The Dallas Stars knocked off the reigning Stanley Cup champion Vegas Golden Knights in the first round and now have to face off against the previous Stanley Cup champion Colorado Avalanche in the second round. This side of the bracket was going to be a battle no matter what, and we should be in for a great series. Let’s get right into the Stars vs. Avalanche odds, picks, and predictions!
NHL Playoffs Odds, Picks, & Predictions: Dallas Stars vs. Colorado Avalanche
Stars vs. Avalanche Odds
Dallas Stars (-115) | Colorado Avalanche (+105)
Stars -1.5 Games (+170) | Avalanche +1.5 Games (-225)
Over 5.5 Games (-175) | Under 5.5 Games (+140)
The Stars and Avalanche (along with the Jets) were battling for the Central Division title up through the final weeks of the season. Dallas ultimately prevailed to earn home-ice advantage in the Western Conference and are slight favorites against Colorado here in the second round.
Stars vs. Avalanche Picks & Predictions
The Stars fell into a 2-0 hole against the Golden Knights before turning it on to win four of the next six games to advance to the second round. Jake Oettinger was stellar in net after a shaky Game 1, and Dallas’ depth was on full display in the hard-fought series.
Wyatt Johnson is emerging as a superstar for the Stars. He’s been moved up and down the lineup but thrived on the top line in the latter games of the first-round series. That’s what the Stars have going for them: depth. They have three lines that can mix and match, and odds are at least one of them will be on their game on any given night.
However, the star power in this series definitely goes Colorado’s way. Nathan MacKinnon is a Hart Trophy finalist (again). Cale Makar already has a Norris Trophy and Conn Smythe Trophy to his name. Mikko Rantanen isn’t too shabby himself. The Avs are also getting some playoff contributions from Valeri Nichushkin and Artturi Lehkonen to add to their depth.
The big question mark for Colorado is between the pipes. Alexandar Georgiev posted a .897 SV% and 3.02 GAA in the regular season and allowed 15 goals on 140 shots (.893) with a 3.03 GAA in the first round.
Whoever wins this series could very well go on to win the Stanley Cup.
Stars vs. Avalanche Pick: Stars (-115) / Over 5.5 Games (-177)
Stars vs. Avalanche Prediction: Stars in 7 (+425)
