A 3-0 score is the most dangerous lead in hockey, and Game 1 against the Avalanche-Stars was a textbook example of exactly why.
Dallas opens its Western Conference semifinal series on Tuesday looking similar to the team that just defeated Las Vegas in Game 7, scoring three goals in the first period and holding a convincing performance against Colorado. He provided a level of offensive zone pressure.
The Stars had a total of nine shots on Alexander Georgiev through the second and third periods, and they all went wrong.
Dallas’ penalty kill couldn’t survive the Avalanche’s two power plays, and the game faltered until Miles Wood scored a comeback in overtime to give Colorado a 1-0 series lead.
The two teams will meet for Game 2 on Thursday night in Dallas. Here’s a preview.
Avalanche vs. Stars odds
| team | money line | pack line | total |
|---|---|---|---|
| avalanche | +114 | +1.5 (-225) | o6,5 (-102) |
| Performer | -135 | -1.5 (+185) | u6.5 (-118) |
Avalanche vs. Stars predictions
The Stanley Cup Playoffs are a marathon. By the second round, I’m about 7 miles in, my legs are feeling heavy, and I’m just starting to feel foggy mentally.
These types of games are part of the journey, and they are in no way indicative of the kind of club the Stars have been this season.
It’s hard to play 60 minutes every night in the playoffs, but that’s what Dallas has to do on Thursday to stay even in this series.
They remained the No. 1 team in the playoffs with a 5-on-5 expected goal percentage and outscored the Avs 40-27 in faceoffs.
There’s no need to worry about Jake Oettinger either. He was hit backdoor twice, and Wood’s win could also be attributed to an incredible turnover in the offensive zone.
Oettinger ranks among the top 10 goaltenders in the playoffs in saves above expectations, and Tuesday allowed more than two goals for the first time since Game 1 of the first round.
Oettinger averaged .942 save percentage and 1.21 goals against average in his next six games.
Would you bet on the NHL?
I don’t instill the same level of trust in Georgiev.
He showed some lag in tracking the puck on all three of Dallas’ goals, and has a better-than-expected minus-2.4 goals saved, the third-worst mark among playoff goaltenders.
He’s been a little too aggressive, and if the Stars can keep the roster crowded, he’ll get even worse goals.
Avalanche vs. Stars Picks
It’s a safe (but not too expensive) move to help the Western Conference champions respond decisively on Thursday at American Airlines Center.
They proved they can handle Colorado. Now I’m just doing it.
