Stars vs Avalanche Game 5 Odds & Picks – Aug. 31

• The Dallas Stars lead the Colorado Avalanche 3-1 in their second round series
• The two teams have combined to score 34 goals in four games with the over going 4-0
• With backup goalies scheduled to play for both teams in Game 5, betting the total could be the best bet

The scorekeeper in the Dallas and Colorado series needs a raise.

When looking at the Stars vs Avalanche odds you’ll notice a trend that makes the total much more inviting than picking a winner.

Avalanche vs Stars Game 5 Odds

Odds taken August 30th

The Avalanche keep losing games but continue being listed as the favorites. The easy answer to that is fade them and take the value on the Stars. It’s not that simple though, the oddsmakers are likely right and a strong effort from Colorado is on the horizon. Instead of guessing whether or not that will result in a victory, stick to betting on the total for two key reasons.

The Total Has Been a Predictable Wager

Congratulations if you bet the ‘Over’ in all four games of this series so far. You would be a perfect 4-0 and likely would be spending your time deciding how to spend your piles of cash. The best part is the Stars and Avalanche aren’t just going over the number, they are flying past it with ease. The two teams have combined to score 34 goals through four games.

the only mistake Cale Makar has ever made in his 21 years on earthpic.twitter.com/j5jqp46Ujl

— Yahoo Sports NHL (@YahooSportsNHL) August 31, 2020

This series has had crazy comebacks, odd bloopers and bad goaltending (more on that in a bit). It’s tough to imagine a tight-checking game between these two at this point. Why fade the ‘Over’ when the Stars and Avalanche are averaging 8.5 goals per game?

Which Goalies Will Play In Game 5?

The quick answer to this is it doesn’t really matter. Anton Khudobin will start for the Stars yet again, with starter Ben Bishop is still unavailable and despite the fact Khudobin ranks 24th in goals-against average in the playoffs. Across the ice the Avalanche have a goalie controversy which is surprising when you consider starter Philipp Grubauer is injured and unavailable.

The #Ave lose a tough one to the @DallasStars 5-4.

Peter McNab and @ConorMcGahey give their thoughts on the game.

Catch the @Avalanche Locker Room Report tonight on Altitude immediately following the Nuggets Locker Room Report. #GoAvsGo https://t.co/gn14QiX5io

— AltitudeTV (@AltitudeTV) August 31, 2020

Pavel Francouz was pulled in game four after allowing five goals on only 26 shots. Going with him in a do or die game is something I wouldn’t wish on any head coach. The problem is the back up to the back up in Colorado could be an even bigger issue.

Michael Hutchinson is the next man up and well, he just isn’t an NHL goalie. Remember how he ended up in Dallas? He was run out of Toronto after posting a 3.66 goals-against average and .886 save percentage. His 4-9-1 record in the regular season leads me to believe if he does get the start, the ‘Over’ in the finale will be easier than the first four games we’ve already seen.

Series Continues August 31st

One oddity that has come from both the COVID-19 pandemic and the recent two-game pause to support black rights, is that there’s a back to back in the playoffs. Under normal circumstances, you’d never see it but you can take advantage.

The play should be sloppier than usual which will result in more scoring opportunities. Which of the goalies I mentioned above do you want to bet on? The answer is none when Nathan MacKinnon, Mikko Rantanen or Tyler Seguin come skating in. Don’t let the adjusted price on the ‘Over’ scare you away from betting it, the streak will continue in Game 5.

The Pick: Over 6 Goals (-106)