The Stanley Cup Playoffs are underway, and Saturday features three Game 1 series, including a highly anticipated matchup between the Colorado Avalanche and the Dallas Stars. These Central Division rivals are very familiar with each other, having played closely this season, with Colorado winning two of three games, one in overtime. Dallas concluded the regular season with 106 points, ranking third in the Western Conference, while Colorado was close behind with 102 points. This game is packed with star players, especially on the Avalanche side, featuring Nathan MacKinnon, who was second in the league in points and tied for the most assists this season.
For Game 1, the Avalanche are favored to win, despite being the away team. Sports betting odds show Colorado as the favorite, while the Stars are considered the underdogs at home. The point spread also favors the Avalanche, and the expected total score is set at 6.5 goals.
Statistical models are used to predict NHL game outcomes, simulating each game thousands of times to identify top player prop bets. These predictions can assist in creating successful parlays. The following are highly-rated player prop picks for Saturday`s Avalanche-Stars game, and the potential payout if combined into a same-game parlay.
Avalanche-Stars Same Game Parlay (+357 Odds)
- Nathan MacKinnon Over 3.5 Shots on Goal (-130): 5-Star Rating
- Brock Nelson Over 1.5 Shots on Goal (-146): 5-Star Rating
- Martin Necas Over 1.5 Shots on Goal (-188): 5-Star Rating
Nathan MacKinnon is a standout NHL player, proven by his impressive points and assists this season. He`s known for his aggressive offensive style and led the league in shots on goal. His shots on goal prop bet is set at 3.5, and predictions suggest he will exceed this, projecting 4.6 shots in this game. This is considered a top-rated bet for the Avalanche-Stars game. MacKinnon has consistently exceeded this prop in recent games against strong teams. Another highly-rated prop bet for MacKinnon in this game is the Under on his total points prop of 1.5.
Another player predicted to exceed his shots on goal prop is Nelson, also with a 5-star rating. Nelson has a history of surpassing his shots on goal prop in away games against winning teams. He is expected to get 2.5 shots on goal in the game against Dallas.
Necas is also predicted to exceed his shots on goal prop, completing a trio of Avalanche players. His prop line is also 1.5. Necas is projected to have 3.0 shots on goal on Saturday and has been averaging close to this in his recent away games.
