In their five-game series win over the Arizona Coyotes the Colorado Avalanche were so impressive that they joined the Vegas Golden Knights as co-favorites to win the Western Conference championship and, for that matter, the Stanley Cup itself. When the Avalanche utterly destroyed Arizona by identical scores of 7-1 in games four and five the display was that of utter terror. The Dallas Stars had a more difficult series with the Calgary Flames, rising from death in what should have been a game four loss. Dallas won the series 4-2 as Calgary never recovered from that game four overtime defeat in which Dallas forced the extra frame with only 12 seconds remaining in regulation. Now the Stars are dogs to Colorado in the Western Conference semifinal.
Futures Odds Analysis
The Colorado Avalanche opened as a -225 favorite to win their best of seven NHL Western Conference Playoff series against the Dallas Stars, who opened as a +185 dog to win the series. Colorado is a +390 choice to win the Stanley Cup and is a +170 pick to win the Western Conference. Dallas is a +1100-betting choice to win the Stanley Cup with a +470 price on the Western Conference championships.
Dallas caught Colorado flat in a game one 5-3-win Saturday night. This could alter even more wagering on the Avalanche going forward. Cause by the belief that Colorado will come out much stronger in the second game. This also means that live betting could be more pronounced. Gamblers that still believe that the Avalanche are the better team may swoop in to take them now that the price is not as expensive following that game one upset.
Colorado Avalanche vs. Dallas Stars Series Schedule
Game 1: Saturday, August 22, 2020, Dallas 5, Colorado 3, (Stars lead series 1-0)
Game 2: Monday, August 24, 2020, 9:45 p.m. ET, NBCSN
Game 3: Wednesday, August 26, 2020, 10:30 p.m. ET, NBCSN
Game 4: Friday, August 28, 2020, 10 p.m. ET, NBCSN
Game 5: Sunday, August 30, 2020, TBD
Game 6: Monday, August 31, 2020, TBD
Game 7: Wednesday September 2, 2020, TBD
Series Price at BookMaker.eu
Dallas Stars +110
Colorado Avalanche -126
Head to Head Results
In this head to head series the Stars have shown surprising strength against the Avalanche with five wins in the last six meetings. Nine of the last 11 between these two teams have gone under the total. This feeds into the undertakers and their trait of liking playoff games under the total.
Key Stats
Dallas has been the third more profitable team against the odds since the restart. The Stars ranked second best in the regular season for goals against. Colorado ranks first for goals scored and fourth for goals allowed with the top power play in post season.
Players to Watch
Colorado is led by the center ice tandem of Nathan MacKinnon and Nazem Kadri with each player scoring six goals. MacKinnon has added 10 assists and a whopping plus nine.
Veteran center Joe Pavelski has had the hot playoff hand with six goals, two assists and a plus two for the Stars.
Between the Pipes
Top Colorado goaltender Philipp Grubauer is out indefinitely with a leg issue as he had to leave game one. Backup Pavel Francouz is 1-2 but with a 1.59 goals against average and save percentage of .941 with one shutout.
Dallas netminder Anton Khudobin is 5-3 with a 2.55 goals against average and save percentage of .917. Top goaltender Ben Bishop remains questionable with an undisclosed issue.
NHL Odds Pick
Dallas has shown unexpected scoring ability so far and the injury to Grubauer is of major concern for the Avalanche. Dallas may be inspired after their epic win over the Flames and have the feel of being a team of destiny. The Stars are a very live dog.
Prediction:Dallas Stars
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