The first-round playoff clash in the Stanley Cup between the Colorado Avalanche and the Dallas Stars will take place on April 24 at Ball Arena in Denver. The series is tied at 1-1. Colorado vs. Dallas: prediction, betting odds, and statistics.
Colorado Avalanche
The team suffered a defeat in the last away game of the series in overtime (3-4). Notably, the visitors led twice during the match. Logan O'Connor stood out for Colorado, earning two points (1 goal, 1 assist) in the game. Currently, in this playoff, the club is one of the most productive, having scored eight goals.
- Colorado has not won in regular time in their last four home games in the NHL (2 wins, 2 draws).
- The club has not scored more than two goals in 60 minutes in their last four league games as hosts.
- Colorado has not conceded more than three goals in regular time in 6 of their last 9 home encounters in the NHL.
Dallas Stars
Peter DeBoer's team leveled the series, ending a 5-game losing streak on home ice in the NHL. Sam Steel was notable for Dallas, providing two assists in this match. However, having conceded eight goals over two playoff games, the club is one of the most defensively fragile in the current Stanley Cup run.
- Dallas has won 4 of the last 6 meetings in the NHL on Colorado's ice (1 in OT).
- The team scored at least three goals in 60 minutes in 6 of their last 8 away games in the league.
- No more than six goals have been scored in regular time in 4 of Dallas's last 5 away NHL games.
Colorado vs. Dallas: Match Prediction
Dallas responded as expected to their defeat in the second match of the series, but Colorado was close to bringing the series home with a confident lead. At home, Colorado looks quite convincing, and despite a slightly mixed end to the regular season, the club has only two regular-time losses in their last 16 home NHL games (10 wins, 4 draws). Meanwhile, Dallas has suffered three consecutive away losses in the league (1 in OT), and it's quite likely that the team will give the home team an advantage.
I believe that the home advantage will help Colorado, and after their loss, the club will be determined, giving them, in my opinion, a better chance to take the lead. Colorado has won the last two home encounters in the NHL (1 in OT), so my choice is in favor of the hosts.
Match prediction: Colorado Avalanche to win the match
