The St. Louis Blues and Colorado Avalanche play Game 2 of their Stanley Cup Playoffs first-round series Wednesday. Puck drop is scheduled for 10:30 p.m. ET at Ball Arena. Below, we analyze the Blues-Avalanche odds and lines, with NHL picks and predictions.
The Blues hung tough for 40 minutes, but that’s not going to get it done in the postseason, especially as decisive underdogs. St. Louis was tied 1-1 heading to the third period in Game 1 but allowed three third-period goals.
Nathan MacKinnon was the difference maker, setting the tone with an even-strength goal just 30 seconds into the third period for the game-winning tally. He also added an empty-net goal with 40 seconds remaining for the insurance.
Blues at Avalanche: Odds, spread and lines
Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:50 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Blues +240 (bet $100 to win $240) | Avalanche -350 (bet $350 to win $100)
- Against the spread/ATS: Blues +1.5 (-105) | Avalanche -1.5 (-115)
- Over/Under: 5.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)
Blues at Avalanche: Projected starting goalies
Jordan Binnington (18-14-8, 2.65 GAA, .910 SV%) vs. Philipp Grubauer (30-9-1, 1.95 GAA, .922 SV%, 7 SO)
Binnington stood on his head in Game 1, stopping 46 of 49 shots he faced. In fact, if not for some phenomenal saves in the first two periods, the series opener might have been a laugher. He really gave his team a great chance to win.
Grubauer wasn’t tested nearly as much as his counterpart. The Avs backstop allowed just one goal to Jordan Kyrou on 23 shots. While some goalies seem to struggle when facing few shots, he maintained his focus well.
Special NHL Betting Promotion!
Bet $1 on either team’s money line, WIN $100 (in free bets) if either team scores a goal in the game. Betting offer available in CO, IA, IN, MI, NJ, PA, TN, VA and WV. Place your legal, online bets at BetMGM. New customer offer, terms and conditions apply. Bet now!
Blues at Avalanche: Odds, lines, predictions and picks
Prediction
Avalanche 3, Blues 1
Money line (ML)
The Avalanche (-350) are heavy favorites that will cost you three-and-a-half times your potential return. That’s not a good long-term betting strategy, so look to the puck line instead.
AVOID.
Play our new free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!
Against the spread (ATS)
The AVALANCHE -1.5 (-115) will still cost you a little bit of juice on the puck line as they’re so heavily favored. However, Colorado is a good play based on their strong offensive players, and the fact David Perron remains on the COVID list. That means St. Louis will be missing one of its top offensive stars again.
Over/Under (O/U)
UNDER 5.5 (-105) has connected in five of the past six head-to-head meetings in Denver. The Blues really seemed to miss Perron in the series opener as Kyrou was the only player able to generate any offense. Look for the Under to cash yet again in Game 2.
Want some action on this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.
Follow Joe Williams on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.
[lawrence-newsletter]
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1369]