Rivalry Renewed: Dallas Stars Host Colorado Avalanche in 2025 Stanley Cup Playoff Opener
This Saturday, the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs will witness an exciting first-round matchup as the Dallas Stars face off against the Colorado Avalanche. The game will be held at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, showcasing a rivalry that has intensified following last year’s playoff encounter, where the Stars triumphed in six games during the second round. The puck is set to drop at 8:30 p.m. ET.
Season Performance and Playoff Context
The Stars concluded the 2025 NHL regular season with a commendable performance, finishing four points ahead of the Avalanche in the standings. However, Dallas’s momentum declined towards the end of the season, as the team entered the playoffs on a four-game losing streak. Conversely, Colorado also faced challenges, dropping three of their final five games. Despite the recent struggles, the Avalanche did secure victories in two of the three regular-season matchups against the Stars.
A crucial development for the Stars is the injury to forward Jason Robertson, who is considered week-to-week and ruled out for Game 1. His absence could significantly impact Dallas’s offensive strategies.
Betting Odds and Projections
As of now, the Avalanche are favored with a -146 money line, which means a bet of $146 would yield a profit of $100, while the Stars sit at +122, marking them as underdogs. The total goals over/under has been set at 5.5 for the game.
The SportsLine Projection Model, which simulates games 10,000 times, has produced profitable predictions throughout the regular season, returning over $1,600 for bettors. The model indicates a 53% probability of a Dallas victory, suggesting an interesting opportunity for those considering betting on the Stars at their best price of +135 at Caesars Sportsbook.
Key Player Insights
Two standout players to watch are Nathan MacKinnon from Colorado and Jake Oettinger from Dallas. MacKinnon, who scored 32 goals throughout the season, is considered a strong candidate to find the back of the net again, with almost a 50% chance projected for this game, making him a worthwhile anytime goalscorer bet at odds of +150. In last year’s playoff matchup, he played a pivotal role, scoring the tying goal in Game 1, which the Avalanche secured in overtime.
On the other hand, Oettinger, the Stars’ goaltender, has substantial postseason experience, boasting 47 playoff appearances and a solid 2.46 goals against average. His performance is expected to be crucial, particularly given Colorado’s rookie goalie Mackenzie Blackwood, who will be making his playoff debut.
The Over/Under Bet
Given the offensive capabilities of both teams, the over on 5.5 goals appears enticing. In their previous three regular-season matchups, the over consistently hit the mark, including a thrilling 4-3 overtime victory for Colorado in their last meeting on March 16. The model suggests that the match could see an average of 6.3 combined goals, with the over hitting nearly 60% of the time.
Conclusion: A Highly Anticipated Clash
The upcoming Game 1 clash between the Dallas Stars and Colorado Avalanche is poised to be a thrilling encounter, heightened by the playoff intensity and a storied rivalry. With injuries, recent form, and betting dynamics adding layers to the contest, fans and analysts alike will be closely watching how these elements unfold on the ice. The outcome could set a significant tone for the series, affecting momentum for the victor and raising stakes for the upcoming games in this already charged rivalry.
