We're here to share our NHL odds series, make a Stars-Avalanche Game 4 prediction, and pick while showing you how to watch.
The Dallas Stars will attempt to take a commanding 3-1 lead as they play the Colorado Avalanche on Monday at Ball Arena for Game 5 of the second-round series. We're here to share our NHL odds series, make a Stars-Avalanche Game 4 prediction, and pick while showing you how to watch
The Stars defeated the Avalanche 4-1 in Game 3 to lead the best-of-seven series 2-1. Ultimately, they started things strong when Logan Stankoven picked up a pass from Miro Heiskanen and put it into the net for his first career playoff goal to go up 1-0.
The second period came, and the Avalanche tied it when Nathan MacKinnon delivered some moves before Mikko Rantanen finished the play with a goal to tie the game. But the Stars got the lead back when Evgeni Dadonov delivered a beautiful setup on the backdoor for Tyler Seguin to finish it for the goal.
The Stars clamped down on defense. Then, they finished off the victory with empty-net goals by Seguin and Stankoven. Jake Oettinger was really good in the net, making 28 saves. Alexandar Georgiev made 19 saves on 21 shots.
Here are the NHL Odds, courtesy of FanDuel.
Stanley Cup Playoffs Odds: Stars-Avalanche Game 4 Odds
Dallas Stars: +1.5 (-225)
Moneyline: +112
Colorado Avalanche: -1.5 (+180)
Moneyline: -134
Over: 6.5 (-106)
Under: 6.5 (-114)
How to Watch Stars vs. Avalanche Game 4
Time: 9:30 PM ET/6:30 PM PT
TV: ESPN and TVAS
Stream: fuboTV
Why The Stars Will Cover The Spread/Win
The Stars won this game despite being outshot 29-23. They did not dominate the faceoff circle, winning half the draws. The Stars did not even convert a powerplay goal. Yet, they killed all three penalties and blocked 24 shots. Overall, this team clamped down on defense and did not give the Avalanche many scoring opportunities. Their incredible defense helped create turnovers and led to more chances for the offense.
Heiskanen continues to be amazing. Currently, he has three goals and six assists throughout the playoffs, including two powerplay markers. Heiskanen set up the first goal, getting the tone going for the Stars. Meanwhile, Wyatt Johnston has five goals and three assists in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Johnston has won 57 draws and lost 62. However, he has been quiet over the past two games, not finding the scoring sheet.
Jason Robertson has three goals and five assists, including two powerplay tallies. Ultimately, he has a point in all three games against the Avs. Jamie Benn has two goals and five assists. Moreover, he has been elite in the faceoff circle, winning 60 draws and losing 35. Roope Hintz now has two goals and five assists. Amazingly, he generated a goal and four assists over his past two games.
The defense helped make this series lead possible. Additionally, their goalie helped shut the door. Oettinger now is 6-4 with a 2.12 goals-against average and a save percentage of .919. Ever since his bad Game 1, Oettinger has been rock solid, stopping 56 of 60 shots for a .933 save percentage.
The Stars will cover the spread if they can continue to create turnovers and make good plays on offense. Then, they need Oettinger to make some timely saves.
Why The Avalanche Will Cover The Spread/Win
The Avalanche have struggled over the last two games. Unfortunately, they are just playing sloppy hockey, turning it over and giving the Stars too many chances near the net. The Avs need their offensive weapons to handle the puck better and take better shots.
Cale Makar has three goals and nine assists through the playoffs, including two powerplay markers. However, he has no points over the past two games, coincidentally games where the Stars have won. Makar also did not have a single block in Game 3. Therefore, it may have been a big reason why the Avs struggled.
MacKinnon continues to do well, having three goals and nine assists, including one powerplay marker. Yet, he has only won 60 draws and lost 76. Rantanen has three goals and nine assists. Additionally, he has done well in the faceoff circle, winning 42 draws and losing 35. Valeri Nishushkin has nine goals and one assist. Unfortunately, he did nothing in Game 3 and also had a plus/minus mark of -2.
The defense needs to do a better job in front of the net. Also, their goalie must do more. Georgiev is 5-3 with a 2.97 goals-against average and a save percentage of .888.
The Avalanche will cover the spread if they can reduce turnovers and take better shots. Then, the defense must prevent bad shots.
Final Stars-Avalanche Game 4 Prediction & Pick
The Stars have dominated the past two games. Ultimately, they have been the better team after struggling in the opener. The Avs could easily come back and make this a series. However, it is tough to see them blasting the Stars and routing them with the way they have played recently. This game will probably go down to the wire. Significantly, the Avalanche will struggle to handle the Stars. The Stars will find a way to cover the spread on the road.
