- What: NHL Western Conference Playoffs First Round Game 7
- When: May 3, 2025
- Who: Colorado Avalanche vs. Dallas Stars
- Time: 5:00 p.m. PST
- Where: American Airlines Center (Dallas, TX)
The two most exciting words in the world of sports: Game 7.
The Dallas Stars will face off against the Colorado Avalanche in what promises to be a thrilling conclusion to their first-round matchup in the Stanley Cup playoffs.
The home team has won each of the last three games in this series, and the Avalanche pulled off a remarkable comeback in Game 6, overcoming a 4-3 deficit in the third period to level the series with a decisive 7-4 win.
The head coaches for both teams have markedly different Game 7 records.
Peter DeBoer of the Stars boasts an impressive 8-0 record in Game 7s, while Colorado’s Jared Bednar has yet to secure a victory, with a record of 0-3 in these decisive matches.
In this stage of the playoffs, experience is vital, and DeBoer seems to have mastered the art of winning in elimination games.
Notably, he is 3-0 in playoff series against the Avalanche, and since relocating from Quebec in 1995, Colorado has yet to win a Game 7 on the road.
The Dallas Stars will continue to be without defenseman Miro Heiskanen and forward Jason Robertson, who have missed the entire series.
While some players have stepped up admirably, the absence is becoming increasingly noticeable, especially as the Avalanche have secured two wins in the last three games.
The Avalanche will rely on goaltender Mackenzie Blackwood, who has a solid record of 22-12-3, a .913 save percentage, and a 2.33 goals-against average since joining the team midseason.
Conversely, Dallas’s Jake Oettinger has faced challenges recently, allowing three or more goals in seven out of his last nine starts. This has led to a 3-6 record with a .890 save percentage and a 3.69 goals-against average.
Considering their stronger and healthier lineup, Colorado has the edge needed to overcome the Stars’ home-ice advantage in this critical Game 7.
I’m taking the Avalanche to buck the trend and hand the Stars and DeBoer his first loss in a game 7. The Avalanche beat the Stars to advance to the next round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Best Bet: Avs to win in regulation at -105 odds
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Tony Reyes is a sports betting analyst and reporter for Dice City Sports. You can follow him on X @TonyParlay.
