Tag: St. Louis Blues vs. Colorado Avalanche odds predictions pick betting line spread

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

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

The St. Louis Blues (5-8-0) travel to Denver to take on the Colorado Avalanche (8-4-1) Monday at 9 p.m. ET. Below, we analyze Tipico Sportsbook’s lines around the Blues vs. Avalanche odds, and make our expert NHL picks and predictions.

The Blues have been struggling, but come into this game on a 2-game winning streak after beating San Jose 5-3 on Thursday and following it up with a 3-2 victory against Las Vegas on Saturday.

The Avalanche come in on a 4-game winning streak with their last loss coming Oct.29. A 5-4 decision to the Islanders. Since then, Colorado has scored at least 4 goals in each of its victories. They will look to continue the offense in this game against St. Louis.

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Blues at Avalanche odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 11:42 a.m. ET.

  • Moneyline (ML): Blues +160 (bet $100 to win $160) | Avalanche -200 (bet $200 to win $100)
  • Puck line (PL)/Against the spread (ATS): Blues +1.5 (-140) | Avalanche -1.5 (+115)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -105 | U: -135)

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Blues at Avalanche projected goalies

Jordan Binnington (5-5-0, 3.19 GAA, .895 SV%) vs. Alexandar Georgiev (7-1-1, 2.66GAA, .924SV%)

Binnington saved 34 of 36 shots in his last start against the Golden Knights on Saturday. He has saved 61 shots while allowing just 5 goals in his past 2 starts.

Georgiev, in his last start on Thursday, allowed 3 goals on 35 shots in a 5-3 victory over  Nashville. Despite having a 2.66 GAA and 7 wins, Georgiev has yet to record a shutout yet this season.

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Blues at Avalanche picks and predictions

Prediction

Avalanche 4, Blues 2

Moneyline

PASS.

While the ML is not too out of order, it is just a bit too high on the Avalanche which is the team to bet here.

Puck line/Against the spread

BET COLORADO AVALANCHE -1.5 (+115).

With Georgiev in net, the Avalanche are the clear better team. They have not lost since Oct. 29 and in this time, they also have not won by less than 2 goals. Take Colorado -1.5 (+115) as my favorite play.

Over/Under

LEAN UNDER 6.5 (-135).

The Avalanche have been scoring in bunches lately. Since Oct. 29, they have not scored less than 4 goals in any game. But the Blues, although winning have been limited in their scoring. With Georgiev and his 2.66 GAA in net, I look for St. Louis to have some trouble scoring. The Avalanche will get to 4 but I see the Blues only getting to 2. Which leads me to favoring the Under.

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St. Louis Blues at Colorado Avalanche Game 5 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Wednesday’s Colorado Avalanche at St. Louis Blues Game 5 odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

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The St. Louis Blues and Colorado Avalanche meet for Game 5 of Western Conference Semifinals Wednesday at Ball Arena in Denver. Colorado leads the series 3-1. Puck drop is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET (TNT). Below, we look at the Blues vs. Avalanche Game 5 odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.

The Blues nearly pulled off the upset in Game 1 before losing in overtime at Ball Arena and then picked up the road win in Game 2. If St. Louis wants to extend its season, it needs to win Wednesday, and then the next 2 games.

The Avalanche came alive in 2 road games in St. Louis, outscoring the Blues by an 11-5 margin to push the Blues to the brink of elimination. Colorado tries for its first trip to the Conference Finals since 2002.

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 7:31 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Blues +190 (bet $100 to win $190) | Avalanche -240 (bet $240 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Blues +1.5 (-122) | Avalanche -1.5 (-102)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)

Blues at Avalanche projected goalies

Ville Husso (1-4-0, 3.76 GAA, .884 SV%, 1 SO – postseason) vs. Darcy Kuemper (5-1-0, 2.14 GAA, .917 SV% – postseason)

Husso took over for the injured Jordan Binnington in Game 3, but was unable to stop Colorado from scoring an avalanche of goals. He coughed up 4 goals on 23 shots in relief in Game 3, and 5 more goals on 36 shots in Game 4.

Kuemper has allowed 3 or fewer goals in each of his 7 starts during the postseason. He allowed 3 goals on just 20 shots in Game 4, but the offense picked him up and provided more than enough support.

[tipico]

Blues at Avalanche picks and predictions

Prediction

Avalanche 4, Blues 3

Money line

The Avalanche (-240) will get this one done, sending the Blues (+190) to the golf course. However, you can’t risk nearly two and a half times your potential return, and this is going to be a close game. St. Louis certainly won’t get quietly into the night.

PASS.

Against the spread

The BLUES +1.5 (-122) are worth a small-unit play in this elimination game. St. Louis has the offensive weapons to make a run at it in Denver, but it will come up just short. It wouldn’t be surprising to see overtime decide this one, and if so, the Blues on the puck line would be a winner.

