The Colorado Avalanche are short road favorites over the Dallas Stars ahead of their 8:30 p.m. ET puck drop at the American Airlines Center on Tuesday, Oct. 13.
My favorite Avalanche vs. Stars prediction and NHL picks expect Colorado superstar Nathan MacKinnon to show up on the scoresheet in winning fashion in this Central Division clash tonight.
TOP PICK
Avalanche vs Stars prediction: Avalanche moneyline
I’d recommend the Colorado Avalanche moneyline to 56% because the Avs have filled the net to start the year with a league-high 5.2 goals per game and fifth-ranked 3.22 expected goals per 60 minutes at five-on-five.
It’s been a different story for the Dallas Stars.
Dallas has generated the 19th-fewest xGF/60 at 5-on-5 with a 28th-ranked 7.7 power-play percentage, and I don’t think the Stars flip the switch quick enough to outscore Colorado on Tuesday night.
Colorado has also benefited from offensive punch coming throughout the lineup with eight different players scoring multiple times, while there have only been seven players on the entire Dallas roster to find the back of the net.
Finally, Avs No. 1 Mackenzie Blackwood is set for improved play in the crease with his .867 save percentage way behind the .903 mark he posted last year, too.
COVERS INTEL: The Colorado Avalanche are seventh in expected goals, while the Dallas Stars are 30th.
Avalanche vs Stars combo
With Avs superstar Nathan MacKinnon ranking in the 99th percentile of shots on goal and recording four or more in three of five games for an elite 13.97 shots per 60, this prop has my immediate attention.
MacKinnon skates with Artturi Lehkonen at 5-on-5, and the duo have clicked for 5.18 goals per 60 with a 55.1 xGF% since the beginning of last year. Lehkonen is also ripe to hit the scoresheet after failing to register a point in each of the past three games despite being on the ice for 2.94 expected goals.
Avalanche vs Stars combo
- Avalanche moneyline
- Nathan MacKinnon 3+ shots
- Artturi Lehkonen 1+ points
Avalanche vs Stars player prop: Nathan MacKinnon 3+ shots
In addition to the highlighted case for MacKinnon, he’s also skated to an elite 58.2 CF% at 5-on-5 while taking 76.2% of his overall faceoffs in the offensive zone over the past three years.
Finally, I also value him pacing the Avs in shots per 60 with the man advantage since the beginning of the 2024-25 campaign and recommend this Over to 56%.
Avalanche vs Stars goal scorer: Nazem Kadri
Avs vet Nazem Kadri is still searching for his first goal of the season despite generating 1.36 expected goals and seven individual high-danger scoring chances. He skates on the No. 1 power-play unit and has been on the ice with center Brock Nelson for a 56.3 xGF% at 5-on-5, too.
I’d play Kadri to find the back of the net up to 27%.
- Top picks: 18-7, +15.81 units
- Combos: 2-7, -0.08 units
Avalanche vs Stars odds
For help understanding probabilities, see our odds calculator.
- Moneyline: Avalanche 52% | Stars 49%
- Over/Under: Over 6.5 (45%) | Under 6.5 (56%)
- Spread: Avalanche -1.5 (31%) | Stars +1.5 (70%)
For the full slate of NHL matchups, check out our NHL odds board!
Avalanche vs Stars trend
The Colorado Avalanche have won 18 of their last 25 away games (+7.55 Units / 19% ROI). Find more NHL betting trends.
How to watch Avalanche vs Stars
| Location | American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX |
| Date | Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026 |
| Puck drop | 8:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | ESPN |
Avalanche vs Stars latest injuries
Check out our NHL injuries page for updates on every team.
Odds are correct at the time of publishing and are subject to change.
Not intended for use in MA.
Affiliate Disclosure: Our team of experts has thoroughly researched and handpicked each product that appears on our website. We may receive compensation if you sign up through our links.
