Introduction to the Stanley Cup Playoffs
The Dallas Stars and the Colorado Avalanche — old friends, you might say — are set to meet once again in the Stanley Cup playoffs. This matchup is a familiar one, as the two teams faced off in the playoffs last year, with the Stars emerging victorious in the second round. The decisive moment came when Stars winger Matt Duchene scored a double-overtime goal in Game 6, sending the Avalanche home. The question on everyone’s mind is: can the Stars repeat this feat in 2025?
The upcoming series is highly anticipated, and fans are eager to see how the teams will perform. The Dallas Stars have been working hard to prepare for the playoffs, and their dedication is evident in their gameplay. The Colorado Avalanche, on the other hand, is looking to redeem themselves after last year’s loss. With both teams having a strong lineup, this series is expected to be intense and closely contested.
For those who want to stay up-to-date with the latest sports news, analysis, scores, and more, there are many resources available. The Dallas Morning News provides comprehensive coverage of the Stars and other local sports teams, making it an excellent source for fans. Additionally, social media platforms and online forums offer a space for discussion and debate about the teams and their performances.
Predictions for Stars vs. Avalanche
Our expert writers and columnists have weighed in on the series outlook, offering their predictions for the Stars-Avalanche matchup. Lia Assimakopoulos believes that the Stars will face a challenging first-round opponent but will ultimately emerge victorious, thanks to the return of Tyler Seguin and the possible return of Miro Heiskanen during the series. She predicts that the Stars will win in 7 games.
Tim Cowlishaw sees the matchup as a clash of heavyweights and acknowledges that the Stars will have to contain Nathan MacKinnon and Cale Makar, which is always a challenge. However, he thinks that the Stars have a knack for eliminating the Avalanche and predicts that they will survive and advance, also in 7 games.
Kevin Sherrington initially considered favoring the Avalanche, based on the Action Network’s SuperComputer, which gives the Avs a high chance of winning. Nevertheless, he believes that home ice advantage will give the Stars the edge they need, and he also predicts a Stars win in 7 games.
Predictions for Stars in the Stanley Cup Playoffs
Looking beyond the first round, our experts have also shared their predictions for the Stars’ overall performance in the playoffs. Lia Assimakopoulos thinks that the Stars, coming off back-to-back deep playoff runs, already appear somewhat fatigued. She believes that a first-round matchup against the Avalanche, even if they survive, will put the Stars in a tough position, especially without a fully healthy Heiskanen. She predicts that the Stars will fall to the Winnipeg Jets in the second round.
Tim Cowlishaw agrees that the Stars’ run will end in the second round, citing the Jets’ recent performance as evidence that they are a notch above the Stars. He also believes that Connor Hellebuyck, the Jets’ goaltender, is the best in the league, which will give the Stars significant trouble. He predicts that the Jets will win the series in 6 games.
Kevin Sherrington sees the Stars facing a daunting task, going from a challenging first-round series against the Avalanche to an even tougher second-round series against the Jets. He predicts that the Stars will beat the Avalanche but then lose to the Jets in the second round, also in 6 games.
Injuries and Their Impact
Injuries have been a significant concern for the Stars throughout the year, and this trend continues as they head into the playoffs. The team will be without its leading goal scorer and top defenseman to start the series against the Avalanche. This loss will undoubtedly affect their performance and chances of advancing.
Dallas will be without its leading goal scorer and top defenseman to start its playoff series against Colorado.
Behind the Scenes with Jim Nill

In an exclusive interview, Nill opens up on how he built a winning roster and a kind culture in a cutthroat profession.
Update on Jason Robertson’s Injury

Robertson left Game 82 in Nashville early with a right leg injury.
Conclusion
As the Dallas Stars prepare to face the Colorado Avalanche in the Stanley Cup playoffs, the anticipation is palpable. With injuries affecting key players and a tough matchup ahead, the Stars will need to dig deep to emerge victorious. The predictions from our experts offer a glimpse into the possible outcomes, but ultimately, the result will depend on the teams’ performances on the ice. For the latest news, updates, and analysis, fans can follow the Stars’ journey through reputable sources like The Dallas Morning News.
Find more Stars coverage from The Dallas Morning News here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who are the Dallas Stars facing in the first round of the playoffs?
A: The Dallas Stars are facing the Colorado Avalanche in the first round of the playoffs.
Q: What is the predicted outcome of the series?
A: Our experts predict that the Stars will win the series in 7 games, but opinions vary on their overall performance in the playoffs.