Over/Under

OVER 6.5 (-108) is also worth a small-unit play, but be careful. We might get off to a slow start, especially as the Blues have the nerves of an elimination game. St. Louis won’t want to make any mistakes, and Colorado won’t want to do anything silly to let the Blues hang around. However, as the game goes on, we’ll see the offense pick up late.

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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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St. Louis Blues at Colorado Avalanche Game 1 odds, picks and predictions

Analyzing Tuesday’s St. Louis Blues at Colorado Avalanche Game 1 odds and lines, with NHL expert picks, predictions and best bets.

The St. Louis Blues and Colorado Avalanche meet for Game 1 of Western Conference Semifinals Tuesday at Ball Arena in Denver. Puck drop is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. ET (TNT). Below, we look at the Blues vs. Avalanche Game 1 odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.

The Blues rebounded from a 2-1 series deficit to rattle off three consecutive wins to dispatch the Minnesota Wild in the opening round. St. Louis hopes for better success this time around against Colorado after getting swept out of the postseason in 2021 by the Avs.

Speaking of sweeps, the Avalanche won all four games against the Nashville Predators in the first round, last playing May 9. The Over cashed in three of the four games against the Preds.

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 7 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Blues +175 (bet $100 to win $175) | Avalanche -220 (bet $220 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Blues +1.5 (-130) | Avalanche -1.5 (+105)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 6.5 (O: -130 | U: +105)

Blues at Avalanche projected goalies

Jordan Binnington (3-0-0, 1.67 GAA, .943 SV% – postseason) vs. Darcy Kuemper (2-0-0, 1.63 GAA, .934 SV% – postseason)

Binnington was given the nod in Game 4 by coach Craig Berube in the Wild series, with his team down 2-1. After Ville Husso lost Games 2 and 3, the Blues needed a spark, and Binnington certainly gave them one. He won the final three games, allowing just five goals on 88 shots to clinch the series.

Kuemper was accidentally poked in the eye with a stick coming through his mask in the crease in Game 3. He left, and Pavel Francouz finished up. The swelling was still an issue in Game 4, but he has had over a week to heal, and he is ready to roll.

[tipico]

Blues at Avalanche picks and predictions

Prediction

Avalanche 5, Blues 2

Money line

The Avalanche (-220) will cost you more than two times your potential return in this opening game of the series. I expect Colorado to win this game handily, but it’s not worth the risk.

PASS, and look to the puck line first.

Against the spread

The AVALANCHE -1.5 (+105) are a better value at near even-money laying a goal-and-a-half.

Colorado has dominated this series, sweeping St. Louis last season in the first round, while winning six of the past seven meetings overall, and six of the previous seven battles in the Mile High City, too. The favorite has won 38 of the past 53, and the Avs will easily extend that streak here.

Over/Under

OVER 6.5 (-130) is a little pricey, but there is good reason to play it. First, the Avs could be a little rusty after a long layoff, plus their goaltender is returning from an injury and an even longer absence.

The Over is also 6-0 in the past six meetings between these teams. And the Over is 22-9-1 in the past 32 for the Blues, while going a ridiculous 13-2-1 in the past 16 on the road.

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St. Louis Blues at Colorado Avalanche odds, picks and prediction

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

The St. Louis Blues (0-0-0) open the season on the road against the Colorado Avalanche (1-0-0) Saturday at Ball Arena in Denver. Puck drop is scheduled for 9 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Blues vs. Avalanche odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.

The Blues open their season against the team that ended their playoffs last season. The Colorado Avalanche swept St. Louis, outscoring the Blues 20-7 in a lopsided series.

The Avalanche have one game under their belt, doubling up the Chicago Blackhawks behind new tendy Darcy Kuemper. Rearguards Bowen Byram and Jack Johnson helped pick up the slack with superstar Nathan MacKinnon away from the team due to COVID protocols.

Blues at Avalanche odds, spread and lines

Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:50 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Blues +135 (bet $100 to win $135) | Avalanche -170 (bet $170 to win $100)
  • Against the spread (ATS): Blues +1.5 (-180) | Avalanche -1.5 (+140)
  • Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: -130 | U: +105)

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Blues at Avalanche projected goalies

Jordan Binnington (18-14-8, 2.65 GAA, .910 SV% in 2020-21) vs. Darcy Kuemper (1-0-0, 2.00 GAA, .941 SV%)

Binnington posted a 3-4-0 record with a 2.89 GAA and .909 SV% in seven starts against the Avalanche during the regular season in 2020-21. While he had a 2.53 GAA at home last season, he had a 2.79 GAA and .906 SV% on the road.

