Dallas heads to Denver with the Central’s top two teams separated by just three points in the standings. Colorado has been elite at home all year, but Dallas has been one of the league’s best road teams and comes in with the stronger recent form.
The market prices Colorado as a solid home favorite, with a 6.5 total that’s asking for near-peak finishing given how well both clubs have defended overall.
Odds & Game Info
Puck drop is scheduled for 9:30 PM ET at Ball Arena (Denver, CO).
Odds as of 3:26 PM ET on March 18, 2026.
| Market | Dallas Stars | Colorado Avalanche |
|---|---|---|
| Spread (Puck Line) | +1.5 (-205) | -1.5 (+164) |
| Moneyline | +122 | -146 |
| Total (6.5) | Over 6.5 (+104) | Under 6.5 (-128) |
Team Records
Here’s a snapshot of where both teams stand entering tonight.
| Team | Record | Last 10 | ATS (Puck Line) | O/U |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas Stars | 42-15-10 (Away: 20-7-6) | 8-1-1 | 26-36 | 28-30 |
| Colorado Avalanche | 44-13-9 (Home: 23-6-4) | 6-4-0 | 30-26 | 28-33 |
Team Stats
This table focuses on scoring, prevention, and special teams.
| Team | Goals per game | Goals allowed per game | Power play % | Penalty kill % |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas Stars | 3.45 | 2.69 | 29.6% | 80.9% |
| Colorado Avalanche | 3.73 | 2.50 | 15.8% | 82.4% |
Recaps
Dallas Stars
Dallas has gone 4-1 in its last five, scoring 19 goals across that stretch. The Stars’ most recent game was a 6-3 home loss to Utah on March 16, after wins over Detroit (3-2 OT), Edmonton (7-2), Vegas (2-1), and Chicago (4-3 OT).
In net, no starter has been confirmed. Dallas’ listed goaltending options are Jake Oettinger (28-10-5, 2.62 GAA, .900 SV%) and Casey DeSmith (14-5-5, 2.40 GAA, .907 SV%).
Injuries to monitor: Mikko Rantanen (IR), Roope Hintz (out), Radek Faksa (IR), Tyler Seguin (IR-LT).
Colorado Avalanche
Colorado is 2-3 in its last five, with losses to Pittsburgh (7-2), Winnipeg (3-1), and Edmonton (4-3), plus wins at Seattle (5-1) and vs Minnesota (3-2 SO). Despite the recent dip, the Avalanche still bring the league’s higher-end nightly ceiling with 3.73 goals per game.
No starting goalie has been confirmed. Colorado’s listed options are Scott Wedgewood (25-5-5, 2.23 GAA, .915 SV%) and Mackenzie Blackwood (18-8-1, 2.48 GAA, .904 SV%).
Injuries to monitor: Ross Colton (day-to-day), Logan O’Connor (IR-LT), Gabriel Landeskog (out), Artturi Lehkonen (out).
Matchup Keys
- Shots and volume edge: Colorado is generating 33.7 shots for per game vs Dallas at 25.9, while both teams allow 26.4 shots against per game. If that volume gap holds, Colorado’s floor improves.
- Special teams clash: Dallas’ power play is converting at 29.6%, while Colorado’s power play is at 15.8%. If this game turns into a penalty-heavy night, Dallas has a clearer path to “steal” goals.
- 5v5 profile (snapshot): In a 5v5 sample earlier this season (as of Nov. 24, 2025), Colorado posted a 54.75 CF% and 59.01 xGF%, while Dallas posted a 46.10 CF% and 51.71 xGF%. That’s the blueprint for why Colorado can control stretches even when finishing swings.
- Health impact on Dallas’ top-six: If Hintz and Rantanen remain out, Dallas is missing high-end transition and finishing, which matters more on the road where matchups tighten.
- Rest and travel: Both teams last played March 16. Colorado stays home, while Dallas travels into altitude with one day off.
Betting Trends
- Dallas is 14-2 straight up in its last 16 games.
- Dallas is 5-0 straight up in its last five road games.
- The Over is 6-2 in Dallas’ last eight games.
- The Over has hit in five straight Colorado games vs Dallas.
- Colorado is 4-8 straight up in its last 12 home games.
- The Under is 9-4 in Colorado’s last 13 games played on a Wednesday.
- Dallas is 8-1-1 in its last 10 games (current form entering tonight).
- Colorado is 6-4-0 in its last 10 games (current form entering tonight).
Best Bet
Colorado Avalanche moneyline (-146).
Colorado’s home performance (23-6-4) plus the clear shot-volume advantage (33.7 SF/G vs 25.9 SF/G) is a strong baseline in a matchup between two top-tier teams. Dallas can absolutely keep this tight, but the injury list up front is a real concern if Hintz and Rantanen remain out, especially against a team that can play long offensive-zone shifts at 5v5. If Colorado gets even average power-play production, the overall profile favors the home side.
Predicted Score
Our computer projections model for this matchup predicts a final score of Colorado 3, Dallas 2
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