Tag: St. Louis Blues betting odds line spread pick predictions best bets

St. Louis Blues at Nashville Predators odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s St. Louis Blues at Nashville Predators odds and lines, with NHL expert picks and predictions.

The St. Louis Blues (3-2-0) and Nashville Predators (2-4-1) meet Thursday in a Central Division tussle. Puck drop at Bridgestone Arena is slated for 8 p.m. ET (ESPN+/Hulu). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Blues vs. Predators odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

St. Louis hits the road after a 3-1 home loss to the Edmonton Oilers Wednesday. The total was 6.5 for that contest, and the Under has now easily cleared in 3 straight Blues games. St. Louis has scored just 12 goals through 5 games to start the year.

The Predators take to the ice after 4 days off. Nashville is 0-4-1 since starting the season with 2 wins. Over the 0-4-1 stretch, the Preds have gone 2-for-22 (9.1%) on the powerplay and yielded 4 goals per game.

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Blues at Predators odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:52 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: Blues +133 (bet $100 to win $133) | Predators -165 (bet $165 to win $100)
  • Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Blues +1.5 (-175) | Predators -1.5 (+140)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -101 | U: -120)

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Blues at Predators projected goalies

Thomas Greiss (0-1-0, 3.02 GAA, .929 SV%) vs. Juuse Saros (1-3-1, 3.04 GAA, .894 SV%)

Greiss backs up G Jordan Binnington, who started Wednesday’s contest. The 36-year-old journeyman is a veteran of 348 NHL games. He’s been a fast starter over his career, but he has scuffled in 15 career games against the Predators (.882 SV%). The German netminder allowed 3 goals on 42 shots Monday at the Winnipeg Jets in his only start this season.

Saros earned Vezina Trophy votes each of the last 2 seasons, but the 27-year-old veteran is off to a slow start this fall. Without facing a ton of shots, Saros has allowed 3 goals or more in 4 straight games; he owns an .873 SV% over that stretch. He allowed 14 goals — with an .829 SV% — across 146 minutes against St. Louis last season.

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Blues at Predators picks and predictions

Prediction

Predators 3, Blues 2

Moneyline

St. Louis has shot just 5.8% in 5-on-5 play (30th NHL). They hold the short end of the puck-possession stick in this match-up, but not to the degree implied by the Nashville price.

However, the Blues are coming off a challenging game against fast-skating Edmonton, and we would want a better price on their side.

So, we PASS.

Puck line/Against the spread

Same calculus as above but with even more juice drowning out points of leverage. PASS.

Over/Under

The Under for these 2 clubs has thus far gone 7-4-1, and it went 4-0 in 4 head-to-head meetings last season. Look for Thursday’s game to be tightened up, and it is worth shading the low side of this figure.

Both teams have been good at killing off penalties so far. St. Louis is 11-of-11 in that category, and the Blues also do well to avoid a lot of high-danger scoring chances. St. Louis (17.9 blocked shots per game) and Nashville (15.1) also rank in the circuit’s first division in blocking shots.

Peg both goaltenders to be slightly underrated and for this contest to land in the 3-1 or 3-2 range.

TAKE THE UNDER 6.5 (-120).

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Edmonton Oilers at St. Louis Blues odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s Edmonton Oilers at St. Louis Blues odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Edmonton Oilers (3-3-0) take on the St. Louis Blues (3-1-0) Wednesday at Enterprise Center. Puck drop is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET (ESPN+). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Oilers vs. Blues odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

These teams met Saturday in Edmonton, and the Blues came away with a 2-0 victory. Edmonton continued its slumber as it got down 3-1 to the Pittsburgh Penguins Monday, but the Oilers rattled off 5 unanswered goals to take it 6-3. The Oilers have lost 6 of their last 9 against St. Louis.

The Blues played a phenomenal checking game to defeat the speedy Oilers. It must have taken its toll because they were worked by the Winnipeg Jets 4-0 Monday.

St. Louis is already dealing with injuries to key players as LW Pavel Buchnevich (lower body) and LW Brandon Saad (upper body) were inactive Monday. Buchnevich was placed on IR, and he’ll be out for at least a week.