Kuemper replaces Vezina finalist Philipp Grubauer in between the pipes. So far, so good, as he turned aside 32 of 34 shots against the Blackhawks to win his team debut.

Blues at Avalanche odds, lines, picks and predictions

Prediction

Avalanche 4, Blues 2

Money line

The AVALANCHE (-170) are the play as they roughed up Binnington and the Blues (+135) in the postseason. Some teams are just in the heads of their opponents, and St. Louis probably wishes it was opening the season anywhere else. The good news is that MacKinnon is expected to miss a second straight game, but that’s about the only thing going for the Blues.

The Blues have dropped five straight trips to Denver, and a sixth consecutive setback is on the way.

Against the spread

The AVALANCHE -1.5 (+140) is worth a small-unit play on the puck line as they have plenty of weapons to make up for the loss of MacKinnon, including rookie Alex Newhook, who takes his place. Colorado will pick up right where it left off last season against St. Louis, posting another decisive victory.

Over/Under

OVER 5.5 (-130) is the lean, ever so slightly. It might take a late empty-net goal to push this one across the finish line, but it’s a better play than the Under. The Over is 5-2-1 in the past eight meetings between these teams.

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VIDEO: St. Louis Blues at Colorado Avalanche Game 2 betting preview

Video previewing Wednesday’s St. Louis Blues at Colorado Avalanche Game 2 odds and lines

Game 2 between the St. Louis Blues and Colorado Avalanche of their Stanley Cup Playoffs first-round series goes down Wednesday evening with a puck drop slated for 10:30 p.m. ET at Ball Arena.

Craig Mish and George Kurtz, from SportsGrid, preview the game action.

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

Previewing Wednesday’s St. Louis Blues at Colorado Avalanche Game 2 odds and lines, with hockey picks, tips and predictions.

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.

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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.

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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.

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St. Louis Blues at Colorado Avalanche Game 1 odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Monday’s St. Louis Blues at Colorado Avalanche Game 1 odds and lines, with hockey picks, tips and predictions.

The St. Louis Blues and Colorado Avalanche play Game 1 of their Stanley Cup Playoffs first-round series Monday. Puck drop is scheduled for 10 p.m. ET at Ball Arena. Below, we analyze the Blues-Avalanche odds and lines, with NHL picks and predictions.

The Blues head into their series as decisive underdogs, and to make matters worse they’ll be without one of their top scorers.

RW David Perron was placed on the COVID-19 protocol list on Saturday. He had 19 goals and 58 points in 56 regular-season games. LW Nathan Walker is also on the list with him. D Vince Dunn (upper body) and RW Vladimir Tarasenko (lower body) are also question marks.

The Avalanche edged the Blue 5-3 in the eight-game regular-season series, but St. Louis won the two most recent meetings on home ice April 24 and 26. The Avs won three of the four meetings in Denver.

Blues at Avalanche: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:25 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Blues +220 (bet $100 to win $220) | Avalanche -275 (bet $275 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Blues +1.5 (-120) | Avalanche -1.5 (+100)
  • Over/Under: 5.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

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’s first start of the season was Jan. 13 in the opener in Colorado, and he stopped 26 of 27 shots to help the Blues pick up a 4-1 win. The good times didn’t last, as he was hammered for 4 goals on 24 shots in his next start against the Avs. Binnington went 3-4-0 with a 2.89 GAA and .909 SV% in seven games against the Avalanche.

Grubauer was tied for the NHL lead with 7 shutouts. One of those shutouts was against St. Louis, and he was 2-1-0 with a 1.68 GAA and .938 SV% in three games against the Blues.

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Blues at Avalanche: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Avalanche 4, Blues 1

Money line (ML)

The Avalanche (-275) will cost you nearly three times your potential return, and that’s just too risky even with the odds stacked heavily against the Blues.

AVOID.

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Against the spread (ATS)

The AVALANCHE -1.5 (+100) are a much better value on the puck line at even money. Colorado finished the regular season strong, posting five straight victories to surge to the top of the standings while securing the Presidents’ Trophy.

That has been a kiss of death over the years for some teams, but this Colorado side looks tough.

Over/Under (O/U)

UNDER 5.5 (-105) has cashed in four of the past five head-to-head meetings in Denver, but that’s not the only reason to back the Under.

The Blues not having Perron will disrupt their offensive flow, and Tarasenko is no certainty to play, either. St. Louis will have a problem lighting the lamp, which is good for Under bettors.

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St. Louis Blues at Colorado Avalanche odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Saturday’s St. Louis Blues at Colorado Avalanche NHL odds and lines, with hockey picks, tips and predictions.

The St. Louis Blues (16-14-6) play the second of a two-game set on the road against the Colorado Avalanche (24-8-4) Saturday with a 9 p.m. ET puck drop at Ball Arena. Below, we analyze the Blues-Avalanche odds and lines, with NHL picks and predictions.

