Welcome back to another NHL Predictions. Each day our writers here at Last Word on Hockey look at the games and give in-depth analysis. Our team breaks down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then makes predictions based on how they might play out. For this edition, we will look at the Colorado Avalanche taking on the Dallas Stars in a winner-take-all Game 7. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions , as our writers continue this series throughout the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
NHL Predictions
Colorado Avalanche vs Dallas Stars
Head-to-Head: Avalanche 3-3 Stars
Time: 8 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: ABC; Sportsnet; TVAS
The words “Game 7” are music to most hockey fans ears. It’s been an back-and-forth series between the Avalanche and Stars. However, there can be only one winner.
Dallas recovered with two consecutive wins after Colorado got off to a fast start in Game 1. The Stars were on the verge of advancing to the next round, the Avalanche won Game 6 in order to force this do-or-die game.
This round of NHL predictions takes a look at the stats and storylines heading into this all-important game. Let’s a look at both sides of this rivalry matchup.
The Avalanche Story
Colorado bounced back after a shaky Game 5 performance by Mackenzie Blackwood . The Avs erupted for four third-period goals and walked away with a 7-4 victory. Nathan MacKinnon registered a goal and two assists in that final frame for Colorado.
Blackwood is likely to get the start in goal. However, always check social media before locking in a daily fantasy starter. Colorado’s offence did the lifting in Game, but goaltending in defence will need to step up if it has designs on advancing to face the Winnipeg Jets and St Louis Blues.
MacKinnon is tied for second for most points in the post-season with 10. Logan O’Connor , Martin Necas and Cale Makar are next on the team in points with five.
The Stars Story
Dallas has the home-ice advantage in Game 7, but Colorado did win Game 1 at the American Airlines Center. It looked like the Stars were going to advance to the next round, but the Avalanche’s big third period forced Game 7.
Jake Oettinger will get the start once again for Dallas. We’ve seen Casey DeSmith get some run in the series, but this is Oettinger’s crease.
Former Colorado star Mikko Rantanen has come alive the last few games and leads the team in points with eight. Fellow Finn Roope Hintz is second on the time in points with seven and defenceman Thomas Harley has six.
Prediction
Game 7s are always tough to figure out. This is also very true trying to pick a winner against two teams that are so evenly matched. Whoever scores first could tell the tale of this Game 7.
However, we’ll go with the home team to get the win and advance to the next round. Dallas is usually very strong at home.
Prediction: Stars win 3-2.
Prop Bets of the Night
We close out NHL predictions with some prop bets of the night. The over/under for this game 5.5 and we like the under for Game 7. However, the over could be worth a look if the offences get cooking.
As for individual props, we like Wyatt Johnston to get a point for Dallas. On the Colorado side, take Makar to get a power-play point in this one.
Main photo by: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Image
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The post NHL Predictions: Game 7 Colorado Avalanche vs Dallas Stars appeared first on Last Word On Hockey .