Colorado (0-0) at Dallas (0-0)
- When: Apr 19 2025, 8:30 PM
- Where: American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- TV: TNT
Avalanche vs Stars Game 1 Betting Preview & Prediction
Moneyline Favorite: Colorado -142
Total: 6.0
The Colorado Avalanche head into Saturday’s Game 1 against the Dallas Stars as -142 moneyline favorites, with the total set at 6.0 goals. Both teams enter this Western Conference first-round playoff clash dealing with injuries, but the edge clearly tilts toward Colorado.
Dallas Stars Preview:
The Stars are already behind the eight ball before the puck drops. Dallas will be without leading goal-scorer Jason Robertson, who suffered a lower-body injury in the season finale. To make matters worse, standout defenseman Miro Heiskanen is also unavailable. Dallas limped into the playoffs, going winless over their final seven games (0-5-2) and looking nothing like the second-place finisher in the Central Division.
Despite the adversity, veteran forward Tyler Seguin — recently back from hip surgery — believes the team can rally. But with two critical players sidelined and no momentum heading in, the Stars face an uphill battle.
Colorado Avalanche Preview:
Colorado, on the other hand, has surged since mid-February and looks like a serious Stanley Cup contender once again. The Avalanche may have moved on from former core piece Mikko Rantanen via a pair of trades, but they reloaded with depth and talent. New additions Martin Necas, Jack Drury, Erik Johnson, and Brock Nelson all bring playoff experience and balance across four lines.
Goaltending has been another area of transition, but MacKenzie Blackwood and Scott Wedgewood form a solid tandem capable of anchoring a deep postseason run. The potential return of captain Gabriel Landeskog, who’s been sidelined since 2022, gives Colorado another major boost — both in talent and locker room leadership.
Prediction & Betting Outlook:
Despite Dallas owning the regular-season series and knocking off Colorado in last year’s playoffs, the circumstances are drastically different this time. The Stars are depleted and reeling, while the Avalanche are rolling with health, depth, and confidence.
The Avs’ offensive firepower, led by Nathan MacKinnon, combined with home-ice advantage and Dallas’ injury woes, make Colorado the clear side to back in Game 1.
Score Prediction: Avalanche 4, Stars 3
Best Bet: Colorado -142 moneyline
Total Lean: Over 6.0 – especially with both teams capable of scoring in bunches and goaltending depth being tested.
- NHL Odds source: MyBookie Sportsbook
