The Western Conference semifinal series between the Dallas Stars and the Colorado Avalanche has unfolded in a rather straightforward manner, despite early expectations of a seven-game battle. Many bettors backed the Avalanche, banking on their star-studded first line to carry the load. However, Dallas—the top seed in the West after a dominant regular season—has proven resilient. Their previous hard-fought series against the Vegas Golden Knights may have raised doubts, but the Stars have seized control with a 3-1 series lead after four games (3-4 OT, 5-3, 4-1, 5-1).
The biggest storyline heading into Game 5 is the absence of Valeri Nichushkin, the Avalanche’s leading goal scorer in this postseason. Nichushkin was suspended by the NHL after violating the league’s substance abuse program, missing Game 4 and potentially the remainder of the playoffs. His role on both the power play and penalty kill is irreplaceable, and his loss has dealt a massive blow to Colorado’s offensive structure. Without him, the Avalanche struggled to generate consistent pressure despite dominating early shot attempts.
In Game 4, the Stars weathered an early storm. Colorado outshot Dallas 16-2 in the first period, but Alexandar Georgiev made several key saves to keep his team in the game. The Stars then capitalized on a power-play opportunity when Wyatt Johnston scored the opening goal after a turnover by Cale Makar. Johnston added another power-play goal early in the second period, and Miro Heiskanen made it 3-0 with an even-strength tally. Casey Mittelstadt got one back for Colorado, but Evgenii Dadonov’s late third-period goal sealed a 5-1 win for the visitors, who added an empty-netter to close out the contest.
Everything suggests Game 5 in Dallas could be the series clincher. The Stars have found scoring from multiple lines, and the Avalanche appear out of answers. For Game 5, oddsmakers favor the home side. Recommended bets include a Dallas victory, the Avalanche with a +0 puck line (a two-way line), and under 6 total goals. Specific odds currently list a Dallas win at around 2.17 (Olimpbet) to 2.27 (Betcity), while a Colorado win ranges from 2.74 (Liga Stavok) to 2.97 (Olimpbet).
Who will win Game 5? With Nichushkin out and Dallas rolling, the Stars have a golden chance to close out the series on home ice.
