Ryan Hodges
After a fairly uncompetitive Game 1 of this series, the Stars had a gutsy win in Game 2 to avoid going back to Denver in an 0-2 hole. What was looked at as potentially the best series of this conference quarterfinal round may just hold true. The Stars and Avalanche are 2 of the best teams in hockey and the only shame of the matchup is that it’s in the first round. This has all the makings of a heck of a Game 3 to take the series advantage, and I’ve pieced together my Stars vs Avalanche Same Game Parlay picks at +650 odds. You can also get our expert NHL picks for today’s postseason action.
Avalanche ML (-175)
Over 6.5 (-105)
Cale Makar anytime goalscorer (+280)
Stars vs Avalanche Same Game Parlay odds: +650
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Colorado Avalanche ML over Dallas Stars (-175)
Despite the Game 2 loss, the Avalanche have just plain looked good in this series. The Stars have too, but that has come in flashes whereas Colorado has looked good for the majority of the 6+ periods played. The Avs got a win on the road and with that, they now have home-ice advantage in a best of 5. That is good news for a Colorado team that was 26-12-3 at home this season. In home-road splits, the Avalanche scored the 6th-most goals per game in the NHL at home. This is a dangerous team and getting them on home ice makes them even more difficult to pass up.
The Stars needed that win in Game 2 for obvious reasons. But beyond just needing to climb back into the series, they needed to break an 8-game losing streak in which they lost by an average of 2.5 goals. While they did snap the streak, they needed overtime at home to do so. It remains to be seen if they can be relied on for a wager, especially on the road and at +145 odds. They could very well overcome the wave the Avalanche and their home-ice advantage will throw at them. But that is more likely to happen in Game 4 than Game 3, after the initial adrenaline and pure-energy push by Colorado in this one. Look for the Avs to come out buzzing and take Game 3.
Read our full Stars vs Avalanche prediction for Game 3 tonight
Over 6.5 (-105)
With the 4-3 final in Game 2, the Over has now hit in 4 of the last 5 games played between the Stars and Avalanche. All 5 of those games have been played in the 2024-25 season, as opposed to dating back to last year. The pure matchup of these teams has typically led to higher-scoring games and looks to be the trend to ride. It does not exactly feel like going out on a limb considering the offensive talent on both sides. Both the Stars and Avalanche finished in the top 6 in the NHL in goals per game this season, and both had better goalscoring metrics than goal-prevention metrics. That typically bodes well for Overs.
In addition to the pure matchup giving appeal to the Over, a little bit of volatility of both teams adds intrigue as well. As mentioned, the Stars were spiraling entering Game 2. They had either scored or allowed 4+ goals in 8 of their prior 9 games. The lack of goal prevention bodes well for Overs, as does the offensive ceiling of this team even during tough stretches. The story for the Avalanche was not terribly different as they entered the playoffs 3-3. In those 6 games, they either scored or allowed 4+ goals in 5 of those games. The 2 playoff games makes it now 7 times in 8 games they have scored or allowed 4+ goals. The recent form reinforces the high-total nature of the pure matchup between these teams.
Want more SGP action? Check out our Warriors vs Rockets Same Game Parlay for their NBA playoffs Game 3
Cale Makar anytime goalscorer (+280)
The Avalanche have become a team that always has a chance no matter the situation because of 2 players — Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar. Arguably only one other team in hockey, the Oilers, has a duo that dangerous. Both players have made an impact on this series so far, but Makar has yet to find the back of the net. That will not last forever. Makar tallied 30 goals this year in 80 games played this season. That is a goal every 2.67 games. If he just holds to his averages, there is a good chance he scores in this one, being the 3rd game of the series.
As mentioned, the Avalanche are a great home team. They are already, arguably, the faster team in better form. Being on home ice in front of the home fans, they should come out with even more speed and adrenaline than the prior 2 games. No matter the opponent, they would have trouble keeping up. Cale Makar is typically a driver of the pace of play and Wednesday should be no different. This is a guy that netted 30 goals 92 points in 80 games this season, and has logged 21 goals and 82 points in 74 career playoff games played. Given his skill, track record, superstar teammates and home-ice advantage, these +280 odds are a nice addition to our Stars vs Avalanche Same Game Parlay.
