Avalanche vs Stars Picks and Prediction – 4/22/2025

The Colorado Avalanche head to Dallas with a 1-0 series lead after a convincing 5-1 win in Game 1. Colorado comes in at 49-29-4 and has now won back-to-back games, while the Stars, despite finishing the regular season with a 50-26-6 record, are looking to respond at home where they were 28-10-3 during the season. Hit the ice running with our NHL picks.

Colorado looked dominant in Game 1, outshooting and outplaying Dallas in nearly every aspect. Nathan MacKinnon continues to drive this team, leading with 116 points, including 32 goals and 84 assists. Mikko Rantanen’s presence as the secondary scorer remains key, while MacKenzie Blackwood has been solid in the net, posting a 2.55 GAA and .912 SV%. The Avalanche are scoring 3.33 goals per game and allowing 2.82, while the power play is clicking at 24.8%.

 Defensively, the Avs hold opponents to just 25.9 shots per game, and the penalty kill is at 79.8%. Colorado will be without Gabriel Landeskog, Sean Behrens, and Tucker Poolman, but the current form is strong.

Dallas is on the back foot after the 5-1 home loss and must respond quickly to avoid falling into a deep hole. The Stars lost seven straight to close the regular season and couldn’t get anything going in Game 1. Losing Jason Robertson to injury is a huge blow; he led the team with 35 goals. Matt Duchene continues to be a force offensively with 82 points. Goaltending is split between Jake Oettinger and Casey DeSmith, both of whom posted a 2.59 GAA. 

The Stars score 3.35 goals per game and allow 2.71, while the penalty kill is slightly better than Colorado’s at 82%. But giving up 5 in Game 1 shows this defense needs to lock in. Dallas is also without Miro Heiskanen and Nils Lundkvist on the blue line, weakening the back end.

Rolling the dice came up a 6, so we’re riding the underdog here. The Stars are an elite home team, and it’s hard to see them dropping two straight to Colorado at American Airlines Center. Despite missing Jason Robertson, Matt Duchene and Roope Hintz can carry the offense. Expect a bounce-back effort from Jake Oettinger and a stronger defensive showing. Final Score Prediction: Dallas Stars win 3-2.