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Oilers at Blues odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated 8:43 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Oilers -115 (bet $115 to win $100) | Blues -105 (bet $105 to win $100)
  • Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Oilers -1.5 (+195) | Blues +1.5 (-250)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -135 | U: +107)

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Oilers at Blues projected goalies

Jack Campbell (3-2-0, 3.62 GAA, .895 SV%, 0 SO) vs. Jordan Binnington (3-0-0, 1.65 GAA, .940 SV%, 1 SO)

Campbell has been a little shaky in the early going, and his best game actually came against St. Louis as he stopped 20 of 21 shots. He allowed at least 3 goals in his other 4 starts. He was 1-1-0 against St. Louis last season with a 5.03 GAA and .828 SV% as a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Binnington has been awesome to start the season, showing shades of his dominance in the playoffs last season. He has stopped 78 of 83 shots, including all 23 he saw from Edmonton Saturday. He was 1-1-0 with a 4.96 GAA and .849 SV% against the Oilers last year.

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Oilers at Blues picks and predictions

Prediction

Oilers 4, Blues 3

Moneyline

The Oilers are short favorites on the road here, and for good reason – they get it done in this one. It may take overtime to do it, but the Blues played a nearly perfect defensive game and just snuck by last time. Edmonton woke up in the next game and took out the league’s top team at the time. Take the OILERS (-115).

Puck line/Against the spread

There’s no good play on the puck line here. We drilled a pre-built SGP for +200 in the Oilers’ last game. Let’s try it again as 6 goals should be easily attained. Take the OILERS & OVER 5.5 (+230).

Over/Under

I like the Over here as the Blues are probably good for 2 or 3 goals, and I just can’t see Edmonton breaking its stride. Edmonton is 6th in the league with 3.7 goals per game, and St. Louis is a fluky 25th with just 2.8. The Over hit 2 of 3 meetings between these teams last season.

LEAN OVER 6.5 (-135).

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St. Louis Blues at Seattle Kraken odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s St. Louis Blues at Seattle Kraken odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The St. Louis Blues (1-0-0) and the Seattle Kraken (1-2-1) meet Wednesday at Climate Pledge Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET (TNT). Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Blues vs. Kraken odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

The Blues opened the season with a 5-2 spanking of the Columbus Blue Jackets at Enterprise Center. Four different scorers notched goals for the visitors, including 1 on the power play, going 1-for-3 (33.3%) on the man advantage.

The Kraken won 4-1 in Los Angeles Thursday, but have returned home to drop both the home opener to the Vegas Golden Knights (5-2) and their second home game against the Carolina Hurricanes (5-1). Now, Seattle faces another contender.

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Blues at Kraken odds

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 5:52 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Blues -150 (bet $150 to win $100) | Kraken +120 (bet $100 to win $120)
  • Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Blues -1.5 (+160) | Kraken +1.5 (-200)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: +100 | U: -120)

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Blues at Kraken projected goalies

Jordan Binnington (1-0-0, 2.00 GAA, .920 SV%) vs. Philipp Grubauer (0-1-1, 4.26 GAA, .851 SV%)

Binnington was rarely tested in the regular-season opener, turning aside 23 of the 25 shots he faced for the victory. He didn’t face the Kraken in their inaugural season in 2021-22.

Grubauer has gotten off to a rough start, allowing 5 goals in each of his 2 starts. He helped the team to a 5-4 OT loss in Anaheim last Wednesday but he and the Kraken were buried by the Hurricanes 5-1 Monday.

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Blues at Kraken picks and predictions

Prediction

Blues 4, Kraken 2

Moneyline

The BLUES (-150) are moderate favorites, but they are easily the play here. St. Louis is well rested, having played just 1 game. While this is its first road contest of the season, so there is a little bit of concern, the Kraken have dropped each of their games at CPA so far.

Puck line/Against the spread

Roll with the BLUES -1.5 (+160) for a chance at a solid payday, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see this game need an empty-net goal to get across the finish line. A half-unit play is warranted here, but don’t go crazy.

Over/Under

The UNDER 6.5 (-120) will cost you a little extra, but it’s a sound play. The Kraken are an exciting offense full of young talent, but they’ll have difficulty solving the defense and strong goaltending of the Blues. Seattle has managed just 3 total goals in its 2 home games, and it’ll have another power outage here.

