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Dallas Stars vs Colorado Avalanche Betting Preview
The Colorado Avalanche will look to stay perfect on the young season when they host the Dallas Stars on Saturday night at Ball Arena. This Central Division clash renews one of the NHL’s fiercest modern rivalries — and offers the Avalanche a chance at revenge after Dallas eliminated them in consecutive postseasons.
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Colorado’s 2-0 start has come behind sharp goaltending and elite special-teams play, while Dallas (1-0) enters with momentum from a 5–4 road win in Winnipeg. This will be the Stars’ second game under new head coach Glen Gulutzan, who replaced Peter DeBoer in the offseason.
Saturday’s matchup also carries an emotional twist: Mikko Rantanen, traded away from Colorado last January and now starring for the Stars, returns to Denver for the first time since his Game 7 hat trick sent the Avalanche home last spring.
Oddsmakers list Colorado as -133 favorites, Dallas at +112, with the total set at 6.0 goals (Over -117, Under -104).
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Line Movement and Odds
The Avalanche opened as slight -125 home favorites and were bet up to -133 with 64% of tickets backing the home side. Sharp bettors are divided, with several models pointing toward value on the Under 6.0 (-104) given both teams’ disciplined structures and elite goaltending to start the year.
Dallas has covered the puck line in 13 of its last 19 regular-season meetings with Colorado, but the Avalanche’s 30th anniversary home crowd should make Ball Arena electric. The Avs have gone 25–8–2 at home since February 2024.
“We’ve got some history with them,” said Colorado captain Nathan MacKinnon. “That’s a team we always get up for.”
Matchup Breakdown
Dallas Stars Outlook:
The Stars opened their season with a 5–4 shootout win in Winnipeg, fueled by Rantanen’s goal and two assists. Jason Robertson and Roope Hintz also contributed offensively, while Jake Oettinger made 31 saves. Dallas’ ability to roll four lines remains a strength, and their blue line — led by Miro Heiskanen — is mobile and efficient in transition. The absence of Jamie Benn (lower body) and Oskar Bäck (shoulder) trims depth, but the Stars’ high-paced forecheck continues to generate turnovers and early goals.
“When Rants plays with that bite, it changes everything,” Robertson said. “He’s hungry out there.”
Colorado Avalanche Outlook:
Colorado’s 2–0 start includes a tense 2–1 win over Utah in their home opener Thursday. MacKinnon scored on the power play, and backup goaltender Scott Wedgewood stopped 32 shots for his second straight win while starter Mackenzie Blackwood continues to recover from injury. The Avs’ defensive corps, anchored by Cale Makar and Devon Toews, has been stellar — allowing only two goals in two games. Martin Necas, acquired from Carolina in the offseason, has added speed and playmaking depth to the top six.
“I’ve felt underused in my career, so it’s nice to get a chance,” said Wedgewood. “The guys in front of me are making it easy.”
Injuries and Conditions
| Dallas Stars | Colorado Avalanche |
|---|---|
| Jamie Benn – Out (Lower Body) | Mackenzie Blackwood – Out (Lower Body) |
| Oskar Bäck – Out (Shoulder) | Valeri Nichushkin – Questionable (Rest) |
| Evgenii Dadonov – Probable (Rest) | Ilya Solovyov – Probable (Visa Cleared) |
| — | Brent Burns – Active (1,500th NHL Game) |
| Stars Injury Report | Avalanche Injury Report |
Weather: Indoor venue (Ball Arena), no external factors.
Best Bets and Prediction
Colorado’s defensive structure looks sharp early, and Wedgewood’s form gives them confidence even without Blackwood. Dallas will push the pace, but back-to-back road games against top-tier Western foes make this a tough spot. Expect a tight, physical battle, with Colorado’s power play — led by MacKinnon and Makar — being the difference.
Pick: Avalanche ML (-133)
Projected Final Score: Avalanche 3, Stars 2
Best Bet: Avalanche ML (-133)
Lean: Under 6.0 (-104)
For more NHL Game Forecasts, Hockey Analysis, and Betting Advice, check the ScoresAndStats NHL Previews page.
Saturday Night Showdown at Ball Arena
The Avalanche are celebrating their 30th season in Colorado with throwback Nordiques jerseys — and a chance to prove they’ve moved past their playoff demons. Explore sharp hockey insights and prop picks →
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Best Bet | Avalanche ML (-133) |
| Confidence Rating | ★★★★☆ |
| Projected Score | Avalanche 3, Stars 2 |
| Total Lean | Under 6.0 (-104) |
| Market Split | 64% bets Avalanche, 59% sharp money Under |
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