{"id":467577,"date":"2025-04-26T08:05:28","date_gmt":"2025-04-26T12:05:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/?p=467577"},"modified":"2025-04-26T08:05:28","modified_gmt":"2025-04-26T12:05:28","slug":"nhl-predictions-april-26-dallas-stars-vs-colorado-avalanche","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/04\/26\/nhl-predictions-april-26-dallas-stars-vs-colorado-avalanche\/","title":{"rendered":"NHL Predictions: April 26 Dallas Stars vs Colorado Avalanche"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Welcome back to another NHL Predictions. Each day our writers here at\u00a0<em>Last Word on Hockey<\/em> look at the games and give in-depth analysis. Our team breaks down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then makes predictions based on how they might play out. For this edition, we will look at the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/04\/24\/special-teams-help-dallas-stars-take-2-1-series-lead-vs-colorado-avalanche\/\" target=\"_self\">Dallas Stars\u00a0<\/a>taking on the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/04\/19\/dallas-stars-colorado-avalanche-first-round-2025-stanley-cup-playoffs-series-preview\/\" target=\"_self\">Colorado Avalanche<\/a>.\u00a0Don\u2019t forget to check out more\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/04\/26\/playoffs-round-one-game-4-ottawa-senators-toronto-maple-leafs-nhl-predictions\/\" target=\"_self\">NHL Predictions<\/a>,\u00a0as our writers continue this series throughout the Stanley Cup Playoffs.<\/p>\n<h2>NHL Predictions<\/h2>\n<h3>Tampa Bay Lightning vs Florida Panthers<\/h3>\n<h4>Series Head-to-Head: Lightning 0-2 Panthers<\/h4>\n<p><strong>Time:<\/strong> 1 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)<\/p>\n<p><strong>TV:<\/strong> TVAS, TBS, TruTV, Sportsnet, Fan Duel Sports Sun; Scripps Florida; Max<\/p>\n<p>We open up NHL predictions with another installment of the rivalry between the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/04\/24\/nhl-predictions-april-24-florida-panthers-vs-tampa-bay-lightning\/\" target=\"_self\">Tampa Bay Lightning<\/a> and<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/04\/22\/nhl-predictions-playoff-preview-tampa-bay-florida\/\" target=\"_self\"> Florida Panthers<\/a>. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/v\/vasilan02.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-04-26_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Andrei Vasilevskiy<\/a> will get the start in all likelihood. However, always check social media for confirmation. The offence has dried up for Tampa Bay with only two goals in the first two games on the series. The Lightning will also be without <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/h\/hagelbr01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-04-26_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Brandon Hagel<\/a> after he was given a one-game suspension.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/b\/bobrose01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-04-26_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Sergei Bobrovsky<\/a> is the starter and is playing how he did when the Panthers won the Stanley Cup last season. Florida is looking like the contender and a team making a strong case to repeat. The Panthers have been spreading around the scoring, but <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/s\/schmina01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-04-26_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Nate Schmidt<\/a> leads the club in goals with three so far.<\/p>\n<p>Tampa Bay needs to play a heck of a game, but Florida gets the 3-0 series advantage.<\/p>\n<p><em>Prediction: Panthers win 4-2.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3>Vegas Golden Knights vs Minnesota Wild<\/h3>\n<h4>Series Head-to-Head: Golden Knights 1-2 Wild<\/h4>\n<p><strong>Time:<\/strong> 4 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)<\/p>\n<p><strong>TV:<\/strong> TBS, TruTV, Sportsnet, SN1, TVAS, Scripps Vegas; Max<\/p>\n<p>The next game of our NHL predictions has Game 4 between the <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/04\/20\/vegas-golden-knights-vs-minnesota-wild-first-round-series-preview\/\" target=\"_self\">Vegas Golden Knights<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/04\/25\/play-of-kirill-kaprizov-carrying-minnesota-wild-to-lead-over-vegas-golden-knights\/\" target=\"_self\">Minnesota Wild<\/a>. Vegas is expected to go with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/h\/hillad01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-04-26_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Adin Hill<\/a> in between the pipes for this game. The Golden Knights have struggled taking care of the puck and its led to this surprising series so far. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/e\/eicheja01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-04-26_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jack Eichel<\/a> is without a point so far this series and he&#8217;ll need to step up.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/g\/gustafi01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-04-26_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Filip Gustavsson<\/a> is the starter for this game for the Wild, who have come alive in Games 2 and 3. