Preview: Avalanche, Stars Clash in Central Division Showdown DALLAS (Interstat) — Two of the Western Conference’s hottest teams will collide Friday night when the Colorado Avalanche visit the Dallas Stars at American Airlines Center. The Avalanche (41-19) arrive riding a three-game win streak, having outscored opponents 12-4 in that span following a 5-1 road victory over Anaheim on Tuesday. The Stars (38-23) have been equally dominant, winning three straight and scoring 15 goals in their last two contests, including a 6-1 rout in Calgary on Tuesday. Friday’s matchup features a marquee individual battle at center. Colorado’s Parker Kelly enters on a heater, scoring two goals in his last outing against Anaheim. Dallas veteran Matt Duchene is in elite form, recording five assists in his last two games, including a four-assist night against the Flames. The teams last met on Oct. 11, 2025, with Dallas securing a 5-4 shootout win in Denver. The result adds another layer to a budding Central Division rivalry that will see a quick rematch in Colorado on March 18. Colorado’s success is built on balance, with defenseman Cale Makar (one goal, two assists vs. Anaheim) driving play from the back end. Dallas counters with depth scoring; in the win over Calgary, Sam Steel and Wyatt Johnston each logged multi-point nights alongside Duchene’s playmaking. The game pits Colorado’s league-leading pace against a Dallas squad that has found its offensive groove at home, going 5-1-0 in its last six at American Airlines Center. The Avalanche have been strong on the road, however, winning four of their last five away from Denver. A win would allow the Stars to close the gap in the standings, while the Avalanche aim to solidify their position among the conference’s top seeds. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. CST. UP NEXT Avalanche: Host Minnesota on Sunday. Stars: Host Chicago on Sunday.