Ryan Hodges
This series was expected to be one of the best of the opening round, and so far it has delivered. In the 5 games played, there have been blowouts, as well as games that extended beyond regulation and required overtime to determine a winner. The only shame of this Stars vs Avalanche series is that it is not the Western Conference Finals. These are two great teams that will bring their best effort in Game 6 as to win the series in Dallas’ case, or to extend their season in Colorado’s case. If you will be tuning in and want to have some action, here are a couple picks we like both individually and as part of a same-game parlay at +650 odds. Let’s get to it, while you can also get our expert NHL picks for today’s postseason action.
Avalanche win -1.5 (+142)
Brock Nelson anytime goalscorer (+350)
Stars vs Avalanche Same Game Parlay odds: +650
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Avalanche win -1.5 (+142)
If there is a positive for the Avalanche going into Game 6 on the brink of elimination, it’s that they are at home. This team plays their best hockey on home ice to the point they almost look like a different team. The Avalanche were 26-12-3 at home during the regular season, where they also scored the 6th most goals per game among home teams, and also had the 4th best power play among home teams. In this series, the Avalanche split their home games. But it still took overtime for the Stars to pull off their Game 3 win in Denver. In regulation at home in this series, the Avalanche have a +4 goal differential and have outshot the Stars 73-48.
While both of these teams are juggernauts in their own right, they get the job done in different ways. The Avalanche are faster and have better high-end talent. By contrast, the Stars have better depth, goaltending, and play a strong system game. Colorado will already be playing fast because that is their game and it’s how they get opponents on their heels. Adding in the urgency of a do-or-die game and they will likely play at a pace the Stars may not be able to keep up with. If that is the case, Dallas will try to lean on containment as opposed to driving offense. In Game 4 in Denver, the Stars couldn’t contain the Avalanche. Colorado, with their backs against the wall, should play with more desperation to repeat their Game 4 performance and push this to a Game 7.
Brock Nelson anytime goalscorer (+350)
Somewhat quietly, Brock Nelson has 920 games under his belt across 12 NHL seasons. He has earned the reputation of a very reliable player in this league. Nelson has scored 20+ goals in 9 out of his 12 seasons, which would be 10 seasons if not for the Covid-shortened season. He entered this year with 3 consecutive 30+ goal seasons. In his long and productive career, Nelson has been one series win away from the Stanley Cup Finals twice. This Avalanche team may represent his best chance to get to the Finals. If not this season, it would need to be sooner than later as he is on the back-9 of his career.
The individual success, playoff close-calls, and excellent current team all illustrate the reason Brock Nelson has such a drive to win. Since joining Colorado, he has been thrust into the second-line center role with phenomenal wingers, as well as on the second power play with, again, phenomenal teammates. Nelson earned those roles with his strong play in Colorado fueled by his urgency to win. He also has a strong playoff pedigree that complements the chip on his shoulder. Nelson has tallied 27 goals and 52 points in 83 career playoff games. Colorado already has superstars that average over a point per game. Nelson’s level of production is just what Colorado needs from their second line if they are going to survive. Look for Brock Nelson to be leaned on and very involved in a win or go home game. This is a great player in a favorable situation with other great players. His props are worth consideration.