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Columbus Blue Jackets at St. Louis Blues odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Columbus Blue Jackets at St. Louis Blues odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Columbus Blue Jackets (0-2) hit the Gateway City to face the St. Louis Blues (0-0) in a Saturday matchup at Enterprise Center. Faceoff is slated for 8 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Blue Jackets vs. Blues, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

The Blue Jackets are off to a rough start after 4-1 and 5-2 losses to the Carolina Hurricanes Wednesday and Tampa Bay Lightning Friday, respectively. The sledding doesn’t get any easier with another playoff team in the Blues in the Jackets’ way.

Columbus is reeling without RW Patrik Laine, who will miss a month with an upper-body injury suffered in the Carolina loss. Newly acquired LW Johnny Gaudreau has 1 goal as his only point thus far, and he can get hot at any time.

The Blues enter the season with chips on their shoulders. The media seemingly writing them off is only going to intensify it with some national outlets questioning whether they’ll make the playoffs.

They lost RW David Perron and G Ville Husso to Detroit in the offseason and only made nominal changes to their fourth line. All-World RW Vladimir Tarasenko returns in a contract year, and the team re-signed young studs C Robert Thomas and RW Jordan Kyrou to 8-year pacts in the offseason.

The real question is which G Jordan Binnington will we have? Regular-season mode or the unstoppable version before injured last playoffs?

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Blue Jackets at Blues odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 4:34 p.m. ET.

  • Moneyline: Blue Jackets +195 (bet $100 to win $195) | Blues -250 (bet $250 to win $100)
  • Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Blue Jackets +1.5 (-117) | Blues -1.5 (-103)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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Blue Jackets at Blues projected goalies

Elvis Merzlikins (2021-22 stats: 27-23-7, 3.22 GAA, .907 SV%, 2 SO) vs. Jordan Binnington (2021-22 stats: 18-14-4, 3.13 GAA, .901 SV%, 2 SO)

Merzlikins missed the first 2 games of the season due to illness. He was awesome down the stretch, though his record doesn’t support it. He was 5-6 with a 2.55 GAA and .926 SV% in 12 April starts. He stopped 19 of 21 shots in a 5-4 win over St. Louis last March.

Binner was 7-7-2 with a 3.13 GAA at Enterprise last season, and he was particularly strong last October. He was 5-1 with a 2.52 GAA and .926 SV% in the opening month last year. He was 4-1 with a 1.72 GAA and .949 SV% in the playoffs before suffering a season-ending knee injury. If that never happens, we could be talking about the Blues as Stanley Cup champs.

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Blue Jackets at Blues picks and predictions

Prediction

Blues 5, Blue Jackets 2

Moneyline

The Blues were 26-10-5 at home last season, and they’re still returning six 20-goal scorers. They’ll be fine lighting the lamp, and their athletic blue line moves the puck well. Binnington is the real wild card, but it shouldn’t matter in this one.

However, there’s too much juice on the Blues, so let’s go with BLUES OVER 3.5 TOTAL GOALS (-130) REGULATION TIME.

Puck line/Against the spread

Columbus is just 5-21 lifetime in St. Louis. The Blue Jackets would have more of a chance if Laine were able to play as he has 16 goals, 5 assists and a plus-minus of +9 in 17 games against the Blues in his career. The Blues were 27-20 on the puck line at home last season, and at close to even money, I’ll LEAN BLUES -1.5 (-103).

Over/Under

I’d much rather wait for the puck to drop to take an Over 5.5 because the Blues were a dominant 2nd-period team last season. That’s where the value was. The Over is 4-1-1 in the last 6 meetings between these teams, and Binnington has some proving to do in net.

LEAN OVER 6.5 (-115).

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Colorado Avalanche at St. Louis Blues Game 6 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Friday’s Colorado Avalanche at St. Louis Blues Game 6 odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Colorado Avalanche try again to eliminate the St. Louis Blues Friday in Game 6 of their Western Conference Semifinals playoff series. Colorado leads the series 3-2. Puck drop from Enterprise Center is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET (TNT). Below, we look at the Avalanche vs. Blues Game 6 odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.

