The Colorado Avalanche have an opportunity to keep their season alive — and force a mouthwatering Game 7 matchup — with a win in their own building tonight.
My Stars vs. Avalanche predictions expect superstar defenseman Cale Makar to be front-and-center and come up big offensively with the season hanging in the balance.
Let’s dive deeper into my NHL picks for Thursday, May 1.
Who will win Stars vs Avalanche Game 6?
It’s hard to go against the Avalanche at home. They posted a strong 27-12-4 record in Colorado this season and, playoffs included, have beaten the Stars in three of four home games.
Colorado has out-chanced Dallas 144-107 at 5-on-5 in this series. Refs tend to put the whistles away in elimination games and that should benefit an Avalanche team that’s had the edge at full-strength.
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Stars vs Avalanche prediction
My Stars vs Avalanche pick: Cale Makar Over 3.5 shots on goal (+115 at BET99)
The Dallas Stars were one of the worst shot suppression teams in the league down the stretch, especially when it came to limiting opposing defensemen. That has been evident in this series against Cale Makar, the best and most dynamic blueliner in the NHL.
Makar has generated 19 shots on goal through five games while piling up 48 attempts. They haven’t come in clusters over one or two big games, either. Makar has generated at least nine shot attempts in all five games this series.
Makar enjoyed great shooting success in the regular season when generating that kind of volume. He cleared 3.5 shots in 66% of his games, including 14 of the last 18 he reached that mark.
He has logged at least 25 minutes in three of five games thus far. Playing so many minutes against a team bleeding shots to defense, it’s not a coincidence he is getting so many shooting opportunities each night.
They should continue to be there in Game 6. The Colorado Avalanche are playing for their season and will be working on two days rest, meaning Makar could see an extraordinarily large amount of ice.
Makar has averaged four shots and 10 attempts in Denver this series. Expect similar numbers in a do-or-die game for the Avalanche.
Stars vs Avalanche same-game parlay (SGP)
Cale Makar Over 3.5 shots on goal
Cale Makar anytime goal
Avalanche moneyline
Makar is the best goal-scoring threat in the league at his position. He potted 30 during the regular season and has 21 through 77 career playoff games.
He is yet to find the back of the net in this series despite playing big minutes and generating at least nine shot attempts in all five games.
His current goal drought of eight games ties his longest of the season. With so much riding on this game, and Makar piling up the shots nightly, I expect him to come up big in Game 6.
Finally, the Avalanche have generated 18 more high-danger opportunities than the Stars over the last three games. They have progressively earned larger shares of the chances, which should bode well for them given all the elite, top-tier talent on their roster.
While the Stars will get their opportunities, and have a lot of scoring depth, the Avalanche should be in good shape so long as their goaltending can hold up.
It was a strength for much of the season after being remodeled. I think it’s reasonable to expect better from Mackenzie Blackwood in this spot.
Learn how to bet a same-game parlay with these helpful tips and strategies.
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Stars vs Avalanche odds
Stars vs Avalanche live odds
Stars vs Avalanche opening odds
- Puck line: Dallas +1.5 (-155) | Colorado -1.5 (+135)
- Moneyline: Dallas +150 | Colorado -175
- Over/Under: Over 6.5 (+100) | Under 6.5 (-120)
Odds courtesy of BET99
Stars vs Avalanche trend
Cale Makar has averaged 4.66 shots and 10 attempts over his last three playoff games following two rest days. Find more NHL betting trends for Stars vs. Avalanche.
How to watch Stars vs Avalanche
| Location | Ball Arena, Denver, CO |
| Date | Thursday, 5-1-2025 |
| Puck drop | 10:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | TBS |
Stars vs Avalanche latest injuries
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