The Dallas Stars are chasing another deep playoff run, and the release of their 2025-26 regular-season schedule shows just how much of a test this team will face before spring arrives. With an early road gauntlet, a loaded January, and a home-heavy March, Dallas will need its depth and veterans to guide them through the peaks and valleys of an 82-game campaign.
Opening stretch and key home dates
The Stars begin their season on the road, opening Oct. 9 in Winnipeg before returning to American Airlines Center for their home opener on Oct. 14 against the Minnesota Wild. The first two months of the season will be crucial as Dallas looks to establish momentum against a Central Division slate that always comes with playoff-level intensity.
Several home dates are already circled for fans:
Nov. 28 vs Utah – A day-after-Thanksgiving showdown against the league’s newest brand.
Dec. 31 vs Buffalo – A New Year’s Eve home game, followed by a quick turnaround against Chicago on New Year’s Day.
Mar. 6-16 – A massive six-game homestand that could define the Stars’ playoff positioning.
Road-heavy January
January is shaping up to be the season’s biggest challenge. Dallas will play 11 road games, the most of any month, including a brutal six-game road trip from Jan. 6-15 that spans Carolina, Washington, Los Angeles, Anaheim, and more. It’s the kind of stretch that can wear down a roster, and how Dallas handles that trip could shape their playoff outlook.
The grind doesn’t stop there. January also features back-to-backs in Columbus and St. Louis, plus another in California. It will be a month where young legs and goaltending depth are put to the test.
March momentum
If the Stars can weather January, March brings the reward. Dallas will play eight home games at American Airlines Center, including a season-long six-game homestand from Mar. 6-16. With playoff races tightening, that stretch offers a golden chance for Dallas to stack points in front of their home fans.
Key matchups during the homestand include divisional rivals and heavyweights from the Eastern Conference, making it one of the most important runs of the entire campaign.
Back-to-back battles
The Stars are set for 12 back-to-back sets this season. Notable ones include:
Oct. 25 vs Carolina / Oct. 26 at Nashville – An early-season test against two playoff-caliber opponents.
Dec. 31 vs Buffalo / Jan. 1 at Chicago – A New Year’s doubleheader that will challenge stamina.
Mar. 28 at Pittsburgh / Mar. 29 at Philadelphia – A late-season Eastern swing with postseason implications.
Managing those turnarounds will be key, especially for starting goaltender Jake Oettinger, who already has a heavy workload projected.
MORE: Anze Kopitar’s last ride: Kings’ 2025-26 schedule sets stage for farewell run
Olympic break and condensed finish
Like the rest of the NHL, Dallas will pause from Feb. 6-24 for the 2026 Winter Olympics. Several Stars, including Mikko Rantanen and Miro Heiskanen, are expected to feature for their countries, meaning Dallas’ top talent will stay busy even during the break.
When play resumes, the condensed schedule will make March and April fast-paced and unforgiving. The Stars close the season with five home games in April, including a finale at AAC that could be critical for seeding.
Final Dallas thoughts
The 2025-26 Dallas Stars schedule is a tale of two halves: a grueling road-heavy first stretch followed by a home-friendly spring run that could power the team into the playoffs. If they survive January’s grind, Dallas will be in position to make another charge toward the Cup once the calendar turns to March.
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