We're into the second round of the Stanley Cup playoffs now. Every day of the NHL postseason, Michel Anderson and myself, have you set with daily expert picks.
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Rolling Records
Michel: 39-22 (+6.93 Units)
Josie: 25-33 (-6.00 Units)
Game 5: avalanche vs stars preview & pick
The Game: Colorado Avalanche vs Dallas Stars, 8 PM ET
| Team | Puckline | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colorado Avalanche | +1.5 (-205) | O6.5 (+102) | +124 |
| Dallas Stars | -1.5 (+170) | U6.5 (-122) | -148 |
Josie's Take: Colorado has spiraled out of control quickly. The Avs, which scored 28 goals in the first round, have managed to scoop up just a goal in each of their last two outings.
The offense I once thought would carry the team to a cup run has disappeared. Nichushkin's, who had at least one goal in seven of his eight playoff appearances, suspension is a distraction and massive loss.
Meanwhile, everything is getting brighter for the Stars, who've outscored the Avs 14-5 in the last three games. Jake Oettinger, the Conn Smythe favorite, is playing top-notch hockey. The 25-year-old has recorded over a .960SV% in his last two starts. Following a road win, Dallas has won eight straight games. Plus, they've covered the puckline in four of its last five meetings with Colorado.
While the Avalanche crumbles, the Stars will shine and advance into the next round.
Pick: Stars -1.5 (+170)
Michel's Take: I've taken the OVER in every game this series but I'm ready to flip the script and take the UNDER.
Oettinger has been a superstar since the series went to Colorado stopping 52 of 54 shots and stopping 2.67 goals above expected. The Otter has the Avalanche's number and it's hard to see Colorado putting enough past him to hit the OVER.
Now consider that the Avs have lost leading scorer Valeri Nichushkin due to a second breach of the Player Assistant Protocol. Nichushkin had nine goals in eight games. That's the same number of goals as Makar, Rantanen and MacKinnon combined. Without him, I'm worried Colorado doesn't have what it takes to push the score past 6.5 goals.
Pick: UNDER 6.5 (-102)
