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Hockey fans are being spoiled by Round 1 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs this spring, but no series has felt more dramatic than Dallas vs. Colorado.
Despite a 50-win season, the injury-stricken Stars were a clear underdog before the series started, while the Avalanche were one of the most popular picks to represent the Western Conference in the Stanley Cup Finals.
But Dallas plugged away to a 2-1 series lead, causing plenty of pundits, bettors, and fans to wonder if the entire hockey world underestimated the Stars.
Colorado then stepped up in Game 4 with a 4-0 win, capped off by a dramatic goal by Gabriel Landeskog, his first in almost three years.
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Stars vs. Avalanche Game 5 betting preview
The series now shifts back to Dallas, with the Avs sitting as a -137 favorite to win Game 5. Colorado is -166 to win the series, and is back to being the chalk to come out of the West at +330.
It’s hard to argue with much of that, as the Avs finally looked like they hit their stride in Game 4.
Through the first three contests of this best-of-7, it was Dallas that was winning the minutes at 5-on-5. The Stars, despite missing Jason Robertson and Miro Heiskanen, were able to get the game on their terms.
That changed in Game 4, when Colorado walloped Dallas. The Avs outattempted the Stars, 87-38, at 5-on-5, and they registered 28 more shots on goal (44 to 16).
Thomas Harley has had to play a massive role for the Stars with Miro Heiskanen injured. NHLI via Getty ImagesStars vs. Avalanche Game 5 pick
The biggest concern for the Stars coming into this series was that their blueline would eventually get exposed without Heiskanen.
Cody Ceci, Ilya Lyubushkin, and Esa Lindell are all experienced hands who can do a solid job in the right role, but right now they’re all being asked to do too much.
None of them are the quick, puck-moving type of defenseman you need to take the sting out of Colorado’s speedy, relentless attack.
With Heiskanen’s status still doubtful at best, the Stars will likely be in survival mode in their own zone again on Monday and that is a recipe for disaster against the Avs.
The Play: Avs -140 or better
Why Trust New York Post Betting
Michael Leboff is a long-suffering Islanders fan, but a long-profiting sports bettor with 10 years of experience in the gambling industry. He loves using game theory to help punters win bracket pools, find long shots, and learn how to beat the market in mainstream and niche sports.
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