The Blues fell 3-2 in the front end of the back-to-back in a well-played game on Friday night as the Under (6) connected. The Blues have now tied a season-high with a five-game winless drought.

The Avalanche have won three in a row, outscoring the opposition by a 17-7 count in victories over the Blues, Arizona Coyotes and Anaheim Ducks. Colorado has also picked up at least one point in 13 straight dating back to its last loss in regulation back on March 8 at home against Arizona.

Blue at Avalanche: Odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:31 a.m. ET.

  • Money line: Blues +185 (bet $100 to win $185) | Avalanche -225 (bet $225 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Blues +1.5 (-150) | Avalanche -1.5 (+125)
  • Over/Under: 6 (O: +100 | U: -120)

Blues at Avalanche: Projected starting goalies

Jordan Binnington (10-11-5, 2.79 GAA, .904 SV%) vs. Philipp Grubauer (22-7-1, 1.78 GAA, .928 SV%, 5 SO)

Binnington was on the short end of a 3-2 loss on Friday, but he stopped 36 of the 39 shots he faced in a solid appearance. He has posted an 0-3-1 record across his past four starts, but he has allowed three or fewer goals in each outing. The offense has provided him with just six total goals of support over his past five starts, and nine total goals over his past seven.

Grubauer has been Vezina quality so far this season. He was rested Friday, as Jonas Johansson picked up the victory. Now, Grubauer is rested and raring to go. He enters with a career-high 22 victories, and he is 1-1-0 with a 2.02 GAA and .925 SV% with one shutout against the Blues this season.

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Blues at Avalanche: Odds, lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Avalanche 5, Blues 2

Money line (ML)

The Avalanche (-225) are just too expensive, costing you more than twice your potential return. While Binnington and the Blues have been shaky lately, it’s just too risky. PASS, and go with the puck line instead.

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Against the spread (ATS)

The AVALANCHE -1.5 (+125) are a good play on the puck line, as you are catching the Blues +1.5 (-150) on a five-game win drought.

They weren’t able to beat the backup, and it’s doubtful they’ll drop the red-hot Grubauer. St. Louis has had tremendous difficulty scoring goals lately, and it won’t get any better against Colorado’s starter.

Over/Under (O/U)

OVER 6 (+100) is the lean, even with Grubauer in the crease for the home side. St. Louis is averaging just 1.9 goals per game across the past 10 outings, so that’s a concern.

However, the Blues have coughed up 3.4 goals per game during the 10-game span, and the Avalanche are more than capable of doing much better than that.

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St. Louis Blues at Colorado Avalanche odds, picks and prediction

Previewing Friday’s St. Louis Blues at Colorado Avalanche NHL betting odds and lines, with hockey picks, tips and predictions.

The St. Louis Blues (1-0-0) and Colorado Avalanche (0-1-0) close out their two-gamer in Denver with a 9 p.m. ET puck drop at Ball Arena Friday. Below, we analyze the Blues-Avalanche NHL betting odds and lines, with picks and predictions.

Blues at Avalanche: Betting odds, spread and lines

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 12:40 p.m. ET.

  • Money line: Blues +125 (bet $100 to win $125) | Avalanche -150 (bet $150 to win $100)
  • Against the spread/ATS: Blues +1.5 (-225) | Avalanche -1.5 (+180)
  • Over/Under: 6 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Blues at Avalanche: Projected starting goalies

Jordan Binnington (1-0-0, .963 SV%, 1.00 GAA) vs. Philipp Grubauer (0-1-0, .875 SV%, 4.00 GAA)

Binnington was sharp in Wednesday’s opener against these Avs. He stopped 26 of 27 pucks, and the lone goal Colorado scored was with an extra skater.

Grubauer let four goals get past him in Wednesday’s game. He has allowed 17 goals in his last five games against the Blues.

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Blues at Avalanche: Odds, betting lines, predictions and picks

Prediction

Avalanche 4, Blues 3

Money line (ML)

The Blues battled back in the opener, allowing a first-period power-play tally and then scoring four unanswered goals the rest of the way in a 4-1 victory. St. Louis doubled up Colorado in 5-on-5 scoring chances (22-11), but from an analytics standpoint, the Avs were solid in the second and third periods after a sloppy start.

Colorado hasn’t lost back-to-back games at home since Feb. 13, 15 and 17 of last season. TAKE COLORADO (-150).

Against the spread (ATS)

PASS and stick with the straight-up play, and take late-game chicanery out of the equation.

Over/Under (O/U)

Colorado was 2-for-2 on home ice against the Blues in 2019-20. The Avs scored 12 goals over those games. Look for this one to swing toward the skaters on both sides.

TAKE THE OVER 6 (-110).

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