The first-round playoff clash of the Stanley Cup between the Dallas Stars and Colorado Avalanche will take place on April 20 at the American Airlines Center. Dallas vs. Colorado: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Dallas Stars
Peter DeBoer’s team finished third in the West during this season's regular championship, amassing a total of 106 points. The club was among the most reliable in its conference, conceding 224 goals, with opponents scoring less than three goals per match on average. Meanwhile, Dallas was among the league leaders in goals scored (277 goals). Notably, the team ranked fourth in penalty kill percentage this season (82%) and was also among the teams with the most regulation-time wins (50).
Within the team, Mikko Rantanen stood out as the top scorer, earning 88 points (32+56) over 82 games. Jason Robertson also shined, becoming the top goal scorer with 35 goals.
Last season, Dallas's Stanley Cup journey ended in the semifinals, losing to Edmonton in six games. In the second round, the team faced Colorado (4:2). The upcoming playoffs will be the club's sixth in the last seven years. It's worth noting that in the previous two seasons, the team reached the semifinals both times.
- Dallas has lost four of its last home games in the league (1 in OT).
- The club has conceded at least four goals in regulation time in its last four NHL home games.
- At least six goals were scored in 6 of the last 8 league games involving Dallas.
Colorado Avalanche
This season, the team finished third in the Central Division and fifth in the West. Colorado was among the top five most prolific teams this championship, scoring a total of 277 goals. Additionally, with 49 regulation-time wins, the club was among the teams with the most victories this season. Nathan MacKinnon was a standout player for Colorado, earning 116 points in the regular season and finishing second in the league's scoring race, trailing only Nikita Kucherov (32+84). Cale Makar also deserves mention as the team's second top goal scorer (30 goals).
Last season, Colorado's Stanley Cup run ended in the second round. The upcoming playoffs will be their eighth consecutive appearance. It's worth noting that after winning the league's main trophy in 2022, the club has failed to reach the finals for two consecutive seasons.
- Colorado has won 4 of the last 6 NHL meetings at Dallas's venue (2 in OT).
- The club has scored at least four goals in regulation time in 6 of their last 7 away league games.
- At least five goals were scored in regulation time in 5 of Colorado's last 6 NHL games.
Dallas vs. Colorado: Match Prediction
Throughout the season, Dallas wasn't consistently stable, but the second half of the championship was quite convincing. The club was arguably the best in this stretch in terms of points earned and victories, although the end of the championship raised significant questions. Dallas ended the regular season with seven consecutive losses (2 in OT), but overall, it can be assumed that the team was mentally preparing for the playoffs.
Colorado also lacked stability this season. The team’s attack looks impressive, as evidenced by at least 277 goals scored in the championship. However, statistically, neither in equal strength nor in power play is the team among the leaders, and they largely rely on individual skill to resolve issues.
The advantage for Dallas is that any line can essentially solve problems, while Colorado is more vulnerable in this aspect and tends to rely on its leaders. The only concern is Peter DeBoer's team's lackluster finish, but the club's playoff motivation should be sky-high, so I expect different results. As hosts, Dallas has not lost in regulation time in 8 of the last 10 NHL meetings (5 wins, 3 draws).
Based on these facts, my prediction: Dallas Stars with a handicap (0)
