The Dallas Stars (1-0-0) visit the Colorado Avalanche (2-0-0) Saturday night at Ball Arena in Denver. Puck drop is scheduled for 9 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook’s NHL odds around the Stars vs. Avalanche odds and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

Season series: First meeting of season. Avalanche won 2-1 last season, while the Stars beat the Avalanche 4-3 in the 1st Round of the playoffs

Dallas won its season opener in a 5-4 victory over the Winnipeg Jets while covering as a -106 road favorite with the Over of 5.5 hitting. The Stars never trailed, going up 5-1 in the third period before allowing 3 unanswered goals in just 7 minutes. RW Mikko Rantanen notched a goal and 2 assists while LW Jason Robertson had a goal and an assist in the win.

Colorado remains undefeated after taking care of the Utah Mammoth 2-1 in their home opener while covering as a -173 home favorite with the Under of 6.5 hitting. C Ross Colton and C Nathan MacKinnon each found the back of the net in the victory. The Avs are operating without top netminder Mackenzie Blackwood (lower body), who practiced Friday and looks to be inching closer to his return.

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

Stars at Avalanche odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:15 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Stars +118 (bet $100 to win $118) | Avalanche -145 (bet $145 to win $100)Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Stars +1.5 (-200) | Avalanche -1.5 (+165)Over/Under (O/U): 6 (O: -120 | U: +100)Stars at Avalanche projected goalies

Jake Oettinger (1-0-0, 4.00 GAA, .840 SV%) vs. Scott Wedgewood (2-0-0, 1.00 GAA, .966 SV%)

While the Stars came out with the win in their opener, Oettinger struggled, allowing 4 goals on just 25 shots. His performance was largely attributed to a chaotic frenzy of goals scored in the third period of the win, but the Stars’ defense will need to provide more support to help the sixth-year goalie. He went 1-0-1 with a 3.48 GAA and .897 SV% in 2 regular-season starts against the Avs last year.

Wedgewood has had a great start to the season, allowing just 1 goal apiece in each of the Avalanche’s first 2 games. He has stopped 56 of 58 shots and is a large reason for the team’s hot start. He went 2-1-0 with a 3.38 GAA and .859 SV% in 3 regular-season starts against Dallas last year.

NHL all season on ESPN: The home of hockey!

Stars at Avalanche picks and predictionsPrediction

Stars 5, Avalanche 3

BET STARS (+118).

The Stars exploded for 5 goals, including 3 in the third period, in their season-opening win. The team went 22-16-3 on the road last season and 23-13-3 in divisional play. In their first matchup with the team they knocked out of the playoffs, it will be a tough environment to steal a win. However, behind Oettinger, who looked great for the first 2 1/2 periods, the team is more than capable.

The Avalanche escaped a low-scoring win in their home opener but will be unable to keep up with the Stars Saturday.

PASS.

There is better value on the moneyline.

BET OVER 6 (-120).

The Stars scored 5 times in their opener, notching 37 shots with an attack that moved seamlessly. They were able to find the net with a power-play opportunity as well. With their defense faltering late, the Avalanche will be able to tack on a couple of goals that will go a long way for the Over hitting.

The Avalanche have scored 6 goals through 2 games, scoring 4 on the road. While Wedgewood has had success so far this season, a tough attack will put him on his heels.

For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter/X and like us on Facebook.