The Colorado Avalanche and Dallas Stars are set to face off in a winner-take-all Game 7 of the Western Conference First Round on Saturday, May 3, 2025, at American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. After a thrilling 7-4 victory in Game 6, the Avalanche forced a decisive showdown, setting up what promises to be an intense battle for a spot in the second round.
Game Details
- Date: Saturday, May 3, 2025
- Location: American Airlines Center, Dallas, TX
- Start Time: 8:00 p.m. ET
- Broadcast: ABC, ESPN+, SN, TVAS
Team Breakdown
Colorado Avalanche (49-29-4, 3rd in Central Division)
The Avalanche have shown resilience throughout the series, bouncing back from a 3-2 deficit with a dominant offensive performance in Game 6. Nathan MacKinnon has been the driving force, leading the team with six goals and five assists in the series. Cale Makar, after going three games without a point, finally broke through in Game 6, which could be a turning point for Colorado.
Key Strengths:
- Momentum & Confidence – Coming off a high-scoring win, the Avalanche have the offensive firepower to challenge Dallas.
- MacKinnon’s Leadership – He has 11 points in the series and thrives in elimination games.
- Special Teams Improvement – Colorado’s power play converted key chances in Game 6.
Key Weaknesses:
- Defensive Lapses – Allowed four second-period goals in Game 6, showing vulnerability in their own zone.
- Road Performance – The Avalanche have struggled in Dallas, losing two of three games in this series.
Dallas Stars (50-26-6, 2nd in Central Division)
The Stars have been one of the most consistent teams in the NHL, but injuries to Miro Heiskanen (knee) and Jason Robertson (leg) could impact their ability to close out the series. Jake Oettinger, who has been stellar at home, will need to bounce back after allowing seven goals in Game 6.
Key Strengths:
- Home Ice Advantage – The Stars have won three Game 7s against Colorado, including their most recent in 2020.
- Depth Scoring – Wyatt Johnston and Roope Hintz have combined for nine points in the last two games.
- Oettinger’s Playoff Experience – Despite a rough Game 6, he has a 1.32 GAA and .952 save percentage at home in the playoffs.
Key Weaknesses:
- Injury Concerns – Missing Heiskanen and Robertson could hurt their defensive structure and offensive production.
- Penalty Kill Struggles – Colorado’s power play has found success, which could be a deciding factor.
Game Prediction & Key Matchups
Key Matchups:
- MacKinnon vs. Oettinger – Can MacKinnon break through against one of the best playoff goalies?
- Makar vs. Johnston – Makar needs to step up offensively, while Johnston has been Dallas’ most dangerous forward.
- Special Teams Battle – Power play execution could be the deciding factor.
Game Odds
Colorado Avalanche – 135
Dallas Stars 5.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Friday, May 2, 2025
