The Dallas Stars are set to host the Colorado Avalanche in a crucial Game 7 of the Stanley Cup playoffs first round. The home team has held the advantage throughout the latter half of the series, winning each of the last three games. Colorado forced this decisive Game 7 by mounting a comeback from a 4-3 deficit in the third period of Game 6 to secure a convincing 7-4 victory.
Puck drop for this critical Saturday matchup at Dallas` American Airlines Center is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET.
According to the latest odds, Colorado enters as the favorite on the money line at -137 (risk $137 to win $100), while Dallas is the underdog at +116 (risk $100 to win $116). The total goals over/under is set at 5.5. The Avalanche are also favored on the puck line at -1.5 (+187). For expert betting advice, it`s recommended to consult predictions from proven models like SportsLine`s.
SportsLine`s Projection Model is a sophisticated tool that simulates every NHL game 10,000 times. Heading into the second full week of the 2025 NHL playoffs, the model has demonstrated a strong track record on top-rated puck line and over/under picks.
Notable Betting Picks for Game 7:
Dallas Stars +1.5 Puck Line (-230)
Dallas has successfully covered the puck line in three games during this series, including two at home. Historically, the Stars have a favorable 5-3 record in Game 7s played at home, contrasting with the Avalanche`s 2-5 record as the road team in Game 7s. While Mackenzie Blackwood achieved a shutout for Colorado in Game 4 in Dallas, he has also allowed four or more goals in three games this series and lacks extensive Game 7 experience. The SportsLine model predicts a tight contest, projecting Dallas to cover the puck line in nearly 80% of simulations.
Nathan MacKinnon Anytime Goal Scorer (+100)
Although MacKinnon took fewer shots in Game 6 compared to earlier games, he still managed to find the back of the net. The star forward has scored at least one goal in five out of the six games played, notably netting the game-winning goal in Game 6. Odds for MacKinnon to score anytime are listed at +100.
Goal Scored in First 10 Minutes of 1st Period (-142)
Game 1 was an anomaly, as no goals were scored in the opening period. However, in four of the subsequent five games, the first goal has been scored within the initial 10 minutes. This includes a rapid goal by Wyatt Johnston just nine seconds into Game 5. The odds for a goal to be scored within the first 10 minutes of the first period are -142.
