Predictions, Odds, and Best Bets for Game 3 between the Dallas Stars and Colorado Avalanche on April 23

• The Avalanche are -195 moneyline favorites over the Stars in Game 3 of their 1st Round playoff series
• The best-of-seven series is tied 1-1
• See the Stars vs Avalanche Game 3 predictions, odds and best bets, below

It’s early, but the most compelling 1st round series so far in the NHL playoff bracket, has been the Stars vs Avalanche. The Western Conference foes will meet in Game 3 tonight, as the series shifts to Colorado.

Puck drop is scheduled for 9:30 pm ET at Ball Arena, in Denver, CO, with ESPN providing the broadcast coverage.

Stars vs Avalanche Injury News

There’s a chance both clubs get an important piece back in their lineup for a pivotal Game 3. For the Avs, captain Gabriel Landeskog could make his first appearance in a Colorado jersey in three years. The 32-year-old has missed the last three regular seasons and playoffs due to knee injuries that required multiple surgeries.

Landesgok was on the ice this morning, after being activated off IR prior to Game 2. Avs head coach Jared Bednar wouldn’t commit to Landeskog playing tonight, but said “there’s a good chance”.

Dallas meanwhile, is hoping star defensemen Miro Heiskanen can return tonight or in Game 4. He hasn’t played since suffering a knee injury in late January. Heiskanen is the Stars leader in ice-time, and has compiled 61 career playoff points in 85 postseason games. He too skated this morning, but there’s no immediate word on his availability.

Dallas Stars vs Colorado Avalanche Predictions

The Game 3 winner in a best-of-seven series that’s tied 1-1, has gone on to advance 66% of the time in NHL history. That makes tonight’s contest almost a must-win, and I’m predicting it’s the road team that plays spoiler.

Dallas has outplayed Colorado through two games, but barely escaped with a series split after a thrilling 4-3 OT victory in Game 2. They’ve generated over 3 more expected goals, and hold a 34-to-17 advantage in high danger chances. The Stars have gotten virtually no production from Mikko Rantanen, Matt Duchene and Jamie Benn, three of their top-six forwards. Positive regression is coming their way, while we should expect a better performance from Jake Oettinger.

He’s posted a 3.06 GAA and .883 save percentage through two games, numbers that are far lower than his career stats. If Dallas is going to make noise as a Stanley Cup odds contender, Oettinger will need to step up.

Stars vs Avalanche Advanced Stats After 2 Games

As for the Avalanche, it’s not unfair to say they’ve been getting a little lucky. Nathan MacKinnon has scored on 30% of the shots he’s taken so far, while the fourth line has produced three of Colorado’s 8 goals.

The Avalanche have surrendered almost 9 expected goals, but the Stars have just 5 actual goals to show for their efforts. Puck possession has been relatively even, but Mackenzie Blackwood has stopped 97% of the high danger chances he’s faced, compared to only 76% for Oettinger. Water is going to find it’s level, and a few more pucks are going to wind up behind Blackwood.

Dallas Stars vs Colorado Avalanche Odds

The best price we can get on Dallas to pull off the Game 3 upset is +162 at Caesars. Colorado is a -195 moneyline favorite, and +142 to cover the -1.5 puck line. The total sits at 6.5, with the juice shaded to the under.

Odds as of April 22nd at Caesars. Check out SBD’s Caesars Sportsbook review to see the available sign-up bonuses.

Per the NHL public betting trends, our upset prediction is not a popular one. 85% of the moneyline bets are on the Avalanche, as is 93% of the handle.

Stars vs Avalanche Best Bets

• Dallas Stars Moneyline (+162 at Caesars)

You’ll often hear how hard it is for players to adjust to playing at elevation. In fact, many people will cite that as a reason for backing Colorado tonight, now that they’re back in Denver.

However, consider the following. Dallas won all three games on the road in Colorado during last season’s Conference Semifinals. They outscored the Avs 11-3 in those matchups, and scored six times in two trips to Denver this past regular season.

The Dallas Stars and Colorado Avalanche are set to face off in Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on April 23. With the series tied at 1-1, both teams will be looking to gain an edge in what is sure to be a highly competitive matchup.

The Stars come into Game 3 with momentum on their side after a convincing 5-2 win in Game 2. They will be looking to continue their strong play and take a series lead against the Avalanche. Dallas has been led by their top line of Jamie Benn, Tyler Seguin, and Alexander Radulov, who have combined for 14 points in the first two games of the series.

On the other hand, the Avalanche will be looking to bounce back after a disappointing performance in Game 2. Colorado will need their top players, such as Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen, to step up and provide some much-needed offense in Game 3. The Avalanche will also need goaltender Philipp Grubauer to be at his best in order to shut down the Stars’ potent offense.

As for the odds, the Stars are currently listed as slight favorites to win Game 3. However, with the series tied and both teams playing at a high level, this game could truly go either way. Bettors may want to consider taking the over on the total goals scored, as both teams have shown an ability to score in bunches.

In terms of best bets for Game 3, taking the Stars on the moneyline could be a solid option given their recent success and momentum. Additionally, betting on the over for total goals scored could also be a profitable bet considering the offensive firepower of both teams.

Overall, Game 3 between the Dallas Stars and Colorado Avalanche is shaping up to be a thrilling and closely contested matchup. With both teams hungry for a series lead, fans can expect an intense and exciting game on April 23.