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Todd Cordell<\/a> 12+ years betting experience<\/p>\n \n Updated: \u2022 3 min read<\/p>\n The loss of Cale Makar has opened the door for Sam Malinski to shine, and he’ll do so again vs. Dallas.<\/p>\n Photo By – Reuters Connect. Sam Malinski (70) skates against the Dallas Stars during the game between the Stars and the Avalanche.<\/p>\n Sam Malinski is one of the most efficient point-producing defensemen in the NHL.<\/p>\n He\u2019s walking into a bigger role with Cale Makar out of the lineup, which is why my Avalanche vs. Stars predictions see him finding the score sheet in this big divisional clash.<\/p>\n Let\u2019s get into my NHL picks<\/a> for Saturday, April 4.<\/p>\n Avalanche vs Stars prediction Sam Malinski<\/a> is scorching hot. He’s piled up eight points over his last five games, headlined by a three-point performance in his last game \u2014 the first without superstar defenseman Cale Makar in the lineup.<\/p>\n He’s more than capable of handling the added responsibility. Malinski ranks fifth among defensemen in points per 60 minutes of 5-on-5 play, trailing names like Evan Bouchard, Lane Hutson, and Zach Werenski. The uptick in usage during that game state will serve him well.<\/p>\n Perhaps more importantly, Malinski finds himself quarterbacking the top power play in Makar\u2019s role. Wheels up.<\/p>\n Enjoying Covers content? Add us as a preferred source on your Google account Sticking with the theme of backing Colorado Avalanche<\/a> blueliners sans Makar, Brent Burns is another prime target. He’s generated multiple shots on target in nine of his last 10 games and attempted six shots in the first game without Makar.<\/p>\n On the Dallas Stars<\/a> side, it\u2019s all about Mikko Rantanen<\/a>. He’s assisted in nine of his past 10 following one day of rest and has picked up a helper in 75% of his appearances this season under those circumstances.<\/p>\n Oh, and the former Avalanche star has seven assists over his past four against Colorado. Talk about holding a grudge.<\/p>\n Avalanche vs Stars SGP<\/p>\n Sam Malinski Over 0.5 points Avalanche vs Stars odds<\/p>\n Moneyline: Avalanche -110 | Stars -110 Avalanche vs Stars trend<\/p>\n
\n \u2022 Betting Analyst<\/p>\n
\nApr 4, 2026 , 10:17 AM ET<\/p>\n![\"Sam](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/ccb188a3-ce17-4cde-ac7f-11daeb712018.gif\")
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\nAvalanche vs Stars best bet: Sam Malinski Over 0.5 points (+135)<\/p>\n![\"Add](\"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/1775317157_323_google-preferred-source-badge.png\"){kind=icon}
<\/a>Avalanche vs Stars same-game parlay<\/p>\n
\nBrent Burns Over 1.5 shots
\nMikko Rantanen Over 0.5 assists<\/p>\n
\nPuck Line: Avalanche +1.5 (-270) | Stars -1.5 (+215)
\nOver\/Under: Over 6.5 (+115) | Under 6.5 (-135)<\/p>\n
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