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The Dallas Stars (48-20-9) take on the Colorado Avalanche (48-23-6) Sunday at Ball Arena. Puck drop is set for 10 p.m. ET (ESPN). Below, we analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s lines around the Stars vs. Avalanche odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.
The Stars had an 8-game winning streak snapped with a 3-2 setback on the road against the Chicago Blackhawks Saturday. This will be their 6th road game in their last 7. Their itinerary has been Arizona, San Jose, Vancouver, Seattle, back home for Edmonton, Chicago and now Colorado. The heavy travel hasn’t bothered C Roope Hintz, who has goals in 3 of 4 games.
The Avs are just 2-3-1 in their last 6 games after dropping Friday’s tilt 6-2 in Edmonton. An even bigger problem was star RW Mikko Rantanen left with an upper body injury that may keep him out of this game. The Avs trail the Stars for the top spot in the Central Division by 3 points with 5 to go.
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Stars at Avalanche odds
Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:16 a.m. ET.
- Moneyline (ML): Stars +100 (bet $100 to win $100) | Avalanche -120 (bet $120 to win $100)
- Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Stars +1.5 (-250) | Avalanche -1.5 (+195)
- Over/Under (O/U): 6 (O: -120 | U: +100)
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Stars at Avalanche projected goalies
Jake Oettinger (31-13-4, 2.80 GAA, .903 SV%, 3 SO) vs. Alexandar Georgiev (37-16-4, 2.91 GAA, .900%, 2 SO)
“Otter” is coming off a 5-0 shutout over the mighty Oilers Wednesday. He stopped all 35 shots. He shut out the Seattle Kraken before that, turning aside all 17. He was great against Vancouver before that. In all, he has made 79 saves on 80 shots in his last 3 games. Colorado is a different story, though, as he has allowed 5 goals in both of his starts against them this season.
Georgiev has not been equally as steady, allowing 6, 4, 2 and 4 goals in his last 4 starts. He has been great against Dallas, though. He’s 3-0-0 with a 2.63 GAA and .915 SV% against the Stars this season. Last time he saw them, Feb. 27, he stopped 33 of 34 in a 5-1 win.
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Stars at Avalanche picks and predictions
Prediction
Avalanche 3, Stars 2
Moneyline
The Avs have won 4 straight against Dallas, and the Stars haven’t cracked the Avs at home since 2022. There are reasons to like each side here with the play of Oettinger alongside Rantanen’s potential absence. The heavy travel, the altitude and playing on consecutive days are why I’m going with the AVALANCHE -120.
The Avs are 29-7-1 at home this season and need this game if they want home-ice advantage.
Puck line/Against the spread
I’m not touching either side of the puck line here.
I like NATHAN MACKINNON OVER 4.5 SHOTS (-125).
He hit the mark in 2 of 3 matchups against Dallas this season, and if Rantanen is out, he’ll be even more aggressive.
Over/Under
This number is 2-0-1 in the 3 matchups this year, but there is reason to like the Under. Dallas is 3-7 O/U in their last 10. Colorado is 5-4-1 but could be missing one of the best players in the league. This total would be 1-2-1 in the last 4 in Colorado.
It’s the playoff push, and goals are usually at a premium.
Take the UNDER 6 (+100).
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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.
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