The Central Division rivalry intensifies in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs as the Dallas Stars, led by Jamie Benn, welcome Nathan MacKinnon and the Colorado Avalanche for Game 1 on Saturday. This first-round matchup is a rematch from the 2024 NHL playoffs second round, where the Stars prevailed in six games. Dallas concluded the 2025 regular season ahead of Colorado by four points in the NHL standings, despite ending their campaign with four consecutive losses. The Avalanche, who won two out of three regular-season encounters against the Stars, have lost three of their last five games. A key absence for the Stars is forward Jason Robertson, sidelined week-to-week with a lower-body injury, who will miss Game 1.
The puck drop is scheduled for 8:30 p.m. ET at American Airlines Center in Dallas. Colorado enters as a -134 money line favorite, while Dallas is the underdog at +112. The over/under for total goals is set at 5.5. Leading hockey analysts have provided their predictions for this Avalanche vs. Stars game.
Stars to win (+118 on the money line)
Despite Robertson`s injury favoring Colorado, analysts see value in betting on the home underdog. Dallas boasted a strong 28-13 home record this season, proving profitable for money line bettors. The Stars also hold an advantage in net with goalie Jake Oettinger`s significant playoff experience (47 appearances, 2.46 GAA) compared to Colorado goalie Mackenzie Blackwood`s playoff debut. Predictions indicate Dallas has a 53% probability of winning this game. The best money line odds for Dallas are at +118.
Nathan MacKinnon Anytime Goalscorer (+150)
MacKinnon, who scored 32 regular-season goals, including eight against Central Division teams, is tipped as a likely goal scorer. Although he didn`t score against Dallas in the regular season, he scored a crucial game-tying goal in Game 1 last year. Predictions suggest he has almost a 50% chance to score anytime in the game.
Over 5.5 goals (-125)
All three regular-season games between these teams exceeded 5.5 goals, including a 4-3 overtime Avalanche victory on March 16. Colorado has also scored four goals in their past two games. Predictions estimate a combined 6.3 goals for this game, suggesting the Over is a strong possibility with nearly a 60% chance of hitting.
