The Colorado Avalanche and Dallas Stars are set for an intense playoff series, with both teams showcasing elite talent. The Avalanche, buoyed by potential returns from key players like Gabriel Landeskog, face a Stars squad that has struggled with injuries, particularly to defenseman Miro Heiskanen. While the Avalanche possess a robust forward line led by Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen, Dallas counters with its own firepower including Jason Robertson and Tyler Seguin. The goaltending matchup is pivotal; Jake Oettinger’s playoff experience contrasts with Mackenzie Blackwood’s lack of playoff games. Special teams may also play a crucial role, as Colorado boasts a superior power play while Dallas excels in penalty killing. Insights suggest that the Avalanche, despite some inconsistencies this season, have the edge in momentum heading into the series.

As the NHL regular season winds down, Jon Irvin shares key DFS picks for today's main slate on FanDuel and DraftKings, emphasizing the importance of identifying undervalued players. With most playoff spots secured, Montreal is critical for a win against the struggling Blackhawks, making players like Brendan Gallagher pivotal for success. Irvin focuses on maximizing value in goalies, suggesting Jake Oettinger for his high save volume against a less threatening Detroit, and highlights centers like Barrett Hayton, who boasts strong metrics despite not finding the back of the net consistently.

Irvin also recommends stacking Montreal forwards, including Cole Caufield and Nick Suzuki, for upside potential, while emphasizing the strategic value in targeting players on teams with playoff stakes. His approach is grounded in detailed metrics and recent performance trends, allowing players to identify favorable matchups and capitalize on them in their lineups.

With the playoffs in sight, the Dallas Stars are on a mission, and Coach Pete DeBoer acknowledged the need for a strong finish to clinch the Central Division title. After a shaky start in a recent game against the Nashville Predators, the Stars rallied for a decisive 5-1 victory, marking their seventh consecutive win. The standout player was goalie Jake Oettinger, who made critical saves to keep the Stars in contention.

Oettinger was pivotal, stopping 28 of 29 shots, showcasing his elite form, especially with 17 saves in the first period alone. The Stars' offense came alive in the second half of the game, with key contributions from Mikael Granlund and Mason Marchment among others. With Jamie Benn out due to injury, the team demonstrated resilience and depth, essential traits for a championship run.

Dallas Stars halted Minnesota Wild's winning streak with a commanding 3-0 victory, led by goalie Jake Oettinger, who made 32 saves. Minnesota's Filip Gustavsson matched Oettinger's performance with 29 saves but couldn't secure the shutout. The game saw two quick goals from Wyatt Johnston and Matt Duchene in the second period, leaving the Wild unable to respond despite several scoring chances. Wild coach John Hynes praised his team's efforts but noted the difficulty in breaking through Oettinger’s solid defense. The Wild also faced a potential injury setback with defenseman Declan Chisholm leaving the game.

The Stars' recent trades, acquiring Mikko Rantanen and Mikael Granlund, proved beneficial as they reinforced their lineup against the Wild, who have struggled to capitalize on power plays. Dallas's strong penalty kill limited Minnesota to 0 for 4 on power play opportunities, showcasing their defensive strength. Next, Minnesota returns home to face the Vegas Golden Knights, who have previously defeated them twice this season.

The Dallas Stars secured a crucial 3-0 victory against the Minnesota Wild, fueled by goaltender Jake Oettinger's exceptional performance. This match marked Oettinger’s 12th career shutout, where he halted 32 shots, including key saves during periods of offensive stagnation from his own team.

Despite a lackluster start, the Stars' offense found its rhythm in the second half, with Wyatt Johnston breaking the deadlock through a power-play tip-in. Matt Duchene followed shortly after, extending the lead to 2-0, which Oettinger expertly safeguarded through the final period. The Stars' penalty kill was also impressive, going 4-for-4 against a Wild power play.