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/k\/kapriki01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-04-26_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Kirill Kaprizov<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/b\/boldyma01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-04-26_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Matt Boldy<\/a> are tied for the post-season scoring lead with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/k\/kempead01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-04-26_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Adrian Kempe<\/a> of the<a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/2025\/04\/26\/special-teams-taking-centre-stage-in-kings-vs-oilers\/\" target=\"_self\"> Los Angeles Kings<\/a> coming into Saturday&#8217;s play. Minnesota&#8217;s young players have really gelled after missing a good part of the second half of the season.<\/p>\n<p>Vegas knows it has to win this game. Minnesota has cashed in on its chances so far. However, the Golden Knights find a way.<\/p>\n<p><em>Prediction: Golden Knights win 3-2.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3>Dallas Stars vs Colorado Avalanche<\/h3>\n<h4>Series Head-to-Head: Stars 2-1 Avalanche<\/h4>\n<p><strong>Time:<\/strong> 9:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)<\/p>\n<p><strong>TV:<\/strong> TBS, TruTV, Sportsnet, TVAS; Altitude; Victory; Max<\/p>\n<p>The last game of NHL predictions is <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.thescore.com\/nhl\/events\/30928\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">the featured matchup<\/a> between the Stars and Avalanche. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/o\/oettija01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-04-26_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Jake Oettinger<\/a> is the starter for Dallas, which has two straight overtime-wins to wrest the series lead. The Stars did drop the series-opener, but tightened things up after losing Game 1. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/s\/seguity01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-04-26_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Tyler Seguin<\/a> leads the team in goals with two so far this post-season.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/b\/blackma01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-04-26_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Mackenzie Blackwood<\/a> is the probable starter for Colorado, which has led for most of the series. However, the Avalanche are trailing in the series after three games. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/m\/mackina01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-04-26_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Nathan MacKinnon<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/o\/oconnlo01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-04-26_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Logan O&#8217;Connor<\/a> are tied for the team&#8217;s lead in points so far with four.<\/p>\n<p>This should be another tight affair, but the Avalanche get the win and even things up.<\/p>\n<p><em>Prediction: Avalanche win 4-2.<\/em><\/p>\n<h3>Prop Bets of the Night<\/h3>\n<p>We close out NHL predictions with some prop bets of the night. Let&#8217;s stay with our featured game between the Stars and Avalanche. The over\/under for this game is 6.5 and we like the under in this game.<\/p>\n<p>For individual props, go <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/m\/marchma01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-04-26_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Mason Marchment<\/a> to get a point for Dallas. On the Colorado side, take <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hockey-reference.com\/players\/l\/landega01.html?utm_medium=linker&amp;utm_source=lastwordonsports.com&amp;utm_campaign=2025-04-26_hr\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Gabriel Landeskog<\/a> to get a point.<\/p>\n<p><em>Main photo by: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images<\/em><\/p>\n<p><em><b>Please play responsibly. Check your local rules and age restrictions. Some jurisdictions require ages 21+. Have a gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER<\/b><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Welcome back to another NHL Predictions. Each day our writers here at\u00a0Last Word on Hockey look at the games and give in-depth analysis. Our team breaks down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then makes predictions based on how they might play out. For this edition, we will look at the Dallas Stars\u00a0taking on the\u00a0Colorado [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2352,"featured_media":467584,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[28,29,4547,4548,4524],"tags":[6085,6124,6255,6012,6391,6019],"class_list":["post-467577","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-avalanche","category-stars","category-hockey","category-nhl","category-nhl-predictions","tag-colorado-avalanche-predictions","tag-dallas-stars-predictions","tag-florida-panthers-predictions","tag-minnesota-wild-predictions","tag-tampa-bay-lightning-predictions","tag-vegas-golden-knights-predictions"],"modified_by":"Dan Mount, Editor","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/467577","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2352"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=467577"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/467577\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":467585,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/467577\/revisions\/467585"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/467584"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=467577"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=467577"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/hockey\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=467577"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}