A series that has become extremely competitive will rage on when the Dallas Stars shift gears to Denver to take on the Colorado Avalanche for Game 3. It is about that time to check out our NHL odds series, where our Stars-Avalanche prediction and pick will be revealed.

For the second consecutive game, the Stars once again jumped out to an early lead only to see the Avalanche stage an epic comeback. In Game 1, it was Dallas that squandered a 3-0 lead and eventually went down in defeat by giving up four goals in a row and ultimately losing in overtime by a score of 4-3. In Game 2, the Stars jumped out to a 4-0 lead instead until the Avs scored three consecutive goals to make Dallas a sweat once again. Just when it looked like Colorado was knocking on the door to tie the game, Dallas flexed their muscles and held them at bay to tie the series at one game apiece. With Game 3 on the horizon, which side will find a way to come out on top in this pivotal Western Conference Semifinal showdown?

Here are the NHL Odds, courtesy of FanDuel. 

Stanley Cup Playoffs Odds: Stars-Avalanche Game 3 Odds

Dallas Stars: +1.5 (-235)

Moneyline: +112

Colorado Avalanche: -1.5 (+190)

Moneyline: -134

Over: 6.5 (-108)

Under: 6.5 (-112)

How to Watch Stars vs. Avalanche Game 3

Time: 10:00 ET/7:00 PT

TV: TNT

Stream: fuboTV (Click for free trial)

Why The Stars Will Cover The Spread/Win

For starters, there's no doubt that Dallas has been ready for play in each of the opening two games of this series thus far. Despite jumping out to leads in both matchups up to this point, they have still had to sweat it out in crunch time. Shockingly, it almost feels that Dallas is up 2-0 in this series, but because of some sloppy finishes, they will have to find a way to steal back the homelike advantage by winning either Game 3 or Game 4 in Denver.

In order to come out on the road and punch the Avalanche in the mouth, the Stars will have to continue dominating in the special teams element of the game. After scoring twice in five power-play opportunities including finding the back of the net in shorthanded fashion on the other side of things, Dallas was a concrete wall on the penalty kill en route to forcing Colorado to go 0/3 on the extra-man advantage. Not only will grabbing an edge in the special teams department give Dallas a much-needed boost, it will also keep the raucous Colorado crowd quiet more often than not.

Ultimately, goalie Jake Oettinger will also need to stand on his head in a big way when patrolling the crease against a Colorado offensive assault that may be the best in all of the NHL. Overall, the Avalanche has scored at least five goals in all but two games of the postseason and Oettinger may end up being responsible for whether or not Dallas ends up finding a way to cover the spread.

Why The Avalanche Will Cover The Spread/Win

Obviously enough, continuing to fall behind is not a recipe for success. Despite showing resilience time and time again, it would do the Avalanche wonders if they could begin the opening period of Game 3 on a high note. In both games of this series up to this point, Colorado has failed to get off on the right foot. Facing deficits of 3-0 and 4-0, giving Dallas a taste of their own medicine needs to be priority number one for Colorado. If they can use the electric home crowd to their advantage and grab an early lead heading into the first intermission, then the Avalanche will be set up for success.

Secondly, the top line of the Avs is surely as dynamic as it gets. In fact, the top line of MacKinnon, Rantanen, and Nichuskin has combined for 121 goals this season and are a handful to deal with. During the postseason, this electrifying trio has also tallied 11 goals and 13 assists over their last five playoff games. When this line is clicking on all cylinders, Colorado becomes nearly impossible to overcome.

Queue the controversy! After many members of the Colorado organization took notice of a Jamie Benn hit on Devon Toews that was near the head/neck area. While no penalty was signaled during the moment, this play is already being talked about in and around Colorado as one that was dirty. Whether they are in the right or wrong, it should be expected that the Avalanche will play with a chip on their shoulders and could end up playing with an added sense of physicality throughout.

Final Stars-Avalanche Prediction & Pick

It's a series like this that makes the Stanley Cup Playoffs so great! With the series shifting to the rarified air of Denver, Colorado, take the high-powered Avalanche to get off to a much better start and spend no time looking back.

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Final Stars-Avalanche Prediction & Pick: Avalanche -1.5 (+190)