- What: Colorado Avalanche vs Dallas Stars - Game 5
- When: Wednesday, May 15th
- Where: American Airlines Arena
The Dallas Stars will have the opportunity to eliminate the Colorado Avalanche from the playoffs on Wednesday evening when they meet in Game 5. The puck is scheduled to drop at 8 PM ET at American Airlines Arena. Dallas currently leads the series 3-1 and just grabbed a big 5-1 victory over the Avs on Monday in the Mile High City. They've managed to keep Colorado's electric offense at bay, which the Jets could not in round one. One more win and Dallas is back in the west finals. Continue reading for the Avalanche vs Stars Game 5 picks.
Before we get into the odds, preview, and prediction, make sure to check out our NHL Playoffs Page and our Stanley Cup Odds.
Avalanche vs Stars Game 5 Odds
The Stars are favored at -145 moneyline odds for an implied win probability of 59.18%. The Avalanche return at +129 and have a 43.67% chance of extending the series. The total is set at 6.5 goals.
Can Colorado Stay Alive?
The Avs breezed past Winnipeg in the first round and were scoring goals left and right. But, it's been a much different story in the conference semifinals against Dallas. They've only scored twice in the last two contests while looking shaky defensively, conceding nine times during that span. With their season on the line, Colorado has to dig deep and find their best on Wednesday. It won't be easy though considering the Avalanche are playing on the road.
While there was a plethora of players contributing in the opening round such as Nathan MacKinnon, Mikko Rantanen, and Cale Makar, who all have 12 points apiece in these playoffs, essentially none of them are producing so far in this series through the first four games. To be frank, that's a huge reason Colorado sits in a 3-1 hole. The trio are Jared Bednar's go-to guys and when they aren't getting it done, it's hard to win hockey games.
Ever since an overtime victory in Game 1, things have gone downhill for the Avalanche. Scoring just two goals in as many games is concerning yes, but to do that at home is even more concerning. The only way I see Colorado forcing a Game 6 is if one of their big guns lights it up. There's no question they will be hungry to come out and prove their worth too after playing so poorly in Games 4 and 5. The motivation is there.
Stars Looking to Make Second Straight West Final
It's safe to say the Stars have all the momentum right now in this series. Dallas has absolutely lit up Colorado, scoring 14 times since the OT loss in Game 1. So many different guys are doing their part, too. In Game 4, Tyler Seguin and Logan Stankoven both scored twice each, while in Game 5, youngster Wyatt Johnston played hero with two goals of his own. Miro Heiskanen also had a goal and two helpers in the win.
Johnston has actually been their standout performer in the playoffs, netting seven times and tallying four assists. Heiskanen has also added 12 points, while Jason Robertson, Roope Hintz, Seguin, and Jamie Benn are putting up numbers as well. If you remember, the Stars were dismal offensively in round one despite getting past the defending champion Vegas Golden Knights and were criticized for it. Needless to say, they've stepped it up in a big way and continue to show they're capable of getting back to the conference finals, where Vegas beat them a year ago.
Although the Avs are struggling to score the puck, Jake Oettinger deserves some credit for how he's playing in between the posts. He made 28 saves in Game 4 and another 24 in Game 5. He'll likely be the main man for Peter DeBoer moving forward. Wednesday presents an opportunity for Dallas to finish up this series at home instead of having to go back to Denver with only a 3-2 lead. That's not a scenario the Stars will love, so they will be doing everything in their power to end it in front of their home fans.
Avalanche vs Stars Game 5 Picks
Colorado is a very strong team and it's only a matter of time until they break out. Will they win the series? I won't commit to that. But, I do believe the Avs will produce the goods on Wednesday and stay alive for one more day.
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