Dallas Stars vs Colorado Avalanche Picks and Predictions April 28th 2025

Dallas Stars vs Colorado Avalanche April 28th 2025

Looking to win big? The Avalanche and Stars face off at 9:30 ET on ESPN. The Stars are hosting the game at American Airlines Center in Dallas, TX. The Avalanche come into this Central division matchup as the -1.5 goal favorite to pick up the win. Currently, the over/under for the game is at 6 goals.

Colorado vs. Dallas Key Information

• Teams: Avalanche at Stars
• Where: American Airlines Center Dallas
• Date: Monday, April 28th
• Betting Odds COL -140 | DAL +120 O/U 6

The Avalanche Can Win If…

With a 5-2 loss to the Predators, the Avalanche’s record dropped to 49-29-4. The total for the game was set at 6.5 goals, and the combined 7 goals surpassed that mark. Colorado, as the underdog on the puck line, failed to cover.

Colorado took the lead in the second period with a goal from Cale Makar, but the Predators responded with five unanswered goals. Nathan MacKinnon scored for the Avalanche at 17:43 in the third period, reducing the deficit to 3-2, but Nashville sealed the game with two empty-net goals.

Colorado fired 30 shots on goal but only found the net twice in their 5-2 loss to Nashville. Cale Makar opened the scoring with his 5th goal of the season, a power-play effort, while Nathan MacKinnon added his 6th goal late in the third period.

Makar also picked up his 16th assist on MacKinnon’s goal. MacKinnon had 6 shots on goal, while Devon Toews recorded his 2nd assist of the season. The Avalanche were held scoreless in the first period before Makar’s goal 2:54 into the second.

Defensively, the Avalanche gave up five goals on 23 shots from the Predators, with Justus Annunen posting a save percentage of 87.5%. Colorado allowed the first goal at 11:29 in the 2nd period and two more in the 3rd, along with a pair of late empty-netters. The Avs’ defense finished with 11 takeaways and 26 hits.

• Colorado has put together a record of 1-2 in their last three games (regular season). The team’s record vs the puck line was just 1-2, in addition to an over-under mark of 1-2.
• Colorado has put together a record of 5-5 in their last ten games (regular season). Their record against the puck line in this stretch is 5-5 to go along with an over-under mark of 4-5-1.

The Stars Can Win If…

Dallas dropped to 50-26-6 after a 4-2 road loss to the Panthers. The Stars trailed 2-0 before tying it up, but Florida pulled away with two goals in the third. Dallas entered as the underdog on the puck line, and the total was set at 6.5 goals, with the combined 6 falling just short.

Evgenii Dadonov put the Stars on the board at 8:38 in the second period, and Matt Duchene tied it up at 11:56. However, Florida regained the lead at 17:28 in the third and added an empty-netter with 1:00 left.

Dallas took 25 shots on goal but only managed to score twice in their 4-2 loss to the Panthers. Evgenii Dadonov netted his second goal of the season, while Matt Duchene added his seventh. Duchene also picked up his eighth assist on Dadonov’s power-play goal.

The Stars were held scoreless in the first period before getting on the board at 8:38 and 11:22 of the second. Miro Heiskanen recorded his fourth assist of the season, and Thomas Harley added his fifth.

Defensively, the Stars will look to bounce back after giving up four goals to the Panthers. Casey DeSmith made 21 saves, finishing with a save percentage of 87.5%. Dallas’ defense also recorded 5 takeaways and 26 hits. The Stars had tied the game at 2-2, but they gave up the go-ahead goal just 2:32 into the 3rd period and an empty-netter with 1:00 remaining.

• Through their last three games, the Stars have a record of 2-1. Their strong play has also resulted in an puck line mark of 2-1 (last 3). They had an over/under mark of 1-2 in those same games.
• Dallas has put together a record of 2-8 in their last ten games (regular season). The team’s record vs the puck line was just 2-8, in addition to an over-under mark of 4-6.

The Lean

If you’re looking for a moneyline pick, my choice is the Stars to take down the Avalanche at home. With the moneyline currently at +120, I’m placing my bet on the Stars straight-up.

Our projections have the Stars pulling out a win as the underdog. But if you’re not as bullish as we are on the Stars, we’d recommend at least getting a bet down on them to cover the puck line.

With an over/under line sitting at 6 goals, we like this game to surpass that mark and recommend getting a bet down on the over.

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Colorado Avalanche Reclaim Momentum Thanks to Landeskog’s Heroics

When the Colorado Avalanche hit the road for a pivotal Game 5 against the Dallas Stars on Monday, they’ll do so with renewed energy—and their fearless captain Gabriel Landeskog leading the charge.

