Colorado Avalanche vs Dallas Stars Picks and Predictions January 18th 2025

Stars and Avalanche Set for High-Stakes Divisional Matchup

Saturday’s showdown between the Dallas Stars and the Colorado Avalanche in Denver carries added weight as the Central Division rivals compete for positioning in a tight playoff race. With just two points separating the two teams in the standings, the outcome could have a significant impact on the division’s hierarchy.

Central Division Rivalry Intensifies

Both teams enter Saturday’s contest looking to rebound from disappointing home losses. While Colorado fell to the St. Louis Blues, Dallas couldn’t overcome a gritty Montreal Canadiens squad. Despite these setbacks, the stakes are elevated, as a win in this divisional matchup represents not just two points gained but two points denied to a rival.

Dallas has been dominant in the Central Division, boasting an 11-3-1 record, while Colorado has struggled with a 6-7-0 mark. The Stars already hold an edge in the season series after a 5-3 win on Nov. 29, but the Avalanche are determined to turn the tide.

Injury Challenges for Both Teams

Both squads are navigating the challenges of key absences. The Avalanche remain without Miles Wood and Valeri Nichushkin, both sidelined with injuries. Meanwhile, the Stars are missing Tyler Seguin, Mason Marchment, and potentially Roope Hintz, who is recovering from an upper-body injury sustained earlier in the week.

Dallas coach Peter DeBoer acknowledged the impact of these losses on his team’s offensive output. “With some of the scoring we have out of the lineup, we’ve got to get some of those ugly goals,” DeBoer said, emphasizing the need for opportunistic scoring in tight games.

Key Players to Watch

For the Avalanche, Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen remain central to their success. MacKinnon leads the NHL in points with 72 (17 goals, 55 assists), while Rantanen, with 62 points (25 goals, 37 assists), ranks fifth. Despite their individual brilliance, Colorado’s power play has been a glaring weakness, failing to convert in their last 16 attempts and scoring just once in the past 21 opportunities.

The Stars, on the other hand, continue to lean on former Avalanche forward Matt Duchene, who leads the team with 41 points (17 goals, 24 assists). Jason Robertson and Wyatt Johnston have also been steady contributors. Goaltender Jake Oettinger has been a key figure in Dallas’ defensive success, helping the Stars allow two or fewer goals in eight of their last ten games.

Avalanche Searching for Consistency

After a six-game winning streak, Colorado has alternated wins and losses in their last six outings. Head coach Jared Bednar has expressed frustration with the team’s inconsistent play, noting that despite individual standout performances, the Avalanche haven’t been “firing on all cylinders.”

Bednar emphasized the importance of elevating their game against division rivals, particularly as they aim to correct their lackluster power play. “We’ve got to fix it,” he said, signaling the urgency of Saturday’s matchup.

Dive into a Detailed Analysis of the NHL Conferences with Updated Odds and Expert Predictions

What’s at Stake

A win for the Stars would solidify their position near the top of the division, while the Avalanche have an opportunity to close the gap and build momentum heading into the season’s latter stages. With both teams battling injuries but loaded with talent, this matchup promises to be a hard-fought contest with significant implications for the Central Division standings.

Will Dallas’ road dominance continue, or can Colorado regain its rhythm and deliver a complete performance? The answer awaits in what promises to be a thrilling Saturday night clash in Denver.