Game 2 in Dallas is set to burn bright as the Stars desperately try to slow down Colorado’s freight train. Can they plug the leaks on defense? Or will MacKinnon and the Avalanche continue to carve them open? Below, I’ve got my preview, prediction, and best bet for tonight’s NHL clash in the West between the Stars and the Avalanche.
Here’s how I’ll play it. I’ll be pumping out these predictions for individual games all season, with plenty of coverage here on DraftKings Network. Follow my handle @dansby_edits for more betting plays.
Stars vs. Avalanche prediction, preview
Colorado is rolling into Game 2 with a fierce momentum advantage, riding high after their 5-1 Game 1 demolition of the Dallas Stars. Despite the final score, the statistical picture was tighter than it seemed. The teams posted nearly identical expected goals (Colorado 2.09, Dallas 2.11), but the Avs’ efficiency — converting 21% of their shots — gave them the edge. There was plenty of fluke, but that doesn’t mean we’re to expect the Colorado Avalanche to come out and hang an expected goals of under 3.0 again.
Nathan MacKinnon’s—also rather fluky—two-goal performance in Game 1 pushed his postseason tally to 11 goals and four assists in his last 10 playoff games. Mackenzie Blackwood posted a stellar .958 save percentage, offering stability between the pipes, while Colorado’s power play is clicking at 24.79%, ranking 6th in the league. With 116 points this season, MacKinnon has the ability to tilt any game in Colorado’s favor.
Dallas, on the other hand, is reeling. Been reeling, you feel? Their defense is in disarray, giving up an alarming 4.88 goals per game over their last eight losses. With no Jason Robertson and an ailing Miro Heiskanen, the Stars are severely undermanned. Jake Oettinger’s recent form has been shaky, registering a .826 save percentage in Game 1, a stark contrast to Blackwood’s performance. The Stars have allowed four-or-more goals in six consecutive games, showcasing their defensive vulnerabilities. The Stars’ 2.71 goals-against-per-game average ranked sixth in the league during the regular season, but that’s all been undone by their current slump.
Honestly, Stars fans are worried if the entire campaigns been undone by this gobsmacking rut.
Avalanche vs. Stars pick, best bet
Despite Dallas’ home-ice advantage, Colorado’s depth, power-play efficiency (25%), and a glaring defensive mismatch make the Avalanche the clear pick to cover the puck line and win by at least two goals. The Avalanche have won four of their last five Game 2s of a playoff series, and the Stars are 0-7 in their last seven playoff series openers under Pete DeBoer. Colorado’s penalty kill has been solid at 79.8% while Dallas struggles on the PK, sitting at 75%. With the momentum squarely in Colorado’s favor and Dallas unable to stop the bleeding defensively, the Avs are the smart play tonight.
In the end, it’s clear: the Avs will dominate Game 2, pushing their series lead to 2-0. They’re playing with confidence, and Dallas has no answers for even and especially themselves. The Avalanche take this one by two goals — and don’t be surprised if they leave the Stars wondering what went wrong.
Best bet: Avalanche -1.5 (+170) at Dallas Stars
I want the Stars to win, but go contrarian with me in the DKN betting group here!
