Avalanche vs. Stars: NHL Odds & Picks (Wednesday)
We have a standalone game in the NHL tonight as the Avalanche (1-3) look to stave off elimination against the Central Division-winning Stars (3-1). Dallas won both games in Denver and look for their fourth straight win of the series as they attempt to move on to the Western Conference Finals. Let's dive into the odds and NHL picks for tonight's game between the Avalanche and Stars and check out where I'm laying my money on the ice.
Wednesday’s NHL Best Bets
(Odds courtesy of BetMGM Sportsbook)
Colorado Avalanche (+120) vs. Dallas Stars (-145) | O/U 6.5 (+100/-120)
The series shifts back to Dallas for game five, and we have a puck drop set for 8:00 p.m. ET from the American Airlines Center in Texas.
The Avs took a huge blow before Game 4 when it was announced Valeri Nichushkin would be suspended for six months for failing a drug test. Big Val racked up nine goals through eight playoff games, and he's still the team's leading goal scorer, despite missing an extra game.
Colorado is massively dependent on their offense. They're averaging 4.1 goals per game this postseason (first) and their xGoals% is 57.16% during 5-on-5 play, which is also first in the playoffs. While Nichushkin may not be a household name like Nathan MacKinnon (3G, 9A) or Cale Makar (3G, 9A), his offensive prowess is as important to the team's success as theirs.
The high-octane Avalanche have been held to one goal in consecutive games, and with their top goal scorer sidelined, this feels like a great opportunity to lock in the Stars to close out the series. Honestly, I'm surprised the Moneyline is just -145, rather than around -160 or -170. Give me Dallas to win tonight in front of their home crowd.
Don't let Nichushkin's absence fool you, though, this team was destined for an early exit because they lack competent goaltending. Alexandar Georgiev has been lit up this series, posting a SV% of .879 over four games. They've started calling him Alexandar "Fourgiev" because he's prone to giving up 4+ goals on any given night. He's done so twice in this series.
Of the remaining eight teams, Colorado is ranked eighth in both overall defense (3.11 GAA) and on the penalty kill (72.00%). There's blood in the water and the Stars are circling right now. I expect them to go in for the kill tonight and finish this series.
Bet: Dallas Stars Moneyline (-145)
Make sure to check out our other best bets for Wednesday: