Stanley Cup Playoff Round 1 matchup between Colorado Avalanche and Dallas Stars will take place on April 27 at Ball Arena in Denver. The series score is 2-1 in favor of Dallas. Colorado vs. Dallas: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Colorado Avalanche
The team suffered its second consecutive defeat in the series, but they have not lost in regulation time in this matchup (2 wins, 2 draws). Valeri Nichushkin scored the only goal for Colorado in the last game. Gabriel Landeskog also participated in this match, playing for the first time since 2022 after missing about three years due to a knee injury. Notably, the club is among the highest-scoring teams in the current Stanley Cup (9 goals). However, they are one of the worst in power play conversion in this playoff (15.4%).
- Colorado has not scored more than one goal in regulation time in 4 of their last 6 NHL home meetings.
- The club has not won in regulation time in their last five home league games (3 draws, 2 losses).
- No more than six goals have been scored in regulation time in 6 of Colorado's last 7 NHL matches.
Dallas Stars
Peter DeBoer's team took the lead in the series by winning the last game in overtime with a score of 2-1. Dallas conceded in the first period but managed to equalize in the middle of the final third by capitalizing on a power play. The winning goal was scored by Tyler Seguin in the sixth minute of overtime. Notably, Dallas is among the teams conceding the most in this playoff, with nine goals against, but they are in the top five for penalty kill efficiency (84.6%).
- Dallas has not scored more than three goals in regulation time in 7 of their last 10 NHL meetings at Colorado's venue.
- The club lost 3 of their last 4 away league games (1 in OT).
- No more than six goals have been scored in regulation time in 5 of Dallas's last 6 NHL away matches.
Colorado vs. Dallas: Match Prediction
After two consecutive victories in the matchup, Dallas undoubtedly has a psychological advantage over their opponent. However, the series seems so evenly matched that Colorado should level the score at home by any means and avoid putting themselves at risk when the series moves back to Dallas.
In this matchup, Colorado has not lost in regulation time (1 win, 2 draws). As for Dallas, their away performance has been quite unstable, losing 3 of their last 4 NHL games (1 in OT). After two consecutive wins, the advantage might slightly relax Peter DeBoer's side, which the opponent should capitalize on.
The hosts will certainly be motivated to redeem themselves, especially on home ice. Additionally, the team has won 2 of their last 3 NHL meetings at home (1 in OT). I believe the hosts will make the most of their opportunities; my prediction: Colorado Avalanche to win the match
