Best NHL Bets Today: Expect the Dallas Stars to Finish the Series

After taking the first game of the series, the Colorado Avalanche now find themselves on the brink of elimination. The Dallas Stars have been utterly dominant since their game one loss, winning three games in a row and now have the chance to close out the series on their home ice for game five. An argument can be made that this series should already be over if the Stars didn’t blow a 3-0 lead in game one. Not only can you wager on the game itself, but check out our breakdown of game five's player props.

As for where to wager on Game 5 of the Stars and Avalanche matchup, FanDuel has been a pioneer for the sport; as we explore in our FanDuel sportsbook review, they offer a wide range of markets and props that consistently lead the industry. If you have not signed up yet with FanDuel sportsbook and want to get in on the action, you can receive $150 in bonus bets for simply creating an account and winning your first bet of at least $5 wagered. Be sure to wager the $5 on a heavy favorite like a Stars Alt Puck Line, maximizing your chances of winning and collecting the $150 in bonus bets.

Colorado Avalanche vs. Dallas Stars - Game 5 (8:00 PM, EST)

Dallas Stars -1.5 (+175) at FanDuel

The Dallas Stars haven't been just dominant in this series against the Avs, they have taken a leap with their overall production since the start of the NHL Playoffs. Since the start of the playoffs, the Dallas Stars as a whole have increased their Expected Goal Percentage, Expected Goals For Percentage, and are now the favorite to win the Stanley Cup in most sportsbooks along with the Florida Panthers.

If it wasn’t for a game one collapse where they lost in overtime after gaining a 3-0 lead in the first period, then the Stars would already find themselves in the Western Conference Finals. Instead, they need to make quick work of the Avs once again as we have seen in games two through four. They are in a great position to do so, using their stout defense to minimize the Avs explosive offense while taking advantage of Colorado’s weak goaltending as well.

It’s been a playoff performance to forget for Avs goaltender Alexandar Georgiev as he ranks second to last in Save Percentage (0.891) and Goals Against per Game (3.10) for current goalies still in the playoffs. Only the Oilers Stuart Skinner ranks worse, and he has been replaced in a desperate attempt to keep the Oilers playoff hopes alive.

As for the Stars, goaltender Jake Oettinger resides in the top-3 for best Save Percentage at 0.923 and top-2 in Goals Against per Game at 2.02. In his last two games against the Avs, he has conceded just one goal in each game. 

To make matters worse for the Avs against Oettinger, they will be without their Right Wing Valeri Nichushkin after getting suspended for violating the team’s wellness program. Nichushkin was fourth on the team for Playoff Points, first in Shooting Percentage, and first in Total Goals. Without Nichushkin, the Avs lose a major source of offensive production needed to mask their defensive inefficiencies. Back the Stars to dominate the Avs once again, covering the Puck Line and stamping their ticket to the WCF.

Place your NHL Bets at FanDuel