NHL Predictions: April 28 Colorado Avalanche vs Dallas Stars

Welcome back to another NHL Predictions. Each day our writers here at Last Word on Hockey look at the games and give in-depth analysis. Our team breaks down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then makes predictions based on how they might play out. For this edition, we will look at the Colorado Avalanche taking on the Dallas Stars. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

NHL Predictions

Colorado Avalanche vs Dallas Stars

Series Head-to-Head: Avalanche 2-2 Stars

Time: 9:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)

TV: ESPN; Sportsnet; Altitude; Victory; SN 360; TVAS

Game 5 is in our focus in this round of NHL predictions. It’s pretty much a best-of-three between the Avalanche and Stars. Colorado got off to a hot start in Game 1. However, Dallas scored a pair of overtime-victories in Games 2 and 3 to get a two games to one series lead. The Avalanche bounced back to tie the series at two games each.

Gabriel Landeskog provided a feel-good moment getting his first goal in nearly three years. The Avs have seemingly wrested momentum, but don’t count out the Stars.

Let’s take a look at the stats and storylines for Game 4 of Colorado versus Dallas in this round of NHL predictions.

The Avalanche Story

Colorado’s two victories over Dallas have each been by a four-goal margin. The Avs have scored first in each game of the series so far. However, Colorado only has a series split to show for it.

Mackenzie Blackwood is expected to draw the start and has played well this series. Blackwood is virtually tied with Carolina Hurricanes netminder Frederik Andersen for the best goals-against-average in the post-season. The 28-year-old has a 1.60 GAA and a .939 save percentage so far this playoff round.

Nathan MacKinnon and Logan O’Connor are tied for the team’s lead in points with five. O’Connor has the team-lead in goals with two, but a number of players have hit the scoresheet.

The Stars Story

Dallas did get home-ice advantage after taking one game at Ball Arena. However, momentum seems to be on Colorado’s side after Game 4. The Stars have thrived when their defence has been able to put the clamps on the high-flying Avalanche offence when things go their way.

Jake Oettinger is the projected starter, but always check social media before locking in a fantasy starter. Casey DeSmith played in the final parts of Game 4 for the Stars.

Tyler Seguin is Dallas’ leader in goals and points with two. The Stars haven’t potted a lot of goals and relied on their defence to get their victories.

Prediction

Styles make fights and whoever imposes their style will win. Things are in Colorado’s favour right now, but Dallas knows how to win slugfests. The Stars want a rock fight while the Avs want to get out an use their speed.

Colorado has the momentum and should send this series back to Denver with a chance to close things out in Game 6.

Prediction: Avalanche win 4-2.

Prop Bets of the Night

We close out NHL predictions with some prop bets of the night. The over/under for this game 5.5 and we think the over barely gets by. However, the under should get a significant push as we get closer to puck drop.

For individual props, take Cale Makar to get a power-play point for Colorado. On the Dallas side, go with Roope Hintz to notch an assist.