Stars vs. Avalanche Prediction, Odds and Props for Oct. 13: Back Colorado

The Stars vs. Avalanche prediction for Tuesday, October 13, features two Stanley Cup contenders meeting in Dallas for the first half of a rare back-to-back home-and-home series. The Dallas Stars will host the Colorado Avalanche at American Airlines Center before the teams meet again in Colorado on Wednesday.
Both teams have championship aspirations, but Colorado enters this matchup with the more impressive offense. Below, we'll break down the odds, betting trends, predictions and best player props for Tuesday's NHL game.
Stars vs. Avalanche Odds
The Colorado Avalanche enter Tuesday's contest with a 3-2-0 record, while the Dallas Stars are 2-2-1 through their first five games.
Despite playing on the road, Colorado is a slight favorite in what oddsmakers expect to be one of the most competitive NHL matchups of the night.
Here are the latest Stars vs. Avalanche odds:
- Puck Line: Avalanche -1.5 (+222) / Stars +1.5 (-262)
- Moneyline: Avalanche (-115) / Stars (-105)
- Total: Over 6 (-123) / Under 6 (+102)
All Odds via DraftKings
The moneyline is particularly interesting, with Colorado barely favored despite having one of the NHL's most talented rosters. The total is set at six goals, which could provide an opportunity given the offensive firepower on both sides.
Colorado Avalanche Betting Trends
- Colorado enters Tuesday with a 3-2-0 record, including a 1-1-0 mark on the road.
- The Avalanche have scored 26 goals through five games, averaging an impressive 5.2 goals per contest.
- Colorado has scored at least six goals in three of its first five games.
- The Avalanche have converted 22.2% of their power-play opportunities.
- Nathan MacKinnon has recorded 10 points through five games, including five goals.
Colorado has looked like one of the most dangerous offensive teams in the NHL early this season. The Avalanche have already scored eight goals against the Los Angeles Kings, six against the St. Louis Blues and seven against the Calgary Flames.
The concern has been on the other end of the ice. Colorado surrendered six goals in its most recent outing against the Toronto Maple Leafs, losing 6-3 despite another impressive offensive performance from MacKinnon.
Dallas Stars Betting Trends
- Dallas enters Tuesday with a 2-2-1 record, including a 1-1-0 mark at home.
- The Stars have scored 11 goals through five games, averaging 2.2 per contest.
- Dallas has recorded two shutout victories this season, defeating San Jose 5-0 and Buffalo 4-0.
- The Stars have converted just 7.7% of their power-play opportunities.
- Dallas earned points in three of its four meetings with Colorado last season, finishing 2-1-1.
Dallas has been somewhat inconsistent offensively to begin the season. After opening with consecutive losses, the Stars responded with impressive victories over the Sharks and Sabres before falling 2-1 in a shootout against Pittsburgh.
The good news is that the goaltending has been phenomenal recently. Jake Oettinger has been particularly impressive, and Dallas has shown it can win games with defense even when the offense isn't producing.
However, facing Colorado represents a completely different challenge. The Avalanche have significantly more offensive firepower than most opponents, and Dallas will need to find ways to generate more scoring opportunities to keep pace.
Stars vs. Avalanche Prediction: Colorado Moneyline (-115)
My favorite Stars vs. Avalanche prediction is Colorado on the moneyline at -115.
Both of these organizations have been among the NHL's most consistent contenders in recent years. Dallas and Colorado regularly find themselves near the top of the Central Division, and both enter this season with legitimate Stanley Cup aspirations. But I believe Colorado has the better overall roster.
The Avalanche have arguably the most dangerous offensive core in hockey, led by MacKinnon and Makar. Their ability to create scoring chances in transition, generate pressure and capitalize on defensive mistakes makes them incredibly difficult to contain.
Dallas certainly has the talent to compete, especially with Jason Robertson, Roope Hintz, Mikko Rantanen and Wyatt Johnston leading the offense. Home-ice advantage also matters, particularly against a familiar divisional opponent.
The biggest factor here is the price. At -115 at most sportsbooks, Colorado is barely favored, and that feels like tremendous value for a team capable of winning the Stanley Cup this season.
I'm also expecting a high-scoring contest. Colorado has been explosive offensively but has allowed 17 goals through five games. Dallas has been stronger defensively, so the over isn't without risk, but I expect the Avalanche to force the Stars into a faster-paced game than they've typically played this season.
Best Bet: Colorado Avalanche Moneyline (-115 via DraftKings)
Final Prediction: Avalanche 5, Stars 3
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Beyond Colorado's moneyline, there are several additional wagers worth considering in Tuesday's matchup.
Over 6 Total Goals (-123)
I'm expecting an offensive showcase between two teams that have enough firepower to score in bunches. Colorado has already scored 26 goals this season, and while Dallas hasn't been nearly as productive, the Stars have the personnel to break out offensively. The Avalanche have also struggled defensively at times, creating opportunities for Dallas to capitalize.
Best Bet: Over 6 Total Goals (-123 via DraftKings)
Cale Makar Anytime Goal Scorer (+335)
Makar is one of the most dynamic offensive defensemen in the NHL, and his ability to create scoring chances separates him from most players at his position. He's heavily involved in Colorado's offensive attack, including on the power play, and regularly puts himself in positions to score. At +335 on most sports betting apps, there's appealing upside for a player with his offensive ability.
Best Bet: Cale Makar Anytime Goal Scorer (+335 via BetMGM)
Miro Heiskanen Over 0.5 Assists (-115)
Heiskanen is another elite defenseman who contributes significantly on the offensive end. Dallas needs more offensive production, and Heiskanen's ability to move the puck, facilitate scoring opportunities and contribute on the power play makes him a strong candidate to record an assist. Colorado's defensive struggles also make this an appealing matchup.
Best Bet: Miro Heiskanen Over 0.5 Assists (-115 via BetMGM)
Jason Robertson Over 1.5 Points (+170)
Robertson is one of Dallas' most dangerous offensive players, and he's historically performed well against Colorado. In fact, Robertson has recorded eight points across his last six games against the Avalanche, including five goals. With Dallas potentially needing three or more goals to keep pace, Robertson should have opportunities to contribute multiple times.
Best Bet: Jason Robertson Over 1.5 Points (+170 via BetMGM)
Stars vs. Avalanche Broadcast Info
- Date: Tuesday, October 13, 2026
- Start Time: 7:30 p.m. CT / 8:30 p.m. ET
- Location: American Airlines Center, Dallas, Texas
- TV and Streaming Options: ESPN