COREY MASISAK

AVALANCHE BEAT WRITER

The Stars are a great team when whole, but the underlying numbers without Miro Heiskanen have been bad. The results — seven straight losses to end the regular season — finally caught up. Jason Robertson was also hurt in Game 82. Remember, the Avs looked quite shaky at the end of last season as well, before bulldozing their way through Winnipeg. There are plenty of reasons why Dallas can win this series, but the recent data says Colorado should prevail. Avalanche in six.

KYLE NEWMAN

SPORTS REPORTER

Games will be tight, but Colorado’s bold goalie trades in late November/early December will look even smarter in this series. After Nathan MacKinnon got a three-game breather at the end of the regular season, expect the reigning MVP to light this series on fire — with possibly some help in key moments from the captain, Gabe Landeskog. Plus, Cale Makar will continue to prove he’s the best defenseman in the world. Avalanche in five.

TROY RENCK

SPORTS COLUMNIST

A year later, the Avs are deeper, better in the net and, deep breath, boasting Val Nichushkin. When he plays, the Avs make a strong argument as the best team in hockey. There is no replacing the force and fury he creates with his size and speed. The Avs must play smart, efficient. Dallas is cold and calculated, pouncing on mistakes. Mackenzie Blackwood has never won a playoff game. As long as he doesn’t melt, the Avs will advance in ugly fashion. Avalanche in six.

SEAN KEELER, SPORTS COLUMNIST

Mikko, Schmikko. The Finn that really matters is banged up. Dallas d-man Miro Heiskanen was a pain in the Avs’ backside in the playoffs last year. Now he’s just in pain after February knee surgery. Since Heiskanen last played on Jan. 28, the Stars rank among the NHL’s bottom 10 in goals allowed (10thworst), “expected” goals allowed (second-worst) and “high-danger” chances allowed (sixth-worst). If Blackwood can steal a road game, the eyes of Texas will look elsewhere. Avalanche in seven.

LORI PUNKO DEPUTY SPORTS EDITOR

Emotions will be running high as the Avs seek revenge for last year’s second-round exit. Dallas finished the season on a 7-game skid and leading scorer Jason Robertson left the arena in a knee brace after the regular-season finale. Meanwhile, Colorado has had nearly a week of rest and will be buoyed by the return of captain Gabe Landeskog. And let’s not forget that the Avs have something to prove against ex-teammate Mikko Rantanen, who was traded to Carolina and then Dallas. Avalanche in six.