The Dallas Stars will play the second of a back-to-back as they face the Colorado Avalanche in a potential playoff preview. We are in Denver sharing our NHL odds series, making a Stars-Avalanche prediction and pick while showing you how to watch.

The Stars defeated the Arizona Coyotes 5-2 last night. Early, they struck when Joe Pavelski capitalized off a rebound and flung it into the net for the first goal. The Stars allowed the Coyotes to score two goals to have the lead going into the second period. However, the Stars answered quickly in the second period when Roope Hintz scored 53 seconds in. Jason Robertson later stick-handled the puck past three Arizona defenders and ripped it over the goal. Amazingly, it was his 100th career goal. The Stars added two more goals to seal the win.

The Avalanche are coming off a 4-2 loss to the Minnesota Wild at Ball Arena. Ultimately, they trailed 3-1 after two periods but could not rally. Lars Eller and Bowen Byram each had a goal. However, the top line struggled massively. Nathan MacKinnon, Valeri Nichushkin, and Mikko Rantanen each had a plus/minus rating of -3. Likewise, defenseman Cale Makar also had a -3. The Avalanche lost despite firing 44 shots. Sadly, only two of those shots went into the net. The Avs won 57 percent of their faceoffs but went 0 for 4 on the powerplay. Also, they blocked just 12 shots.

The Stars come into this game with a record of 40-20-14. Also, they are currently one point behind the division-leading Minnesota Wild in the Central Division. The Avalanche are 20-13-5. Additionally, they are two points behind the Stars and three behind the Wild. The Avs are 4-5-1 in the previous 10 home games against the Stars.

Here are the Stars-Avalanche NHL odds, courtesy of FanDuel

NHL Odds: Stars-Avalanche Odds

Dallas Stars: +1.5 (-184)

Colorado Avalanche: -1.5 (+152)

Over: 6.5 (+108)

Under: 6.5 (-132)

How To Watch Stars vs. Avalanche

TV: ESPN+, ALT and BSSW

Stream: NHL

Time: 9 PM ET/6 PM PT

*Watch NHL games LIVE with fuboTV (click for a free trial)*

Why The Stars Could Cover The Spread

Roope Hintz suffered an injury last night. Therefore, his availability for today's game might be in question. But the Stars still have the firepower to contend and will need every ounce of it against the Stanley Cup champions.

Robertson is having a season to remember, with 42 goals and 53 assists. Now, he looks to stay hot as the playoffs get closer. Jamie Benn continues to shine, with 32 goals and 40 assists. Ultimately, he keeps finding ways to score. Pavelski has 23 goals and 46 assists. Somehow, he keeps producing. These three are part of an offense that averages 3.43 goals per game. Furthermore, they have averaged 3.5 over the past 10 games.

Oettinger may play the back-to-back today. However, if he cannot go, it will likely be Matt Murray, the current backup. Murray is 1-2 with a 3.39 goals-against average and a save percentage of .844. Regardless of who starts, the Stars will come into this game having allowed 3.09 goals per game. The Stars have allowed 3.2 over 10 games.

The Stars will cover the spread if they can get some chances on the powerplay. Then, they must avoid giving MacKinnon, Makar, or Rantanen room to move. The Stars must implement the strategy the Wild used on Wednesday.

Why The Avalanche Could Cover The Spread

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Nathan MacKinnon, Cale Makar and Mikko Rantanen, COL Avalanche logo, Stanley Cup in image, hockey rink in background

Colin Gallant ·

The Avalanche are hot lately. Sadly, they could not perform against the Wild. But they have had two days to stew over this and have prepared for an important showdown with the Stars.

MacKinnon has 32 goals and 63 assists. Thus, he continues to shine and is the ultimate playmaker. Rantanen has 48 goals and 40 assists. Now, he must bounce back from a poor effort. Makar has 17 goals and 49 assists. Somehow, he has overcome his injuries to produce decent stats this season. These skaters lead a team that averages 3.26 goals per game. However, they have been extra hot lately, averaging 3.9 goals per game over a 10-game stretch.

Alexander Georgiev likely gets the start. Therefore, he has a big test ahead of him. Georgiev plays behind a defense that allows 2.73 goals per game. Moreover, they have been hotter lately, allowing 2.4 goals per game over a 10-game stretch.

The Avalanche will cover the spread if they can score early. Then, they must avoid taking penalties. The top line must bounce back.

Final Stars-Avalanche Prediction & Pick

It is difficult to trust the Stars coming off a back-to-back and heading out on the road for a difficult showdown with the Avs. Therefore, expect the Avalanche to take advantage of this and steamroll the Stars, regardless of who starts in the net.

Final Stars-Avalanche Prediction & Pick: Colorado Avalanche: -1.5 (+152)