Colorado Avalanche vs Dallas Stars: Game Preview, Predictions, and Odds for 2024 NHL Playoffs Round 2 Game 5 | May 15, 2024
The Dallas Stars are set to host the Colorado Avalanche for Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs West second round at the American Airlines Center in Dallas. The game will be broadcast on ESPN, SN, and TVAS on Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET.
Despite a slow start in Game 1, where they managed a 4-3 overtime win, Colorado has struggled since then, with an aggregate score of 14-5. Dallas bounced back with a 5-3 victory in Game 2 at home, followed by a 4-1 win in Game 3 and a 5-1 road win in Game 4, giving them a commanding 3-1 lead in the series.
The Stars have effectively defended eight consecutive penalties in this series and boast an 85% penalty kill rate since April 24. Their save percentage of .925 against Colorado puts them on the brink of clinching the series.
Colorado Avalanche vs Dallas Stars: Game preview
The Colorado Avalanche face a must-win situation to keep their season alive and push the series to a sixth game on Friday. They hold a 3-2 record on the road in these playoffs.
Their leading playoff goalscorer, Valeri Nichushkin, has been suspended for at least six months, which is a significant setback for the team.
In the last game, Casey Mittelstadt was the sole goal scorer for the Avalanche. Throughout the postseason, Artturi Lehkonen has made notable contributions with five goals, four assists, and 30 shots on goal.
Cale Makar, Nathan MacKinnon, and Mikko Rantanen have collectively added nine goals and 27 assists. In goal, Alexandar Georgiev has a record of 5-4-0, a GAA of 3.10, and an SV% of .891, having conceded 28 goals on 247 shots.
The Avalanche are averaging 4.11 goals per game, have a power play success rate of 30.8%, are conceding 3.56 goals per game, and have a penalty kill rate of 72%.
