Colorado Avalanche vs
Dallas StarsPredictions & Preview

Stars Look to Take Series Lead Against Avalanche in Game 5 Despite Missing Key Players

The Colorado Avalanche and Dallas Stars are set to face off in Game 5 of their Western Conference first-round series on Monday. Colorado managed to even the series at 2-2 with a strong 4-0 victory at home in the last game. The Avalanche started the series with a win in Dallas, but the Stars responded with two consecutive wins, including a Game 3 victory on Colorado's home ice. Both teams will be missing key players for the upcoming game, with Oskar Back and Miro Heiskanen questionable for Dallas, and Ross Colton out for Colorado. Despite Colorado being the betting favorite with a -137 opening line, there has been no movement in the odds. For a detailed prediction and to make your NHL picks for the Colorado Avalanche vs. Dallas Stars matchup, be sure to check out our in-depth analysis. Dominate the rink and claim your win!

Betting Odds

• Moneyline: Avalanche -137 | Stars +120
• Spread: Avalanche -1.5 (+183) | Stars +1.5 (-217)
• Total: Over/Under 6 (-110)
• Based on the moneyline, the implied probability that Colorado will win straight-up is 58%.

Colorado vs Dallas Stats

Colorado Avalanche

In Saturday's game four of the series, Colorado Captain Gabriel Landeskog scored for the first time in close to 3 years, giving the Avalanche a huge emotional lift. Mackenzie Blackwood looked strong in goal, stopping all 23 shots he faced to post his first postseason shutout. Colorado's relentless attack constantly pressured Dallas' blue line, outshooting them 48 to 23. The Avalanche utilized its superior speed and found rare open space in this series, as seen when Landeskog scored on an odd-man rush. With a power ranking of 17, Colorado is ranked 3 in offense, 9 in defense, and has a record of 51-29-6 this season.

Dallas Stars Analysis

The Dallas Stars are currently in control of their playoff series against Colorado despite losing games one and four. Dallas has the advantage of playing two of the final three games on their home ice if the series goes to a full seven games. Goalie Jake Oettinger faced a tough challenge in the shutout loss to Colorado, making several acrobatic saves before being replaced by Casey DeSmith for the third period. Dallas had a strong record on their home ice during the regular season, winning 28 of 41 games at the American Airlines Center. The Stars will need to slow down the Avalanche's attack and improve their offensive opportunities in order to secure the series. Tyler Seguin has been leading the team with two playoff goals, while three others have also contributed two goals each. The Stars currently have a power ranking of 8 and are ranked #7 for both offense and defense, with an overall record of 52-28-6. Colorado has won two of their last three matchups against Dallas.

Dallas Stars Ready to Defend Home Ice and Take Series Lead Against Colorado Avalanche

The Dallas team is expected to return to its home ice on Monday with a focused strategy to slow down the Colorado attack and secure a 3-2 series lead with a win. Throughout the regular season, Dallas displayed a strong home ice advantage by winning 28 out of 41 games. Despite facing significant pressure in Saturday's loss, goalie Jake Oettinger's performance prevented a more substantial defeat. Although recent statistics may favor Colorado, Dallas has shown resilience by winning two consecutive games after dropping the series opener. In the upcoming match, the Stars are anticipated to excel in their forechecking, neutral zone control, and prevention of Colorado's odd-man rushes. It is crucial for Dallas to impede Colorado's advantage when attacking with a 2 on 1 or 3 on 2 opportunity.

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