After an agonizing absence that stretched nearly three years due to a devastating knee injury, Landeskog’s comeback in Games 3 and 4 has been nothing short of remarkable. He delivered a stunning goal and added an assist in Colorado’s dominant 4-0 win in Game 4, helping knot the series at two games apiece.

Landeskog’s moment came midway through the second period when he buried a Brock Nelson pass to double Colorado’s lead. Reflecting on the emotional moment, Landeskog shared, “Obviously, I’ve envisioned scoring again for a long time and then there were obviously days where I didn’t know if I was ever going to get to score again.”

The captain’s return could not be better timed for Colorado. After a sluggish start to the series, the Avalanche’s offense now looks revitalized, and their defense, anchored by rock-solid play from the likes of Devon Toews and Cale Makar, has been just as effective.

To follow updates and betting trends throughout the Stanley Cup Playoffs, check out the NHL Odds Page.

Stars Looking for Home-Ice Magic After Avalanche Surge

After winning Games 2 and 3 in overtime, the Dallas Stars hoped to gain a stranglehold on the series. Instead, they found themselves overwhelmed by Colorado’s relentless pressure in Game 4, outshot by a staggering 48-23 margin.

Jake Oettinger, usually Dallas’ dependable postseason rock, allowed three goals before being replaced by backup Casey DeSmith heading into the third period.

Dallas coach Pete DeBoer admitted his team fell short of expectations: “Obviously they were better than us,” he said. “It’s all about your response in a playoff series like this.”

The Stars, who dominated at home with a 28-10-3 regular-season record, will be banking on their home-ice advantage at American Airlines Center to regain momentum. They’re hoping for a repeat of the Game 2 resilience that saw them grind out a critical overtime victory.

For the latest playoff team profiles and player stats, visit the NHL Teams Hub.

Landeskog’s Return Shifts Avalanche Playoff Picture

Gabriel Landeskog’s presence has done more than just provide scoring punch. His leadership and emotional lift have been equally impactful. Since returning, Colorado has displayed a confidence and swagger that was missing early in the series.

Coach Jared Bednar lauded his captain’s resilience, saying, “I’m proud of him regardless of if he scores or not because I know what he’s gone through and how difficult that was.”

Landeskog’s contribution was critical in Game 4’s second period surge, and his chemistry with the Avalanche’s top six forwards was evident. His ability to slot seamlessly into the attack adds another weapon for a team already boasting playoff-tested stars like Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen.

For those looking for insider playoff betting tips and predictions, the NHL Expert Betting Guide is an essential resource.

Stars Seek Better Puck Control and Offensive Pressure

In Game 4, the Stars’ biggest weakness was their inability to maintain puck possession. Constantly hemmed into their own zone, Dallas never established sustained offensive pressure.

Forward Tyler Seguin emphasized the need for a response, stating, “That’s a good hockey team over there. They responded (in Game 4) and we’ve got a chance to do that at home in a couple of days.”

It’s clear that the Stars must adjust their breakouts and neutral-zone play if they hope to stem Colorado’s tide. They cannot afford to rely solely on counterattacks, especially given the Avalanche’s speed and aggressive forecheck.

Dallas must also reignite their power play, which has sputtered after showing promise early in the series. A timely goal or two with the man advantage could tilt Game 5 dramatically.

Game 5 Key Factors: What Will Decide the Winner?

1. Landeskog’s Continued Impact:
Can Landeskog sustain his remarkable return and continue to influence play at both ends of the ice?

2. Goaltending Battle:
Will Jake Oettinger bounce back after a shaky performance, or will Alexandar Georgiev continue his resurgence for Colorado?

3. Home-Ice Advantage:
Dallas boasts one of the league’s best home records. Will that edge finally pay dividends?

4. Puck Possession:
Whichever team controls the puck and dictates tempo will have a massive advantage in what’s expected to be a tight, physical contest.

Injury Report and Lineup Updates

• Avalanche: Gabriel Landeskog fully cleared; no additional injuries reported.
• Stars: No lineup changes expected, but coach DeBoer hinted at possible tweaks on defense.
• Goalies: Jake Oettinger (Stars) vs. Alexandar Georgiev (Avalanche) expected to start Game 5.

For live injury reports and line movement updates, fans can rely on the NHL Picks Center.

Prediction and Betting Preview for Game 5

The Avalanche have captured the momentum, but the Stars’ home prowess cannot be underestimated. Expect a much closer battle than the Game 4 blowout.

Predicted Final Score:
Avalanche 3, Stars 2 (OT)

Best Bets:

• Avalanche ML (+110)
• Under 5.5 Total Goals
• Gabriel Landeskog Anytime Goal Scorer (+270)

Find current betting odds, props, and public betting trends at the NHL Picks and Odds Page