Saturday’s NHL schedule brings the drama to a boiling point with pivotal fixtures, headlined by a winner-takes-all Game 7 between the Colorado Avalanche and Dallas Stars. The intensity of the Stanley Cup Playoffs is in full display as teams battle fatigue, pressure, and history itself in pursuit of glory. The Avalanche and Stars, two evenly matched Western Conference powerhouses, have traded blows in a six-game slugfest that’s delivered everything from dramatic comebacks to unlikely heroes.
As the series returns to Dallas for its decider, all eyes will be on which side can manage the moment and close out what’s been one of the most competitive clashes of the postseason so far. Let’s break down this monumental matchup.
Colorado Avalanche at Dallas Stars
Match Info
- Stanley Cup Playoffs – Round 1, Game 7
- Saturday 3rd May 2025, 20:00 EST / Sunday 4th May 2025, 01:00 BST
- American Airlines Center, Dallas, USA
Colorado Avalanche
The Avalanche arrive in Dallas with the wind in their sails following a dramatic 7-4 Game 6 win at home. Their victory was defined not just by opportunism — including a bizarre own goal by Dallas — but by a return to form for key players like Cale Makar, who finally found his scoring touch at a crucial juncture. Colorado has shown resilience throughout this series, bouncing back twice after falling behind, and they’ll be banking on their experience and offensive firepower to carry them through Game 7.
Nathan MacKinnon has remained a consistent threat, while Mikko Rantanen’s offensive explosion in Game 6 underlined just how dangerous this Avalanche side can be when it finds rhythm. The challenge, however, will be replicating that high-tempo play on the road, especially against a Stars side that’s historically solid on home ice in clutch situations. If Colorado can silence the Dallas crowd early and keep pressure on the Stars’ defence, they’ll have a real shot at advancing.
Dallas Stars
For the second straight season, the Dallas Stars have the opportunity to eliminate the Avalanche, this time with home ice on their side. They let a golden chance slip away in Game 6, surrendering a lead and eventually the match after an unfortunate own goal and a spirited Colorado rally. But they remain composed and dangerous, leaning on a strong recent Game 7 record — winners of three of their last four — and a roster stacked with depth and experience.
Jake Oettinger in net will be pivotal. When he’s sharp, the Stars are near-impossible to beat. Offensively, they’ve leaned on a reawakened Rantanen and consistent contributions across the top lines. The key will be controlling the tempo and limiting Colorado’s transition game, something they’ve done effectively at times throughout the series. Mentally, Dallas must reset, embrace the home ice advantage, and channel the lessons of past successes to get over the line.
America Bet Match Winner Prediction
Dallas Stars to win
With home ice and recent Game 7 pedigree on their side, the Stars appear slightly better placed to take this decisive clash. While Colorado’s Game 6 performance was impressive, Dallas has shown better control over the series tempo at home and has the goaltending edge in clutch situations.
America Bet Score Prediction
Colorado Avalanche 3 – 4 Dallas Stars
Expect a high-scoring affair, in line with recent games, but with the Stars edging it late thanks to special teams play and a strong closing performance in front of their fans.
America Bet Betting Tips
- Dallas Stars to win (Moneyline)
- Over 6.5 total goals
- Both teams to score 3+ goals
- Cale Makar to record 1+ point
- Mikko Rantanen to score anytime
- Roope Hintz over 0.5 assists
- Game to go to overtime – No
- First team to score – Colorado Avalanche
- Dallas Stars to win 3rd period
- Total powerplay goals – Over 1.5
