Wednesday September 2nd Avalanche vs Stars Game 6 Betting Preview
Colorado Trying to Force Game 7
There are goaltending issues abound heading into Avalanche vs Stars game 6 betting. Dallas started Ben Bishop in net on Monday and immediately regretted it as Colorado jumped out to a 5-0 lead in the 1st period. The Avs have also turned to 3rd stringer Michael Hutchinson in net following injuries to their top two net minders.
So what do these defensive issues mean as Dallas tries to close out the series and avoid a game 7? For one, likely another high scoring affair as all five games have gone ‘over’ the total, which is set at 6. The Avs are once again a -120 favorite (DAL +100) despite facing a 2-3 hole.
Colorado a Solid Pick Any Given Night
The Avalanche put themselves in an uphill battle after dropping the first two games of the series by a combined tally of 10-5. Instead of calling it a season, Colorado has stormed back to win two of three and are a victory away from a decisive game 7.
Colorado’s offense is sound heading into Avalanche vs Stars game 6 betting. Jared Bednar’s team has netted 16 goals the last three games – the problem is that the Stars have 12 over that span. The top line of Nathan Mackinnon (13-game point streak), Mikko Rantanen (8 points this series), and Gabriel Landeskog (5 points) have put the pressure on the Stars goaltenders, so much so they don’t know who to start Wednesday night.
For as many questions as Dallas has in net, Colorado is not exactly set in that spot either. Pavel Francouz was deemed ‘unfit to play’ prior to Monday’s tilt which paved the way for 3rd stringer Michael Hutchinson to stop 31 of 34 Stars’ SOG en route to the win. Francouz has allowed 4+ goals in each of the last three so maybe Colorado sticks with the hot hand.
Dallas Wants to Avoid Game 7
If the Stars were to lose on Wednesday, that doesn’t leave a whole lot of momentum for a game 7. Therefore Dallas knows the time is now if they want to close out this pesky Avalanche team.
Both teams having issues in net is kind of an equalizer for Rick Bowness’s team in game 6. Plus, Dallas has shown they have the offense to hang with Colorado’s top 4 scoring unit in the NHL. Jamie Benn has scored in three straight games, Defenseman Miro Heiskanen has six points this series, and Joe Pavelski has been reinvigorated with two goals the last four games.
Who goes in net for Dallas is still the biggest question – but does it matter? Colorado is going to get there’s and so far this series the Stars have as well. Bishop was horrible in his first game in nearly three weeks but he struggled before that too allowing 8 goals on 60 SOG in two outings since the restart. Anthon Khubodin allowed 2 goals on 22 SOG in relief of Bishop on Monday, but served up 9 goals in two starts prior.
Avalanche vs Stars Game 6 Betting Pick
With all the question marks in the crease for both teams and with star-studded offenses on each end of the ice the best wager in this series continues to be the ‘over.’ That won’t change even if the total goes to 7.5 in a potential game 7.
Free Pick: Over 6
