Game 7 of the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs will feature a decisive matchup between the Dallas Stars and the Colorado Avalanche. This highly anticipated contest takes place in Dallas, where the home team has recently held the edge, winning the last three games of the series.
Colorado forced this pivotal game by mounting a comeback from a 4-3 third-period deficit in Game 6 to secure a 7-4 victory, tying the series. The crucial Game 7 is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. ET at the American Airlines Center.
According to the latest betting lines, Colorado is favored on the moneyline at -137, meaning a $137 wager would win $100. Dallas is the underdog at +116, where a $100 bet could win $116. The over/under for total goals is set at 5.5. The Avalanche are also favored on the puck line at -1.5, with odds of +187.
Before placing bets, many look to predictions from models like the one from SportsLine, which simulates every NHL game 10,000 times. This model has shown a solid track record, entering the second 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 following its advice.
Expert Betting Picks for Stars vs. Avalanche Game 7:
Here are some of the top recommended bets based on analysis and model projections:
Stars +1.5 on the puck line (-230)
The Dallas Stars have successfully covered the puck line three times in this series, including twice when playing at home. Historically, Dallas holds a 5-3 record in Game 7s played on home ice, while Colorado is 2-5 when playing a Game 7 on the road. Although Avalanche goalie Mackenzie Blackwood recorded a shutout earlier in the series in Dallas, he has also allowed four or more goals in three other games and lacks experience in Game 7 situations. The SportsLine model strongly supports this pick, projecting that the Stars will cover the puck line in nearly 80% of simulations.
Nathan MacKinnon anytime goal-scorer (+100)
Nathan MacKinnon found the back of the net in Game 6, contributing to the victory despite not having as many shots on goal as in previous games. The star forward has been a consistent offensive threat throughout the series, scoring at least one goal in five out of the six contests, including the game-winning goal in Game 6. Betting odds currently place him at +100 to score at any point during the game.
1st period goal in the first 10 minutes (-142)
Excluding Game 1, which saw no scoring in the opening 20 minutes, four of the subsequent five games in this series have featured the first goal within the initial 10 minutes of play. This trend includes a goal just nine seconds into Game 5. Given the high stakes and anticipated fast start of a Game 7, a goal early in the first period is considered likely, with betting odds listed at -142 for a goal to be scored within the first 10 minutes.
