If not listed, please contact your TV provider.
The 2025 NHL playoffs schedule features a four-game slate on Thursday. One of the top first-round series matchups in the league is Stars vs. Avalanche in a bitter Central Division rivalry. Game 6 is scheduled to get underway at 9:30 p.m. ET. Dallas holds a 3-2 series lead after winning Game 5, 6-2. Colorado is a -185 favorite (risk $185 to win $100) on the money line in the latest Avalanche vs. Stars odds for Game 6. The Stars and Avalanche are widely considered to be among the top 2025 Stanley Cup contenders in the NHL. Game 6 will be played at Ball Arena in Denver.
SportsLine expert Jimmie Kaylor has broken down the Avalanche vs. Stars odds and just revealed his top picks and NHL player props. Combining his seven picks into an NHL Same Game Parlay at DraftKings Sportsbook would result in a payout of +2982 (risk $100 to win $2982). Kaylor has been profitable as a handicapper across multiple sports since joining SportsLine, and his background as a former college and NFL player gives him a unique perspective when building his fantasy lineups and locking in his betting picks. Now, here are the Kaylor’s seven picks in his Stars vs. Avalanche Game 6 SGP on Thursday:
The Avalanche have outplayed the Stars in four of the five games in the series thus far, yet still find themselves on the brink of elimination heading into Game 6. The harsh truth of the situation here is that Colorado head coach may be coaching for his job in this game. I expect the Avs to come out inspired and force a Game 7.
Dallas had its best offensive performance of the series in Game 5, scoring six goals. I expect Colorado to tighten up in the defensive zone and play a more physical brand of hockey in Game 6. Look for the Stars to have a much more difficult time scoring on Thursday night.
The Avs are right up there with the Edmonton Oilers when it comes to their ability to erupt in the offensive zone. I expect Colorado to come out firing in this game. Look for the Avalanche to have won of their better offensive performances of the series in Game 6.
O’Conner has quietly had an outstanding series for Colorado. The 28-year-old winger has scored five points — two goals and three assists. I expect the Avalanche to take more chances and look to generate scoring opportunities early. O’Conner could be one of the main benefactors if that proves to be the case.
Makar is the best overall defenseman in the NHL, and also the best defenseman in the league when it comes to contributing in the offensive zone. Makar finished the regular season with 92 points, which led all defensemen and ranked ninth in the NHL overall. The likely Norris Trophy winner is a force on power plays, and I expect him to generate plenty of scoring opportunities in Game 6.
Makar is the best defenseman in the NHL today, and his two-way ability is among the best of all-time. Makar is lethal from the blue line, and is an offensive force on power plays. He should have no issues getting two shots on goal in Game 6.
MacKinnon has been getting shots off at an extremely high rate in this series. The reigning Hart Trophy winner has recorded 31 shots on goal in five games. There is no reason to believe that won’t continue on Thursday night.
You’ve seen some of Kaylor’s NHL playoff best bets for Thursday. Now, get spread, total and money-line picks for every game here, all from the model that’s simulated every game 10,000 times.
Also at SportsLine:
You can also see today’s top NHL picks from expert Matt Severance, who’s on a sizzling 133-66-7 roll on his last 206 NHL picks. Visit SportsLine to see his best plays for today, all from the expert who’s up more than 30 units. You can also check out Stars vs. Avalanche picks from 10,000 simulations.
© 2004-2025 CBS Interactive. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
CBS Sports is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. Commissioner.com is a registered trademark of CBS Interactive Inc.
The content on this site is for entertainment purposes only and CBS Sports makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the information given or the outcome of any game or event. There is no gambling offered on this site. This site contains commercial content and CBS Sports may be compensated for the links provided on this site.
Images by Getty Images and Imagn