The Avs were stunned in Game 5 at home as St. Louis stormed back from a 3-0 hole midway through the game to win 5-4 in overtime. Avs C Nathan MacKinnon had arguably the best playoff game of his career with 3 goals and 1 assist. He thought he iced it when he gave them a 4-3 lead, gliding coast to coast for a sick goal with under 3 minutes to go.

The Blues would not give in. C Robert Thomas scored his 2nd goal of the game (and of the playoffs) with just under 1 minute to go to tie it. C Tyler Bozak put back a rebound to win it in OT.

The Blues haven’t won a home game in the series, though. G Jordan Binnington was injured in Game 3, and they spent too much effort retaliating in Game 4. Colorado is not on shaky ground just yet, and its best player just went ablaze.

Avalanche at Blues odds and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:55 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: Avalanche -175 (bet $175 to win $100) | Blues +140 (bet $100 to win $140)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Avalanche -1.5 (+130) | Blues +1.5  (-165)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -130 | U: +105)

Avalanche at Blues projected goalies

Darcy Kuemper (5-2, 2.50 GAA, .904 SV%) vs. Ville Husso (2-4, 3.78 GAA, .884 SV%)

Kuemper hasn’t been great this series, and he hasn’t had to be. He has allowed 3 goals in 2 of the last 3 games. Colorado won 1 of them. If he gives up 3 or 4 markers in this game, we’re likely going to Game 7.

Husso has been overmatched in the series, but he made some dazzling saves in the last game. He appeared to exit Game 5 with a lot more confidence than he entered. Husso has given up 4 goals in 5 straight games in the playoffs. He’s going to have to limit Colorado to 2 or 3 for the Blues to have a chance to extend the series.

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Avalanche at Blues picks and predictions

Prediction

Avalanche 5, Blues 2

Money line

There won’t be a lot of value in picking this game unless you’re confident in a Blues win. They could win, but it would have to be a similar formula to Game 5 where they stunned Colorado emotionally.

Colorado is angry, and I picked them to win in 6 games before the series began — even with a healthy Binnington. The Avs move on to face the Edmonton Oilers. St. Louis held Colorado’s top players down early in the series, and the Avs found ways to win. I’m not a fan of the -175 money line, but I will LEAN AVALANCHE IN REGULATION (-115).

Against the spread

If this is a close game, the Blues are likely to win. There is a special boosted odds wager AVALANCHE TO SCORE FIRST AND WIN THE SERIES (+130). I’d go lightly on that before I touched either puck line.

Over/Under

The Over has cashed in the last 4 for Colorado on the road and its last 4 games as a road favorite. The Over is 9-3 in the last 12 for St. Louis as an underdog and 8-3 on 1 day of rest. The Over has cashed in 3 straight contests in the series. Go lightly here, because I really feel like Colorado has to keep St. Louis to 2 goals to advance, but LEAN OVER 6.5 (-130).

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Colorado Avalanche at St. Louis Blues Game 3 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Saturday’s Colorado Avalanche at St. Louis Blues Game 3 odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Colorado Avalanche try to take back home-ice advantage against the St. Louis Blues Saturday in Game 3 of their Western Conference Semifinals playoff series. The series is tied 1-1. Puck drop from Enterprise Center is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET (TNT). Below, we look at the Avalanche vs. Blues Game 3 odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.

For as much as Colorado dominated the Blues in Game 1, St. Louis flipped the script and took it to the Avs in Game 2. LW David Perron had 2 goals, and G Jordan Binnington was a star again as he made 30 saves on 31 shots in a 4-1 victory.

St. Louis really tightened up its forecheck and didn’t allow a single odd-man rush in the game. The 31 shots on goal were a far cry from the 54 fired at Binner in the first game.

Something to watch, and he’s not on the injury report, but D Cale Makar wiped out hard with his right knee banging into the goal post midway through Game 2. He limped off and told his teammates he was OK coming off, but that’s something that could swell up and remain tender the rest of the series.

C Nathan MacKinnon has 2 assists in the series, but he has really been held in check by Blues C Ryan O’Reilly. Makar, MacKinnon and RW Mikko Rantanen combined for 96 goals in the regular season. They have none in this series. I’d be surprised if one of them didn’t break through in this one.

