SportsLine's proven model has simulated Dallas vs. Colorado in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs first round on Monday 10,000 times

Welcome back to another NHL Predictions. Each day our writers here at Last Word on Hockey look at the games and give in-depth analysis. Our team breaks down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then makes predictions based on how they might play out.

After splitting the first four games in this series, it’s down to a Best-of-3 between the Colorado Avalanche and Dallas Stars, who clash in pivotal Game 5 tonight. Our Avalanche vs Stars predictions have the visitors keeping the momentum on the road in a game that will push one team to the brink of elimination.