Ryan Hodges
The Avalanche made a big statement in Game 1 of this heavyweight series. This series between the Avalanche and Stars was widely considered one of the best, if not the best of this first round. A very lopsided Game 1 has created a lot of questions, though. Dallas has to regroup and really make a push as to not go back to Colorado down 0-2 in this series. Of course, that would be exactly what the Avalanche would want. This game should be an intense one for these teams and very entertaining for fans. If you will be tuning in and want to have some action, here is a same-game parlay worth considering at +625 odds. You can also get our expert NHL picks for Monday’s postseason action.
Avalanche win (-142)
Over 6.5 (+105)
Martin Necas anytime goalscorer (+235)
Avalanche vs Stars Same Game Parlay odds: +625
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Avalanche win (-142)
Unfortunately for the Stars in Game 1, they could not shake their poor recent form from the end of the regular season. Dallas entered this postseason on a 7-game losing streak and a 4-home-game losing streak. The potential silver lining was that they had clinched a playoff spot and have not played a meaningful game in some time. But they weren’t getting beat by fellow juggernauts. Dallas lost 5 of those 7 games to teams not currently in a playoff spot, and had an average loss by 2.29 goals. Whatever is not working for the Stars continued to wreak havoc on them in Saturday’s 5-1 Game 1 loss to the Avalanche.
Though the bar is low, the Avalanche are in much better form. They have won 13 out of their last 20 games, as well as 6 out of their last 8 on the road. Head to head, Colorado is now 4-1-1 in the last 6 against Dallas. In addition to having better numbers and overall results recently, the Avalanche also passed the eye test in Game 1. For what it’s worth, Colorado just plain looked like the better team. Of course, that does not always matter. But as good as Dallas is, they don’t have game breakers like Colorado’s Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar. That showed on Saturday as Colorado was flying out there in a game where it looked like Dallas was just trying to keep up. Until either team proves otherwise, the Avalanche look to be the better team and are the more reliable play.
Over 6.5 (+105)
Saturday’s 5-1 Avalanche win made it now 11 game total overs in the last 16 games played head to head. Over the past few seasons when the Avalanche and Stars meet, totals climb. It is not the most surprising trend considering the talent both teams have rostered over the years. This season alone, the Avalanche vs Stars matchup features 15 players who tallied 20 or more goals. With that, the Avs and Stars ranked 6th and 3rd respectively in goals scored per game this year. It is no accident that these teams had the success they did this year, and no accident that high totals seem to trend when they face off.
In addition to the pure offensive talent and star power, the style of play bodes well for another game total over. The Stars are giving up goals in bunches over the last 2 weeks. If they cannot clean it up even a little bit, the door will be open for the Avalanche to continue to produce. In Game 1, Colorado did not leave much work left to be done for the total to go over 5.5 goals. A repeat performance would not be surprising and would hold true against a 6.5 Total as well. A repeat performance may also force the Stars to play less conservative and take some chances offensively. If they are going to keep up with a high-flying offense like Colorado, taking chances may just be something Dallas has to do. They certainly have the talent to keep up in a high-scoring game. Even if this game is closer, over 6.5 goals has a good look.
Martin Necas anytime goalscorer (+235)
As mentioned, the Avalanche were flying around the ice in Saturday’s Game 1. They were noticeably faster than Dallas and pushed the pace just about all game. One such player that looked great was Martin Necas. Necas is no stranger to Stanley Cup Playoff hockey. However, this was his first impression as a playoff player as a Colorado Avalanche. Necas looked fantastic in said first-impression. He came through with an assist, a +1 rating, and 4 hits in 20:26 of ice time.
This season has been Martin Necas’ most productive of his 8 year career. He had over a point per game average for the first time as he tallied 27 goals and 83 points in 79 games played with the Hurricanes and Avalanche. With that, he has earned a spot on Colorado’s top line with MacKinnon and Artturi Lehkonen. Necas is also on the top power play with MacKinnon, Makar, Valeri Nichushkin, and Jonathan Drouin. He is already a talented, productive player on his own. Add in super star teammates sharing his ice every shift and there is potential for production at any time during a game. Colorado looks to be the more talented team in better form with a favorable matchup against a team that cannot stop the puck right now. The talent of Necas, the situation he has earned, and the chip on his shoulder with his new team all give appeal to his props.
