The Dallas Stars (28-15-1) travel to face off against the Colorado Avalanche (27-18-1) on Saturday, January 18th. This game will be played at Ball Arena in Denver and televised on ESPN+. Both the Stars and Avalanche will be looking to bounce back from losses in their previous games. Puck drop is scheduled for 4:00 ET.
Stars vs Avalanche
The Dallas Stars Look To Bounce Back From A Loss
The Stars fell to 28-15-1 with a 4-2 road loss to the Panthers. Dallas, as +1.5 goal underdogs, failed to cover the puck line. The total was set at 6.5 goals, but the combined 6 goals fell just short.
Dallas trailed 2-0 before getting on the board with Evgenii Dadonov’s goal at 8:38 in the second period. They tied it up later in the second, but the Panthers scored twice in the third to seal the win, including a goal at 17:28 and an empty-netter at 19:00.
The Colorado Avalanche Look To Bounce Back From A Loss
Following a 5-2 loss to the Predators, the Avalanche’s record now stands at 27-18-1. Colorado was the underdog on the puck line, and the total for the game was set at 6.5 goals, with the combined score reaching 7.
The Avalanche took the lead at 17:06 in the second period, but Nashville responded with five unanswered goals. Colorado’s second goal came at 17:43 in the third, cutting the deficit to 3-2, before the Predators added two empty-netters.
Dallas Offense Breakdown
Dallas was held scoreless in the first period before Evgenii Dadonov netted his second goal of the season on a power play, and Matt Duchene followed with his seventh. Duchene also picked up his eighth assist on Dadonov’s goal.
The Stars fired 25 shots on goal but were hampered by 32 giveaways. Miro Heiskanen recorded his fourth assist, while Thomas Harley added his fifth.
Avalanche Offense Breakdown
In their 5-2 loss to Nashville, Colorado fired 30 shots on goal but only found the net twice. Cale Makar opened the scoring with his 5th goal of the season, coming on a power play. Nathan MacKinnon added his 6th goal, while Makar also picked up his 16th assist on MacKinnon’s goal.
The Avalanche had 23 giveaways and were shut out in the first period before Makar’s power-play goal at 17:06 in the second. MacKinnon’s goal came with just 2:17 left in the game.
Dallas Team Defense
Defensively, the Stars gave up the first two goals of the game, including one at 8:47 in the 2nd period. After tying the game at 2-2, they allowed another goal just 2:32 into the 3rd period and an empty-netter with 1:00 remaining. Casey DeSmith made 21 saves with a save percentage of 87.5%. The Stars’ defense also recorded 5 takeaways and 26 hits.
Colorado Team Defense
On the defensive side, the Avalanche will look to bounce back after allowing five goals to the Predators in their last game, including two empty-netters. Justus Annunen made 21 saves with a save percentage of 87.5%. Colorado’s defense also contributed 11 takeaways and 26 hits.
Stars vs Avalanche Trends
- Although Dallas has a straight up record of 2-1 in their last three road games, they have not held up as well vs. the puck line going 1-2. The team averaged 2 goals per game in these games.
- Through their last five home contests, the Avalanche offense has averaged 3 goals per game while allowing an average of 2. Colorado posted an overall record of 3-2 while going 1-4 ATS.
- Going back to their last three games as the underdog, the Avalanche have a straight up record of 1-2. But, their mark vs the puck line was just 1-2.
- Looking back on the team’s last ten games as the favorite, the Stars have a straight up record of 8-2. Their record vs the puck line in these games was 5-5.
Stars vs Avalanche Prediction
When making a moneyline pick, my choice is the Avalanche to come out with a win against the Stars while playing at home. Considering the moneyline odds at -133, I’m placing my bet on the Avalanche to win outright.
For my recommended choice in the puck line, I’m leaning towards the Stars to cover. Even if the Avalanche secure a straight-up win, this game is expected to be tightly contested, and the Stars should cover the puck line.
If you’re looking at the over/under line set at 6 goals, our prediction is that this game will exceed that mark, and we strongly advise placing a bet on the over.
All odds are courtesy of Action247 Sportsbook. Good luck!!
* All odds are provided by Action247 Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.**All views expressed are my own. My picks are my own and are not a guarantee, bet at your own risk.Action247 does not warrant the accuracy of completeness of the information, text, graphics, links or other items contained within these post.
Last updated:January 18, 2025 Avalanche, Stars