically. The Caps are 12-2-0 when playing outside of D.C., arguably the best road record in the NHL.
Regardless of the outcome of the heavyweight showdown, both teams will take to the ice looking to continue to improve in the absence of notable players.
Stars center Tyler Seguin was placed on injured reserve earlier this month after undergoing hip surgery, but veteran Matt Duchene replaced him with a team-leading 30 points. In Washington, the Capitals have the best record in the league as left wing Alexander Ovechkin recovers from a broken foot.
The Caps’ visit also gives the Stars a chance to strengthen their case as a legitimate title threat. After back-to-back seasons ended with a loss in the Western Conference Finals, coach Peter DeBoer’s team wants to take the next step this year, and a win against Washington would prove Dallas could do so. It will be.
Other Texas sports news you should know:
— The UIL state football playoff championship round is set after an exciting semifinal weekend in which North Crowley defeated defending Class 6A Division I state champion Duncanville, 36-34. North Crowley (No. 9) and Duncanville (No. 3) both finished in the top 10 of the MaxPreps national rankings for the week.
— Boise State running back and Frisco ISD graduate Ashton Giunty finished second in Heisman voting and congratulated Travis Hunter on winning. But Jeanty also told reporters: “I really thought I should have given up on the award.”
— The Texans defeated the Dolphins on Sunday to move one step closer to the AFC South title, but for the second straight week, gruesome injuries to their opponent drew attention.
— The Cowboys defeated the Panthers 30-14, with wide receiver Jalen Brooks scoring his first career touchdown while playing 20 minutes from his hometown.
