Perry Nelson-USA TODAY Sports By Icon Sport
Colorado Avalanche vs Dallas Stars Game 5: Western Conference Playoffs – Second Round
The Dallas Stars have a chance to close out the series and advance to the conference final when they host the Colorado Avalanche tonight at the American Airlines Center.
Can the Avalanche hold on?
The Colorado Avalanche had a great start to the series, winning the opening game of the series on the road after being down by three goals. They failed to do so in Game 2, but the real problems started when the series moved to Denver. The Avalanche scored only a goal in both home games, and just like that, they are 3-1 down in the series. Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen lead the team with 12 points each in the playoffs.
Is this the season for the Stars to shine?
The Dallas Stars finished the regular season on top of the Western Conference, only one point shy of the New York Rangers for the best record in the league. However, they were pushed to the limit in the opening round against the defending champions, the Vegas Golden Knights, but things are going way better in the second round. The Stars were on top of their game, winning both games on the road, and now they are one win away from the conference final. Miro Haiskanen leads the team with 12 points in the playoffs.
Betting Trends
Dallas has won 4 of the last 5 games overall and is 7-2 SU in the last 9 games against teams from the Western Conference and 8-3 SU in the last 11 games against teams from the Central Division. The Stars have played under the total goal line in 15 of their last 20 games overall, and 9 of the last 12 home games while they have gone over in 7 of the last 10 games against Colorado and 5 if their last 6 home games against them. The Avalanche are 13-7 SU in the last 20 games against teams from the Central Division and 15-5 SU in the last 20 games played in May.
Prediction and Conclusion
The series started well for the Avalanche as they took the lead, but since then it has been all Stars. Dallas managed to win both games on the road in dominant fashion and now can close out the series and advance to the conference final with a home win. Colorado will not go down without a fight, and knowing how great their offense is, the Stars will have to bring out their best game. However, the Stars have the momentum and understand that they have a real opportunity to make this season epic, so they will find a way to get the job done tonight and move on to the next round.