Avalanche at Blues odds and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:30 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Avalanche -175 (bet $175 to win $100) | Blues +140 (bet $100 to win $140)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Avalanche -1.5 (+133) | Blues +1.5 (-170)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -122 | U: -102)

Avalanche at Blues projected goalies

Darcy Kuemper (3-1, 1.98 GAA, .923 SV% – postseason) vs. Jordan Binnington (4-1, 1.75 GAA, .948 SV% – postseason)

Kuemper wasn’t terrible, but he has shown some holes in these 2 games. He has saved 51 of 56 for a .910 SV% in the series. He had a 3.40 GAA and an .870 SV% against St. Louis in the regular season, too. So goaltending is one area Colorado doesn’t have the advantage.

Binnington has been unreal. Even though he has played in about half of the games as the guys ahead of him, he is 4th in the playoffs with 4.6 goals saved above expected, according to MoneyPuck. The only goal he gave up in Game 2 came on the power play, and he really hasn’t let a soft one in yet this series.

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Avalanche at Blues picks and predictions

Prediction

Blues 3, Avalanche 2

Money line

The Avs are huge favorites on the road here. No one will contest that Colorado doesn’t have the most high-end talent, but St. Louis has talent across 4 lines and they have Stanley Cup-winning experience.

The Blues will also have a rowdy Enterprise Center behind them. The Avalanche aren’t just divisional rivals — they are owned by the villainous Stan Kroenke, who moved the NFL’s Rams from St. Louis to Los Angeles in questionable fashion. The crowd will be fired up.

We said Game 2 would either be a close win by Colorado or St. Louis could steal it. The same holds true for Game 3. It’ll be a close win by St. Louis or the Avs could steal it. Considering how well Binnington has played, we’ll take the value and LEAN BLUES (+140).

Against the spread

Neither puck line is attractive here. If the Blues get beat, there’s no sense in paying -175 for a goal of insurance. Instead, if you’re feeling the improved puck play and the continued dominance between the pipes, go lightly on BLUES IN REGULATION (+205). St. Louis has been a bad overtime team all season so if it’s going to win, it’ll likely have to be in regulation anyway.

Over/Under

You’re living dangerously taking the Under with these two powerful offenses. However, both games have cashed Under tickets, and it has been 3 Unders in a row for St. Louis. Go lightly here, but until these goalies really start showing leaks, LEAN UNDER 6.5 (-102).

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Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

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St. Louis Blues at Colorado Avalanche Game 2 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s St. Louis Blues at Colorado Avalanche Game 2 odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The St. Louis Blues try to rebound against the Colorado Avalanche Thursday in Game 2 of their Western Conference  Semifinals playoff series. Colorado leads 1-0. Puck drop from Ball Arena is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. ET (TNT). Below, we look at the Blues vs. Avalanche Game 2 odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.

The Blues were rolled over in Game 1 as they were not able to get out of their defensive zone for much of the game. The Avalanche triumphed 3-2 in overtime, but it really wasn’t that close.

Blues G Jordan Binnington had arguably the best game of his career, stopping 51 of 54 shots. The Avalanche had an insane 106 scoring chances with shots on goal, blocked shots and shots misfired. The Avs hit 5 posts, and for anyone that watched the game, it looked like it should have been a 6-1 final.

The Avs got goals from RW Valeri Nichushkin, D Samuel Girard and D Josh Manson – three guys that combined for 36 goals in the regular season. So they won without their stars really being factors. The Blues scored first and had the lead into the 2nd period, but the Avs really turned it into a track meet to take a 2-1 lead. Blues RW Jordan Kyrou put a power-play goal in with just over 3 minutes left to send it to OT. The Avs outshot the Blues 13-0 in overtime.

From the glass-half-full perspective, the Blues can’t play any worse, and they only lost by 1 goal. They will make adjustments and are likely to switch from 11 forwards and 7 defensemen to 12 forwards and 6 defensemen. Coach Craig Berube said they need to be better on the forecheck, and this team usually responds after bad losses. Is it enough to beat C Nathan MacKinnon and D Cale Makar – 2 of the top-3 players left in the playoffs?

Blues at Avalanche odds and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at noon ET.

