If you're frantically checking your phone to see what's the score of the stars game, you've caught them right in the middle of a high-stakes afternoon showdown. Right now, the Dallas Stars are facing off against the Tampa Bay Lightning at the American Airlines Center.
Puck drop was scheduled for 1:00 PM CST today, Sunday, January 18, 2026.
It's a weird time for a game, honestly. Sunday matinees always have a different energy than those late-night Tuesday grinds. But for a Dallas team that’s been sliding lately—losing nine of their last eleven—every single period feels like a playoff battle. If you aren't parked in front of a TV, you’re likely seeing the score flicker between a defensive stalemate and a sudden offensive explosion.
Where to Find the Live Stars Score Right Now
Sometimes Google’s snippets are a second behind. If you need the goal-by-goal breakdown this second, your best bets are the NHL App or the Victory+ streaming service, which has become the go-to for local fans since the old regional sports network model basically imploded.
The energy in the building today is palpable. You've got Miro Heiskanen back in the lineup after a two-game absence for a family matter. That’s huge. He’s averaging over 26 minutes a night. Without him, the blue line looked kinda lost against Utah and Anaheim.
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What Happened in the Last Game?
If you missed the road trip, it was rough. Really rough.
Last Thursday night in Salt Lake City, the Stars fell 2-1 to the Utah Mammoth. It was one of those games that makes you want to throw a remote. Dallas actually outplayed them for stretches, but John Marino scored early in the third period to break a 1-1 tie, and the Stars couldn't find the equalizer. Mikko Rantanen got the lone goal for Dallas on a power play, but that was it.
Before that? A 3-1 loss to the Anaheim Ducks on Tuesday.
Imagine being the team that lets the Ducks snap a nine-game losing streak. That’s where Dallas was. Roope Hintz managed to score late to avoid the shutout, but Casey DeSmith and the defense just couldn't hold the line against a desperate Anaheim squad.
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The Current State of the Stars Season
Look, the standings are tighter than a new pair of skates. Coming into today, the Stars sit at 27-12-9.
On paper, that looks great. In reality, the Western Conference is a bloodbath. The Colorado Avalanche are currently pacing the Central Division, and Dallas is clawing to keep pace. The biggest issue lately has been the "blown lead" syndrome. It’s been a recurring nightmare for fans.
- Goaltending: Jake Oettinger has been solid, but the team in front of him has had some serious defensive lapses.
- Offense: When Jason Robertson and Roope Hintz are clicking, they’re unstoppable. When they aren't, the secondary scoring has been... let's just say "inconsistent."
- Special Teams: The power play has been a bright spot, but the penalty kill needs to stay out of the box.
Scouting the Opponent: Tampa Bay Lightning
Tampa isn't the juggernaut they were three years ago, but they still have Nikita Kucherov. He’s leading them in points and goals, naturally. They’re sitting at 29-13-4, coming into Dallas with a bit of a heater.
If you're watching the score of the stars game today, keep an eye on how Dallas handles Kucherov. If they let him hang out at the half-wall on the power play, it’s going to be a long afternoon for Oettinger.
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Future Schedule: What’s Next After Today?
Once the final horn sounds today, the Stars don't get much of a breather. They stay home for a massive matchup against the Boston Bruins this Tuesday, January 20th.
Then it’s back on the road. They’ve got a quick trip to Columbus on Thursday before a home-and-home set with the St. Louis Blues that starts Friday night. These divisional games are where the season is won or lost. Honestly, if they don't pick up at least six points in this next four-game stretch, the "panic" button might actually get pushed in the front office.
Actionable Steps for Stars Fans
Don't just watch the box score. To stay truly updated on the Stars, you should:
- Download the Victory+ App: It’s the primary way to stream games in the Dallas market now without dealing with cable nonsense.
- Monitor the Injury Report: Miro Heiskanen’s return is massive, but watch for any updates on the bottom-six forwards who have been banged up.
- Check the Central Division Standings: A win today is great, but keep an eye on what Colorado and Minnesota are doing tonight.
The Stars are a team built for a deep run, but they have to stop the bleeding. Today’s game against Tampa is the perfect place to start a new streak.