NHL: Stars vs. Avalanche Picks and Odds | March 18, 2026
Written by: Nick Zanghi
Last Update: Tue Mar 24, 2026, 6:01 pm ET
Read Time: 5 minutes
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We're getting almost a playoff preview with the league's top two teams taking the ice. The Dallas Stars will head to Denver to take on the Colorado Avalanche. These two teams met just over ten days ago and the Avs won 5-4 in a shootout.
Colorado is 44-13-9 this season and are the best team in the league. They come into this game on a two-game losing streak after a really bad 7-2 loss to the Penguins on Monday. The Avalanche are 6-4-0 in their last ten games, 23-6-4 at home and 12-3-4 in divisional games.
This team has been on fire all year so far. They went on that crazy win streak at home to start the season and have been head shoulders above most. Tonight, will be a tough test for them again at home against a rival after dropping two back-to-back.
Statistically and personal wise, the Avs are the best in the league. They rank first in goals scored and shots on goal per game offensively and is the best team in the league on defense for goals allowed per game. That is a testament to the teams goaltending.
Goalie Mackenzie Blackwood is expected to get the start. He is 18-8-1 this season with a 2.27 GAA and a .904 save percentage. Blackwood has been a huge success for the Avs this season and could be a huge threat come playoff time.
Check out the odds for this matchup and other NHL games at the best online sportsbooks.
Dallas continues to ride the tail of Colorado as the season winds down
Stars forward Jason Robertson high fives his teammates on the bench after scoring a goal.
The Stars are 42-15-10 this year and second in the Central Division. They come into this game off a loss to the Mammoth on Monday. Dallas is 8-1-1 in their last ten games and have gotten point in fifteen straight games. They're 20-7-6 on the road and 14-5-2 in divisional games.
This team is for real. If they're in any other division except the Metro, they're taking first place by a mile. Don't sleep on them come playoff time because they're stacked and play like they want to prove something.
Dallas' offense is interesting. They rank sixth in goals scored and second in power play conversion. Now, they don't shoot the puck much, but they have the best shooting percentage in the league and that matters a lot.
Just like the Avs, tough defense from the Stars. They rank in the top ten for goals allowed and shots on goal allowed per game as well as having the tenth best penalty kill. They are definitely the full package this team.
In net, we're expected to see Jake Oettinger. He is 28-10-5 this season with a 2.60 GAA and a .900 save percentage. Let's check out the odds and get into the Stars vs Avalanche picks.
Dallas Stars vs. Colorado Avalanche Betting Odds and Game Information
Stars vs. Avalanche Betting Odds – March 18
| Team | Puck Line | Moneyline | Over/Under |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dallas Stars | +1.5 (-200) | +125 | Over 6.5 (+100) |
| Colorado Avalanche | -1.5 (+165) | -145 | Under 6.5 (-130) |
Odds courtesy of Lucky Rebel – Get a $1,250 deposit bonus & 50 Slot Spins when you sign up
Stars vs. Avalanche Game Information
- Venue: Ball Arena, Denver, CO
- Date: Wednesday March 18, 2026
- Puck Drop: 9:30 p.m. EST
- TV: TNT
Dallas Stars vs. Colorado Avalanche Picks and Prediction
Avalanche forward Gabriel Landeskog takes a shot on Dallas goaltender Jake Oettinger.
Stars vs. Avalanche Picks and Predictions: Game Total Under 6.5 Goals (-130) Get a $1,250 deposit bonus & 50 Slot Spins when you sign up with Lucky Rebel
I have to go with the under here. Both teams are coming off losses and will be looking to get a win, so I think we see smart hockey. This win would be huge for the Stars though, bringing them within one point of the Avs for first.
We have superior goaltending on our hands as well. I know last game they played, both teams went nuclear, but I see adjustments being made on both ends to prevent that. We're going to see a chess match, and this is going to be a low scoring game.
Give me Jake Oettinger over his saves line in this game. Colorado fires the puck and we know they're going to want to pour the offense on. His line will probably be around 26 saves, and I think he's just going to clear that.
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Nick Zanghi
Nick Zanghi is an avid hockey fan who loves to bet on the NHL Props. He has also found a liking for the WNBA. Born and raised on LI, NZ is a lifelong Islanders #isles fan and a new NY Liberty fan #LIGHTITUPNYL. When not watching or attending sporting events, he enjoys grilling and time with his wife and kids.
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