Check our Stars vs. Avalanche prediction here. The 2025 NHL Playoffs launch with fireworks in the Western Conference as the Colorado Avalanche head to Dallas to face the Stars in Game 1 of what promises to be a thrilling first-round series. These Central Division rivals clashed three times in the regular season, with the Avs taking two of those meetings — including a dramatic 4-3 overtime win back in March.
Colorado skates into the postseason with one of the league’s most potent offenses, powered by Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen, while the Stars counter with elite scoring depth and a lethal power play. Both squads are loaded and evenly matched, but questions linger on Dallas’ defensive consistency down the stretch.
With puck drop set for 8:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, and playoff stakes cranked to the max, the only guarantee is intensity. Buckle up — Game 1 could set the tone for a war in the West.
Find the best NHL betting strategy here.
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📊 Where To Watch Stars vs. Avalanche? (April 19, 2025)
| Category | Detail |
| Matchup | Avalanche vs. Stars (Game 1) |
| Date | Saturday, April 19, 2025 |
| Time | 8:30 p.m. ET |
| Location | American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX |
| TV | TNT |
| Moneyline | Avalanche -124 |
| Puck Line | Stars +1.5 |
| Total (O/U) | 5.5 goals |
📊 Betting Odds
| Market | Odds |
| Moneyline | Avalanche -124, Stars +104 |
| Total (O/U) | 5.5 goals |
| Series | Western Conference First Round – Game 1 |
🔢 Head-to-Head Snapshot
| Team | Record | Goals For (GF/G) | Goals Against (GA/G) | Division Record |
| Avalanche | 49-29-4 | 3.3 (6th in NHL) | 2.8 (12th in NHL) | 12-12-2 |
| Stars | 50-26-6 | 3.4 (3rd in NHL) | 2.7 (6th in NHL) | 15-8-3 |
🔥 Recent Form (Last 10 Games)
| Team | Record | Goals/Game | Goals Allowed/Game | Special Teams |
| Avalanche | 5-4-1 | 3.1 | 2.5 | 18.8 hits/game |
| Stars | 3-5-2 | 3.1 | 3.5 | 11.8% shooting |
🧊 Key Players to Watch
Colorado Avalanche
- Nathan MacKinnon: 116 PTS (32 G, 84 A) – the engine of Colorado’s attack
- Cale Makar: 92 PTS (30 G, 62 A) – two-way maestro on the blue line
- Mikko Rantanen: 88 PTS (32 G, 56 A) – sniper with size and speed
- MacKenzie Blackwood (G): 28-21-6, 2.55 GAA, .915 SV%
Dallas Stars
- Mikko Rantanen (yes, two teams!): 88 PTS (32 G, 56 A) – [Note: Likely a text error; disregard duplicate]
- Matt Duchene: 82 PTS (30 G, 52 A) – veteran leadership + playoff IQ
- Tyler Seguin: 10 points in last 10 games
- Jake Oettinger (G): 36-18-4, 2.60 GAA, .909 SV%
💥 Betting Trends to Know
| Trend | Avalanche | Stars |
| Moneyline Favorite Record | 44-25 | 4-6 as underdog |
| Overs (5.5+) | 46 games | 45 games |
| Goals per Game (combined) | 6.7 total | 1.2 above O/U |
| Last Meeting | 4-3 OT win (COL) | – |
🎯 Featured Player Props
| Player | Prop | Over Odds |
| Nathan MacKinnon | 1+ Point | -165 |
| Cale Makar | Over 0.5 Assists | -130 |
| Matt Duchene | Over 2.5 Shots | -115 |
| Jake Oettinger | Over 27.5 Saves | -110 |
🧠 ClutchBuzz Parlay Pick
🔥 3-Leg Parlay (+420 odds):
Stars +1.5 Puck Line
Over 5.5 Total Goals
Nathan MacKinnon to Score Anytime
👉 This combo leans into the idea of a high-scoring, close contest — exactly what the last regular-season matchup produced.
🧊 Stars vs. Avalanche Prediction Game 1
This has all the makings of a tight, back-and-forth battle between two heavyweights. The Stars will have the crowd behind them, but Colorado’s postseason pedigree and depth might shine brightest in crunch time.
💥 Score Prediction: Avalanche 4, Stars 3 (OT)
💰 Best Bets: Over 5.5 goals, MacKinnon anytime scorer, Stars +1.5 puck line