  • Money line: Blues +180 (bet $100 to win $180) | Avalanche -230 (bet $230 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Blues +1.5 (-125) | Avalanche -1.5 (+100)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -145 | U: +115)

Blues at Avalanche projected goalies

Jordan Binnington (3-1, 1.94 GAA, .944 SV%, postseason) vs. Darcy Kuemper (3-0, 1.67 GAA, .930 SV%, postseason)

Binnington has been unflappable in these playoffs, and it can’t be overestimated how good he was in Game 1. He made a save to his right that rebounded to a player on his left, and he immediately contorted his body to the left to make an insane glove save. He had no chance on all 3 goals, and the game-winner was shot from the point with 3 players screening him.

Kuemper really didn’t have to do much as the Blues got very little offensive zone pressure, and he didn’t even see a shot on goal in overtime. He made 23 saves on 25 shots – most of which weren’t very dangerous. Frankly, he looked beatable, and he could see 3 or 4 get past him if St. Louis can muster up any sort of sustained puck control.

[tipico]

Blues at Avalanche picks and predictions

Prediction

Avalanche 4, Blues 3

Money line

This is a game that can go a couple of ways: The Avs win another close one, or the Blues steal this game. I don’t have any confidence in Blues (+180) to put my money where my fingers are, but I also can’t risk more than two times my return on the Avalanche (-230). PASS.

Against the spread

This series is over in 5 games if we see the Avs come out and do 90% of what they did in Game 1. I think Colorado will win in 6 or 7, and St. Louis will have to make a statement here to even have a chance at lasting 6.

RW Vladimir Tarasenko was completely absent in Game 1, and he’ll be hungry. They’ll empty the tank, but Colorado is too strong to fade completely. LEAN BLUES +1.5 (-125) as this is a good price for the Blues to keep it close or somehow sneak out a win.

Over/Under

The Over is 13-3-1 in the Blues’ last 17 road games and it’s 6-2 in the Blues’ last 8 playoff games as underdogs. The Over hit in 6 straight games between these two sides before the Under hit in Game 1. Go lightly because of the juice, but LEAN OVER 6.5 (-145).

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[lawrence-newsletter]

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Minnesota Wild at St. Louis Blues Game 6 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Thursday’s Minnesota Wild at St. Louis Blues Game 6 odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Minnesota Wild try to stave off elimination against the St. Louis Blues  Thursday in Game 6 of their 1st-round Western Conference playoff series. The Blues lead the series 3-2. Puck drop from Enterprise Center is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. ET (TNT).  Below, we look at the Wild vs. Blues odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.

We went against the grain and nailed it in Game 5 as the Blues took down the Wild 5-2 on the road. The Blues scored first, but the Wild answered and led 2-1 after the 1st period. St. Louis tied it late in the 2nd before RW Vladimir Tarasenko took over in the 3rd period with 3 goals to seal the deal.

Wild LW Kirill Kaprizov continued his dynamic play with 2 power-play goals. “Kirill the Thrill” has 7 goals and an assist in the series. Minnesota will bring everything they have Thursday trying to force a Game 7 back home.

Wild at Blues odds and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:06 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: Wild -110 (bet $110 to win $100) | Blues -110 (bet $110 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Wild +1.5 (-280) | Blues -1.5 (+195)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -102 | U: -122)

Wild at Blues projected goalies

Marc-Andre Fleury (28-23-5, 2.90 GAA, .908 SV%, 4 SO – regular season) vs. Jordan Binnington (18-14-4, 3.13 GAA, .901 SV%, 2 SO – regular season)

Fleury has taken a step back with 4 goals allowed in each of the last 2 games. We mentioned Game 5 was his 14th start in the last 38 days. Do they go to Cam Talbot here, who hasn’t played in more than 2 weeks? Anything is possible, but it’s likely “The Flower” once again. Fleury has a .906 SV% in the series, and he’ll have to keep the Blues under 4 goals to win.

Binnington had another great game, stopping 30 of 32 shots, and Minnesota didn’t score at even strength. Binner has a .935 SV% and has only allowed 2 goals in each game. However, it has been his movement of the puck that has been the biggest difference. He has corralled rebounds and limited the Wild’s chances.

[tipico]

Wild at Blues picks and predictions

Prediction

Blues 5, Wild 3

Money line

The books have this one as a pick ’em, but they really have underrated the Blues this entire series. When St. Louis has lost, it lost its way — traveling too far for hits or because a defenseman was injured in each of the first 4 games.

