The season is on the line for both the Colorado Avalanche and Dallas Stars on Saturday night. The winner will advance and face the winner of the Winnipeg vs. St. Louis series while the loser can start planning vacations and booking tee times.
Let’s break down a few of my favorite Avalanche vs. Stars props and NHL picks for what should be an enthralling Game 7 in Dallas.
Best Avalanche vs Stars props
Cale Makar Over 3.5 shots (-105)
Mikko Rantanen Over 2.5 shots (+110)- Brock Nelson anytime goal (+390)
Avalanche vs Stars player props for May 3
Cale Makar Over 3.5 shots (-105 at Bet99)
The Dallas Stars have bled shots to defensemen all season long. Their numbers are even worse without Miro Heiskanen, who is still not ready to return in Game 7.
Cale Makar is the most dynamic blue liners in the sport and, as you’d expect, has taken full advantage of Dallas’ positional weakness on a nightly basis. Makar has generated 61 attempts through six games and recorded at least nine each time out.
His best shooting performance came in Game 6. Makar saw increased usage with the Colorado Avalanche fighting for their season, logging more than 28 minutes. He made the most of his ice, recording six shots on a series-high 13 attempts.
In another do or die game, expect Makar to carry an immense workload and have plenty of opportunities to shoot the puck.
Mikko Rantanen Over 2.5 shots (+110 at Bet99)
Mikko Rantanen has recorded three shots or more in four of six games in this series. His shot rate has increased as the series has gone on, recording at least five attempts in four of the last five.
That’s a key number for Rantanen. Regular season included, Rantanen has cleared 2.5 shots in 78% of his games when attempting five shots or more – a number he’s now consistently hitting.
Rantanen was recently moved onto a line with Roope Hintz. He ranks second on the Stars in shot attempts – one back of Thomas Harley – since that switch was made while nobody on the team has generated more scoring chances in that span.
The differences we’ve seen in Rantanen’s outputs are staggering. Rantanen’s attempt volume has risen to 18.12 per 60 minutes of five-on-five play, a stark contrast from the 7.91 he was averaging with Johnston.
Not to mention, Rantanen is a key figure on the No. 1 power play – even more so without Jason Robertson’s heavy shot in the picture.
With so much riding on this game, and Pete DeBoer able to get the matchups he wants, I’m expecting another active offensive performance from Rantanen.
Brock Nelson anytime goal (+390 at Bet99)
Brock Nelson has not scored in this series but it isn’t for a lack of chances. The veteran sniper has recorded nine high-danger looks – second on the Avalanche to only Nathan MacKinnon – and 2.03 expected goals. He’s had plenty of opportunities but failed to convert.
Finishing is generally one of Nelson’s strong suits, which is one of the reasons he was so coveted at deadline day. This is someone who scored 34+ in three of the last four years, recording 26 this season in the lone exception.
He’s an excellent goal scorer and right now he’s getting plenty of chances. Game 7 would be a great time for one to finally find the net. At such a discounted price point, I’m happy to roll the dice.
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