Archive note: Technical commentary has been removed. This remains historical pregame coverage; original selections have been retained where stated.
Dallas Stars vs Colorado Avalanche Prediction - March 18, 2026
Note: Final picks on our picks page may differ from this article's prediction, as they incorporate last-minute goalie confirmations, injury updates, and live odds closer to game time. Always check the picks page for the most up-to-date selections.
The Dallas Stars travel to Denver to face the Colorado Avalanche in a critical Western Conference matchup on March 18, 2026. Both teams enter this game with momentum on their side, though they're traveling different trajectories. The Stars come in as the hotter squad, while the Avalanche will be looking to establish consistency in their home barn.
Team Form & Recent Performance
Dallas has been nearly unstoppable lately, winning 4 of their last 5 games and establishing themselves as one of the league's most dangerous teams. Their 8-1-1 record reflects a team firing on all cylinders offensively while maintaining defensive structure. The Stars come into Denver well-rested with one day since their last game, giving them a fresh lineup to deploy against a solid Avalanche squad.
Colorado, meanwhile, sits at 6-4-0 over their last 10 games—a respectable record, but notably streakier than Dallas's recent run. The Avalanche have won just 2 of their last 5 contests, suggesting inconsistency despite their elite roster talent. Like Dallas, Colorado also has normal rest with one day between games, so fatigue won't be a determining factor in this matchup.
However, Dallas has turned their chances into higher-quality scoring opportunities.
This metric is particularly predictive of goal outcomes, meaning the Stars are consistently generating chances from prime scoring real estate.
For Colorado, the gap between shot volume and shot quality suggests opportunities to tighten their execution.
Goalie Matchup
Jake Oettinger takes the crease for Dallas with an impressive 28-10-5 record, establishing himself as one of the league's most reliable starters.
Mackenzie Blackwood counters for Colorado with an 18-8-1 record. While Blackwood has been solid, Oettinger's superior record and the defensive support he receives give Dallas the advantage in net. Both goalies are well-rested and ready for action.
Prediction
According to WP Hockey Predictor, the Dallas Stars are favored to win this matchup, with the Colorado Avalanche designated as the underdog.
The pick favors Dallas. While Colorado's possession metrics are impressive, Dallas's ability to convert chances into dangerous opportunities—combined with their current form—gives them the edge in this Western Conference battle.
Want to run your own analysis? Run your own prediction with WP Hockey Predictor's advanced calculator to see how different factors might shift the outcome.
Note: Final picks on our picks page may differ from this article's prediction, as they incorporate last-minute goalie confirmations, injury updates, and live odds closer to game time. Always check the picks page for the most up-to-date selections.