D Torey Krug (knee) is out, and D Marco Scandella (lower body) is iffy, too. However, the reinforcements of D Nick Leddy and D Robert Bortuzzo lifted them in Game 5. I picked the Blues in 6 before the series, and that’s where we stand. BLUES -110 is the play, and according to Pregame.com, 70% of the cash is on that outcome.

Against the spread

The team that has scored first has won every game in the series, and every result has been by at least 3 goals. If you’re taking the Blues to end the series Thursday, we’re going with BLUES -1.5 (+195). They have been one of the better puck line teams in hockey all season.

Over/Under

The O/U is 3-2 in the series, 7-2 in the last 9 meetings and 4-1 in the last 5 in St. Louis. It’ll take 4 or 5 goals to win this one. If you’re more comfortable taking the Blues money line and puck line, then passing on the O/U makes sense. However, because of the firepower both offenses possess, we’ll LEAN OVER 6.5 (-102).

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Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

[lawrence-newsletter]

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St. Louis Blues at Minnesota Wild Game 5 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Tuesday’s St. Louis Blues at Minnesota Wild Game 5 odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

Tied 2-2, the St. Louis Blues and Minnesota Wild throw down Tuesday in Game 5 of their 1st-round Western Conference playoff series. Puck drop from Xcel Energy Center is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. ET (ESPN).  Below, we look at the Blues vs. Wild odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.

The Blues looked dead in the water after a 5-1 home loss in Game 3 Friday. They lost yet another important defenseman as D Torey Krug appeared to suffer a season-ending knee injury. However, they activated rookie D Scott Perunovich off IR, who hadn’t played since January after wrist surgery, and he looked great moving the puck on the power play in Game 4.

The Blues won the game 5-2, but it was by no means that convincing as Minnesota drew within one late. St. Louis All-star LW Jordan Kyrou lit the lamp twice and appears to be returning to his pre-All-Star-break form. The Blues could get reinforcements as D Nick Leddy and D Robert Bortuzzo have a good chance to return for Game 5.

The Wild came undone by Blues G Jordan Binnington, who was strong in his first action of the series. LW Kirill Kaprizov scored his 5th goal of the series and has scored in each of the last 3 games. The Wild are 2-for-17 (11.7%) on the power play in the series. That has to change if they plan to win the series.

Wild coach Dean Evason hinted there could be lineup changes after the Blues changed it up and took Game 4.

Blues at Wild odds and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 1:56 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: Blues +125 (bet $100 to win $125) | Wild -155 (bet $155 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Blues +1.5 (-190) | Wild -1.5 (+145)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)

Blues at Wild projected goalies

Jordan Binnington (18-14-4, 3.13 GAA, .901 SV%, 2 SO – regular season) vs. Marc-Andre Fleury (28-23-5, 2.90 GAA, .908 SV%, 4 SO – regular season)

Binnington stopped 28 of 30 shots in his first action of the series in Game 4. He played well down the stretch, too, as he was 5-1 in April. Binnington was in goal during the team’s unlikely run to win the Stanley Cup in his rookie 2018-19 season.

The 37-year-old Fleury stopped 29 of 33 shots in the Game 4 loss. Fleury has a 2.76 GAA and .914 SV% in the series. He was stellar in Games 2 and 3, but the Blues got to him in Games 1 and 4. One has to wonder if fatigue will come into play as this will be his 14th start in the last 38 days.

[tipico]

Blues at Wild picks and predictions

Prediction

Blues 4, Wild 3

Money line

This might be the most difficult game to handicap in the playoffs thus far in the most difficult series. The winner of this game is likely going to advance to the conference semifinals.

I picked the Blues in 6 games coming in, and we’re sticking to it. The infusion of two of their injured defensemen, Binnington’s comeback story, the good mojo after Game 4 and C Ryan O’Reilly’s wife giving birth Sunday offer up enough intangibles to LEAN BLUES (+125) with a HALF-UNIT wager.

Against the spread

This is the kind of win that veteran teams gut out late or in overtime. At Blues +1.5 (-190), I’m going to PASS on the puck line even though every game has been decided by more than a goal.

