The Dallas Stars are set to host the Colorado Avalanche in a highly anticipated Game 7 of the Stanley Cup playoffs` first round. This series has seen the home team dominate recently, winning the last three contests. The Avalanche forced this decisive game by overcoming a third-period deficit in Game 6, securing a 7-4 victory to level the series. The crucial Saturday night matchup is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. ET at the American Airlines Center in Dallas.
Current betting odds list Colorado as the favorite on the money line at -137 (bet $137 to win $100), while Dallas is the underdog at +116 (bet $100 to win $116). The total number of goals (over/under) is set at 5.5. Additionally, the Avalanche have a puck line of -1.5 (+187).
Analyzing potential wagers requires looking at insights from projection models. The SportsLine Projection Model, known for simulating every NHL game thousands of times, has a strong track record. It entered the second full week of the 2025 NHL playoffs with a combined 78-55 record on top-rated puck line and over/under picks, generating significant returns for bettors who followed its recommendations.
SportsLine Model`s Top Picks for Game 7:
Stars +1.5 on the puck line (-230)
Dallas has successfully covered the puck line three times in this series, including twice on home ice. Historically, the Stars hold a favorable 5-3 record in Game 7s played at home, contrasting with Colorado`s 2-5 record as the road team in Game 7s. While Avalanche goalie Mackenzie Blackwood did record a shutout in Dallas in Game 4, he has also allowed four or more goals in three games during the series and lacks experience in Game 7 scenarios. The SportsLine model strongly favors Dallas keeping the game close, predicting they will cover the puck line in nearly 80% of simulations.
Nathan MacKinnon anytime goal-scorer (+100)
Although Nathan MacKinnon`s shot volume in Game 6 wasn`t as high as in earlier games, he still managed to find the back of the net. The star forward has demonstrated consistent scoring throughout the series, netting at least one goal in five out of six games, including the game-winner in Game 6. His propensity for scoring makes him a strong candidate to score again in the decisive game.
Goal scored in the first 10 minutes of the 1st period (-142)
Excluding Game 1, which saw no scoring in the opening 20 minutes, this series has featured rapid starts. A goal has been scored within the first 10 minutes of the first period in four of the subsequent five games. This includes Wyatt Johnston`s goal just nine seconds into Game 5, illustrating how quickly action can develop. This trend suggests a high probability of an early goal in Game 7.
