The series heads to Ball Arena after the Dallas Stars and Colorado Avalanche split the first two games in Big D.
My Stars vs. Avalanche predictions expect Colorado to impress in its first playoff game on home ice this postseason.
Read on for my NHL picks for Wednesday, April 23.
Who will win Stars vs Avalanche Game 2?
Analytically, the Colorado Avalanche were the superior team this season. Although the Dallas Stars finished with a better record, Colorado ranked higher in expected goals for percentage (xGF%).
The Avs have won three of the past four meetings between these two teams, a trend I expect to continue tonight.
Stars vs Avalanche prediction
My Stars pick: Avalanche -1.5 (+140 at BET99)
While Colorado was analytically the better team this season, there’s an even bigger reason to back the Avs in Game 3: they return to Ball Arena, where visiting teams have struggled mightily at elevation.
The Avalanche have won 12 of their past 15 games on home ice, with 10 of those wins coming by at least a two-goal margin. Meanwhile, the Stars are just 5-7 over their past 12 road games, with most of those losses also coming by two or more goals.
Colorado also possesses the goaltending advantage with Mackenzie Blackwood slated to start. Since being traded to the Avalanche this season, Blackwood is 22-12-3 with a .913 save percentage and 2.33 goals-against average.
He also owns a .913 save percentage over his past six starts against Dallas.
Meanwhile, the Stars will start goaltender Jake Oettinger, who has posted a .892 save percentage over his past six starts against Colorado, and hasn't looked as sharp down the stretch as he did earlier in the season.
Stars vs Avalanche same-game parlay (SGP)
Avalanche -1.5
Nathan MacKinnon anytime goal
Cale Makar Over 0.5 assists
If Colorado is to win by two or more goals, it will need continued offensive production. Forward Nathan MacKinnon has scored off a Cale Makar assist in Games 1 and 2, and this connection could strike again in Game 3.
Neither player needs much of an introduction. Both are among the best in the world, and it doesn’t take much for Makar to set up MacKinnon.
They are an especially lethal combination on the power play, which is how they’ve connected in each of the first two games in this series.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
Bet on the NHL at BET99!
One of Canada's best sportsbooks for hockey betting, join BET99 and get up to $1,500 bonus bets back if your first bet doesn’t win when using our BET99 promo code COVERSBONUS!
*Not available in Ontario. 19+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Stars vs Avalanche odds
Stars vs Avalanche live odds
Stars vs Avalanche opening odds
- Puck line: Dallas +1.5 (-170) | Colorado -1.5 (+145)
- Moneyline: Dallas +140 | Colorado -160
- Over/Under: Over 6.5 (+100) | Under 6.5 (-120)
Odds courtesy of BET99
Stars vs Avalanche trend
Colorado has won 12 of its past 15 home games, with 10 of those 12 wins coming by at least a two-goal margin. Find more NHL betting trends for Stars vs. Avalanche.
How to watch Stars vs Avalanche
| Location | Ball Arena, Denver, CO |
| Date | Wednesday, 4-23-2025 |
| Puck drop | 9:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN, SN360 |
Stars vs Avalanche latest injuries
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