Over/Under

The O/U is 2-2 in the series, but the Over has hit 7 times in the last 10 head-to-head meetings between these two rivals. Binnington, through all of his clutch moments, has been a little giving, and Fleury could be a little fatigued.

Let’s LEAN OVER 6.5 (-112).

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Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

[lawrence-newsletter]

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Minnesota Wild at St. Louis Blues Game 4 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Sunday’s Minnesota Wild at St. Louis Blues Game 4 odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The Minnesota Wild and St. Louis Blues square off Sunday in Game 4 of their 1st-round Western Conference playoff series. The Wild hold a 2-1 lead. Puck drop from Enterprise Center is set for 4:30 p.m. ET (TBS). Below, we look at the Wild vs. Blues odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.

Minnesota has looked fantastic since being shut out 4-0 in the series opener. The Wild took Game 2 by a 6-2 scoreline and gained their first series lead with a 5-1 victory in Game 3 Friday. LW Kirill Kaprizov has scored 4 times in the series while C Joel Eriksson Ek has 3 goals and 2 assists.

St. Louis has fallen behind early the last 2 games. The Blues have been outscored 5-0 in the 1st period of Games 2 and 3 combined, as G Ville Husso has struggled since posting a 37-save shutout in the opener.

Wild at Blues odds and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:36 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Wild -112 (bet $112 to win $100) | Blues -108 (bet $108 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Wild -1.5 (+205) | Blues +1.5 (-300)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -112 | U: -108)

Wild at Blues projected goalies

Marc-Andre Fleury (28-23-5, 2.90 GAA, .908 SV%, 4 SO – regular season) vs. Ville Husso (25-7-6, 2.56 GAA, .919 SV%, 2 SO – regular season)

Fleury was sharp again Friday in Game 3 as he turned aside 29 of the 30 shots he faced. The veteran netminder has only allowed 3 goals on 64 shots in the last 2 games and seems to be settling in and providing the Wild with solid goaltending after a shaky series opener.

Husso’s series has gone in the opposite direction. After posting a tremendous 37-save shutout in Game 1, the rookie goaltender has given up 9 goals on 59 shots. He needs to be a lot sharper Sunday to get the Blues even in this series.

[tipico]

Wild at Blues picks and predictions

Prediction

Minnesota 4, St. Louis 2

Money line

The Wild are rolling right now and I see no reason that will stop Sunday.

The Blues are struggling to keep up with the Wild, particularly in 5-on-5 play, and Husso has looked shaky the last 2 games. Injuries are also beginning to pile up on the St. Louis blue line, which is surely a factor against a skilled offensive team like Minnesota.

D Nick Leddy may be back in the lineup after missing Games 2 and 3, but it  seems likely that D Robert Bortuzzo will remain sidelined after suffering a facial injury during a blocked shot in Game 2. D Torey Krug will miss the pivotal matchup after exiting Game 3 with a lower-body injury.

Take the WILD (-112) to pick up their 3rd win this series.

Against the spread

It would be nice to have a little more clarity on the Leddy and Bortuzzo situations for the Blues, but if those two important blue liners are unable to suit up for Game 4 it would be a massive blow for the home side.

You can SPRINKLE on WILD -1.5 (+205) either way, however. While it would be a more comfortable wager with those defensemen sidelined for sure, the Blues have allowed empty-net goals in each of the last 2 games with over 7 minutes remaining in regulation. Risking the empty cage for that long gives the Wild an adequate opportunity to make this a reality if they take a lead into the 3rd period.

Over/Under

If I had a lean here it would be to the Over 6.5 (-112) in large part based on the opportunity for empty-net goals to send us over the figure. However, Fleury has been dialed in and Husso has shown that he’s better than he’s performed the last 2 games and has the ability to stifle the Wild offense.

Two of the first 3 in this series went Under this number and it wouldn’t be entirely shocking to see that happen again. It’s a PASS for me.

Watch: ESPN+ has become a must-have for hockey fans. Get access to more than 1,000 out-of-market NHL games, 75 weekly national games, and more all season. Sign up for ESPN+ now!

Bet legally online with a trusted partner: Tipico Sportsbook, Sportsbook Wire’s official sportsbook partner in CO, NJ and soon IA. Bet now!

If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.

Follow Andrew Reid on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).

[lawrence-newsletter]

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