DALLAS STARS @ COLORADO AVALANCHE
Ice Hockey : North America : NHL
Monday, November 28th, 2011, 9:00PM US
(2:00AM GMT)

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PREVIEW

The Dallas Stars are in Denver to face Colorado but the Avalanche are in a great spot here to get the win at the Pepsi Center. Dallas own a 13-9-1 record coming into this one, better than the 10-12-1 mark the Avalanche are sporting, but these are two teams moving in different directions.

Dallas are banged up big time and it's costing them games. The biggest loss is that of goalie Kari Lehtonen, who will be out for at least another 2 games. He has a 13-4-1 mark and a .926 save percentage, which is a huge blow.

In Lehtonen's place is Andrew Raycroft, and just looking at his 0-5-0 mark, 3.51GAA and .899 save percentage, you know this is going to be their weakest link. Dallas' injuries have seen them lose 7 of their last 9 games, and they have been beaten in each of their last 4 road games.

Colorado beat Dallas 3-0 the last time these two played each other at this venue, just 10 days ago. The Avalanche were also victorious in their last match, on Saturday, against Edmonton, winning 5-2.

Colorado are at home, rested and know they have an opponent they can beat up on with ease, thanks to their own momentum and the oppositions injuries.

BETTING VERDICT

Probably one of the smallest previews I've ever done but I think my reasons are clear here.

Dallas are far from full strength and so the only thing to do is load up the potential rewards and go for Colorado to comfortably win this within 3 periods of play.

Colorado win in regulation.

The Pick :

Colorado Avalanche win in regulation

HANDICAP BETTING :

Take the Colorado Avalanche -0.5 (Regulation)) @ 2.31 (Pinnacle