Avalanche vs. Stars Odds
| Avalanche Odds | -110 |
| Stars Odds | -110 |
| Over/Under | 6 (-110/-110) |
| Time | 8:30 p.m. ET |
| TV | BSSW |
| Odds via DraftKings. Get up-to-the-minute NHL Odds here. | |
We have a Central Division tilt with the first-place Dallas Stars hosting the second-place Colorado Avalanche. Last season, Dallas won two of the three meetings between these two clubs.
Will the Stars take care of business once again, or can the Avalanche grab a victory on the road?
Injuries Can't Slow Colorado Avalanche
The Avs enter this contest in good form and have won six of their seven games in November. Colorado's form has been especially impressive considering the number of injuries that have hit the team, which speaks to the depth of the defending Cup champions.
Gabriel Landeskog (knee surgery), Valeri Nichushkin (ankle surgery), Samuel Girard (lower body) and Bowen Byram (lower body) are all expected to miss this contest. However, these guys have been out for the past few weeks, and the Avalanche are still 4-1 with all four of those players out of the lineup.
A big part of their success has been the play of goaltender Alexandar Georgiev, who was shipped over from the Rangers during the offseason. Through 11 stars this season, he is 8-2-1 with a .930 SV% and 2.45 GAA.
Among starting goaltenders, Georgiev ranks fourth in goals saved above expected per 60 minutes (GSAx/60) at 5v5. This strong play should continue against Dallas, a team he has played well against previously.
Across two career appearances against the Stars, Georgiev boasts a .947 SV% and 1.56 GAA. While Dallas is a tough matchup for any team, Colorado should start strong as the team typically does.
Over their last eight games, the Avs have scored the first goal seven times.
Goaltending Spurs Dallas Stars
Like Colorado, the Stars have had a good November and are 6-3 over their last nine games.
Also like Colorado, excellent goaltending has been a big factor to Dallas' success.
Projected to start between the pipes on Monday night is goaltender Jake Oettinger, who is continuing his success from last postseason.
Through 12 appearances this season, Oettinger is 7-2-1 with a .927 SV% and 2.21 GAA.
Playing in front of Oettinger is a strong group that plays well both at 5v5 and on special teams. There is no reason to sell on Dallas as they are a legit playoff squad that will be a tough out for anyone.
That being said, their talent level is just not quite at Colorado's, and this game probably should not be listed as a pick 'em.
Avalanche vs. Stars Pick
This will be an excellent game with two strong goaltenders defending the cages and two stacked teams in terms of talent. Ultimately, the Avs' depth, especially defensively, will likely be what does in the Stars in this contest.
We have a situation where the value rests in the number instead of the matchup. While both teams can certainly win this game, I made the Avalanche around the -130 mark on the moneyline instead of -110.
Georgiev has proven this season that he can keep up with the likes of Oettinger, and with Colorado possessing the more talented roster, I like them to strike first in what should be a great game.
Pick: Avalanche Score 1st Goal (-110) | Play up to (-120)
