Emotions are running high heading into Stars vs Avalanche game 7 betting. Colorado started off the series in an 0-2 hole but has battled back for this do-or-die elimination. What is the collective atmosphere in the Dallas locker room after they have failed to close out the Avs for two straight games?
Oddsmakers like Colorado to move on to the Western Conference Finals as -130 favorites on Friday afternoon (4:00 PM EST, USA Network) while Dallas is a +115 underdog. Game 6 of this series was the first one to go ‘under’ the total which is 6 for the fourth straight game.
Can Dallas Get Their Offense Going?
The Stars looked poised to head to the Western Conference Finals after beating Colorado in the first two games of this series by a combined score of 10-5. The Dallas still looked good in a 6-4 game 3 loss and rebounded nicely to win game 4 by the score of 5-4.
It’s been the last two games that are worrisome for coach Rick Bowness heading into Stars vs. Avalanche game 7 betting. Dallas was toppled 6-3 in game 5 and 4-1 on Wednesday to even the series. The worst thing for Dallas is that those two sub-par offensive performances came against Colorado’s 3rd string goaltender. The top line of Jamie Benn, Tyler Seguin, and Alexander Radulov have scored one point the last two games.
After some questions before game 6, Bowness chose to again ride with Anton Khubodin in net on Wednesday and he allowed 3 goals on 23 shots. Dallas started Ben Bishop in net in game 5 and it was a disaster as he allowed 4 goals for the third time this postseason. The fact that Bishop, who looks injured, even got the start shows a lack of confidence in Khubodin.
Colorado Set to Ride Mackinnon?
If Colorado ends up advancing in this series it’ll be because of the play of Nathan Mackinnon. The center netted a goal and an assist in game 6 to push his consecutive points scored streak to 14 games. Mackinnon has racked up 12 points in the six game series against Dallas.
Mackinnon will have to be dominant again if Gabriel Landeskog is less than 100% on Friday afternoon. The Colorado captain suffered a cut on his leg in game 6 and returned, but only for 16 seconds. Landeskog only has two goals this series but has added 3 assists. He also forms a solid chemistry on the Colorado top line alongside Mackinnon and Mikko Rantanen.
MVP 1a if Colorado ends up eliminating Dallas will be goaltender Michael Hutchinson. With the top two goaltenders for the Avalanche, Pavel Francouz and Philipp Grubauer sidelined, Hutchinson has stepped up from the 3rd string role to deliver two massive wins. Hutchinson has allowed 4 goals on 62 shots in his two starts and held Dallas to one score on 28 SOG Wednesday.
Stars vs Avalanche Game 7 Betting Pick
Colorado definitely has the momentum here and Dallas could be in a rut on both ends of the ice. Even though he hasn’t played like it, Hutchinson is a 3rd stringer and the potential loss of Landeskog could lower the production of both Mackinnon and Rantanen. Game 6 went ‘under’ but the other five soared ‘over.’
Free Pick: Over 6
