NHL Game Preview: Colorado Avalanche (41-10-9) vs. Dallas Stars (38-14-9)

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The Colorado Avalanche, owners of the NHL’s best record and riding a three-game win streak, head to Dallas for a Central Division showdown against the streaking Stars, who aim to extend their franchise-record 10-game winning streak. Colorado’s high-octane offense (3.82 GPG, 1st) faces Dallas’ stingy defense (2.66 GAA, 7th), in a potential playoff preview between the division’s top two teams. This is the second of four meetings this season; Dallas won the opener 5-4 in a shootout on October 11, 2025. With injuries impacting both sides—particularly Dallas’ forward depth—expect Nathan MacKinnon’s playmaking to clash with Jason Robertson’s scoring in a high-stakes battle.

Venue Location

American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas. This 18,532-seat arena has been the Stars’ home since 2001, where Dallas is 18-7-3 this season, allowing 2.8 GPG defensively.

Puck drop is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET (5:00 p.m. PT). Broadcast on Victory+, ALT; stream via ESPN+.

Injury Report

Both teams are navigating forward injuries, with Dallas hit harder up front. Colorado could see returns but remains cautious with depth pieces.

TeamPlayerPositionStatusInjury/Details
AvalancheArtturi LehkonenLWOutUpper Body (expected return Mar 10)
AvalancheLogan O’ConnorRWOutHip (expected return Mar 22)
AvalancheJoel KivirantaLWOutConcussion (expected return Mar 8)
StarsRoope HintzCIRIllness (expected return Mar 6)
StarsTyler MyersDDay-To-DayNot Injury Related (expected return Mar 6)
StarsMikko RantanenRWIRLower Body (expected return Mar 21)
StarsTyler SeguinCIR-LTACL (out for season)
StarsRadek FaksaCIRUpper Body (expected return Mar 14)

Dallas’ absences weaken their top-six scoring, while Colorado’s depth forwards are sidelined but core intact.

Key Player Matchups

Colorado’s league-leading offense (3.82 GPG) tests Dallas’ solid goaltending (2.66 GAA), but the Stars’ 10-game streak features balanced contributions. Special teams loom large: Avalanche PP 15.4% (32nd) vs. Stars PK 80.6% (20th).

  • Nathan MacKinnon (COL) vs. Jason Robertson (DAL): MacKinnon (41 G, 59 A, 100 PTS) on a six-game point streak (1 G, 8 A) drives Colorado; Robertson (34 G, 38 A, 72 PTS) leads Dallas’ attack in a battle of elite playmakers.
  • Martin Necas (COL) vs. Wyatt Johnston (DAL): Necas (multi-point games recently) exploits transitions; Johnston (power-play threats) counters with secondary scoring.
  • Mackenzie Blackwood (COL) vs. Jake Oettinger (DAL): Blackwood (likely starter, strong recent form) vs. Oettinger (2.67 GAA, .898 SV%), a goaltending duel that could decide a low-scoring affair.
  • Valeri Nichushkin (COL) vs. Matt Duchene (DAL): Nichushkin’s physicality vs. Duchene’s speed; key for zone entries.
  • Other Notes: Colorado leans on Cale Makar (defensive wizardry); Dallas’ Jamie Benn adds veteran grit amid injuries.

Recent Team Forms

Colorado is 6-4 in their last 10, on a three-game win streak with dominant scoring (5+ goals in wins). They beat Anaheim 5-1 on March 3.

DateOpponentResultScore
Mar 3at AnaheimW5-1
Mar 1vs SeattleW5-3
Feb 27vs St. LouisW4-2
Feb 25at WinnipegL3-4 OT
Feb 23vs UtahW5-2
Feb 21vs VegasW SO4-3
Feb 19at St. LouisW4-1
Feb 17at St. LouisL2-3
Feb 15vs WinnipegW OT4-3
Feb 13at SeattleL1-3

Dallas is 10-0 in their last 10, on a franchise-record streak with shutout potential (6-1 vs. Calgary on March 3).

DateOpponentResultScore
Mar 3vs CalgaryW6-1
Mar 1at NashvilleW4-2
Feb 28vs SeattleW5-3
Feb 26vs St. LouisW4-1
Feb 24vs St. LouisW3-2
Feb 22at CarolinaW SO3-2
Feb 20vs NashvilleW5-1
Feb 18at St. LouisW4-2
Feb 16vs WinnipegW OT3-2
Feb 14at UtahW5-0

Series History

Colorado holds a slight all-time edge: 78-58-24 in 163 regular-season games (including Quebec Nordiques era). Dallas is 6-6-3 vs. Colorado over the last five years. In playoffs, Dallas leads 5-2 in series (most recent: 2025 First Round, Dallas won 4-3). Dallas won this season’s opener 5-4 SO; Colorado is 2-8 in last 10 vs. Dallas but split recent road games.

Betting Trends

  • ATS Trends: Avalanche 33-27 ATS (55%), 17-13 as road favorites. Stars 28-32-1 ATS (46.8%), but 4-1 ATS during streak.
  • O/U Trends: Avalanche over in 30-30 (50%); Stars under in 33-28 (54%). Head-to-head under in 6 of last 10.

Game Odds

Colorado Avalanche       – 122

Dallas Stars                         5.5

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Thursday, March 5, 2026