Tag: St. Louis Blues

St. Louis Blues at New Jersey Devils odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Friday’s St. Louis Blues at New Jersey Devils sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

The St. Louis Blues (40-17-10) continue their road trip against the New Jersey Devils (26-28-12) Friday at Prudential Center at 7 p.m. ET. We analyze the Blues-Devils sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Blues at Devils: Projected starting goalies

Jake Allen vs. Mackenzie Blackwood

Allen has a stellar 10-6-3 record, 2.31 goals against average and .922 save percentage overall this season. He is likely to start, giving All-Star Jordan Binnington a breather. Binnington has posted a solid 30-11-7 record, 2.56 GAA and .911 SV% in his 48 starts overall.

Blackwood has a solid 21-13-8 record, 2.71 GAA and .916 SV% in 45 appearances (41 starts), which is definitely impressive considering how New Jersey has struggled overall. He has been amazing since the All-Star break, going 7-1-2 with a 1.95 GAA and .947 SV% with two of his three shutouts.

Place a sports bet on this hockey action or other games at BetMGM.

Blues at Devils: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 4:50 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Blues 4, Devils 1

Moneyline (ML)

The BLUES (-189) are a bit expensive on the moneyline, but they’re a slam-dunk play. St. Louis has dominated this series in recent seasons, posting 16 wins in the past 21 meetings, including five straight victories in Newark, N.J. The favorite is 13-3 in the previous 16 meetings overall.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Blues to win returns a profit of $5.29 while a $10 wager on the Devils (+155) results in a profit of $15.50.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The BLUES (-1.5, +150) are a better bet against the spread, as they have just dominated this series against the Devils (+1.5, -182) in recent seasons.

Over/Under (O/U)

A small-unit wager on the UNDER 5.5 (-110) is warranted, as the Under is 4-0-1 in the past five meetings in Newark, and 4-1 in the past five battles overall. The Under is 6-3 in the past nine games for the Blues, too, including their 3-0 win over the Devils on Feb. 18.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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The St. Louis Blues found time for a Star Wars night during a home game, but not Hockey is for Everyone

Why is the night celebrating diversity and inclusion happening while the team plays an away game?

The NHL’s Hockey is for Everyone initiative is a league-wide program meant to help address the serious issues around the sport’s lack of diversity and inclusion. Over the past few years the initiative has gone from a month long program to a year-round way of thinking. It’s been stressed by the league as a major part of the NHL’s plans for growth.

The NHL and its clubs, have often used the Hockey is for Everyone tagline as a shorthand for all that they hope the sport actually stands for.  As of now, it feels more aspirational than factual, but making the largely male and largely white space welcoming for other fans won’t be achieved overnight. With that in mind, every NHL team usually has a Hockey is for Everyone theme night. It sets a low bar for teams but its still something that some clubs, like the St. Louis Blues, have trouble clearing.

As first reported by Russian Machine, this year the Blues actually won’t even be in the building for their Hockey is for Everyone night. Instead, it will take place at Enterprise Arena while the Blues are playing the Washington Capitals in D.C.  Billed as a “Hockey is for Everyone Celebration and Watch Party” the event will cost $10, with proceeds benefiting “participating organizations.” Usually, proceeds from HIFE nights have gone towards organizations that align with the initiative’s goals of supporting diversity and inclusion.  It’s not clear where the funds generated from this event will be going. Also, as first reported by St. Louis Game Time,  the Blues also chose to not host a Pride Night for the 2019-2020 season.

The St. Louis Blues have not responded to multiple attempts for comment about the cancelation of Pride Night and the HIFE watch party.

The Blues have 40 homes games this season, leaving ample opportunity for a Hockey is for Everyone event while their players and coaches are actually in the building. Here’s a list of all the theme nights the team did find space for during home games.

Nov. 1 vs. Columbus – Hockey Fights Cancer
Nov. 16 vs. Anaheim – Ladies Night Out
Nov. 21 vs. Calgary – Teacher Appreciation Night
Dec. 12 vs. Vegas – Barkin’ for the Blues
Dec. 18 vs. Edmonton – Love Your Melon
Jan. 9 vs. Buffalo – Star Wars Night
Feb. 4 vs. Carolina – Soccer Night
Feb. 18 vs. New Jersey – Rizzuto Night
Feb. 27 vs. NY Islanders – ’90s Night
Mar. 10 vs. Florida – Pink at the Rink
Mar. 15 vs. Ottawa – First Responders
Mar. 31 vs. Detroit – Cardinals Night

As ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski noted on Twitter, the Blues also found space for three nights dedicated to scouting.

I have no idea what the Blues are thinking with their approach to Hockey is for Everyone, but the effort required to integrate messaging about diversity and inclusion seems, if not minimal, then certainly of equal effort in regards to everything else the team has time to shepherd through.

Hosting a watch party during an away game doesn’t even come close to aligning with the spirit of the event.  The Blues have also remained frustratingly tightlipped about the event, offering no explanation as to why they chose to promote one of the league’s core initiatives during an away game.

Often times, Hockey is for Everyone messaging feels like a performative action. The Blues “celebration and watch party” has turned it into a down right farce.

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St. Louis Blues at New York Rangers odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Tuesday’s St. Louis Blues at New York Rangers sports betting odds and lines, with NHL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The New York Rangers (35-26-4) host the St. Louis Blues (39-17-10) Tuesday at Madison Square Garden at 7 p.m. ET. We analyze the Blues-Rangers sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Blues at Rangers: Projected starting goalies

Jordan Binnington vs. Alexandar Georgiev

Binnington puts his 29-11-7 record, 2.60 goals against average and .910 save percentage on the line against the Blueshirts. While he has been strong at home with a 20-4-5 record, 2.21 GAA and .918 SV% in 29 home games, he has a 9-7-2 record, 3.22 GAA and .900 SV% with no shutouts in 18 assignments on the road.

Georgiev will start against the champs, and he has a 16-13-1 record, 3.02 GAA and .912 SV% in his 29 starts and two relief appearances. He is a solid 4-3-0 with a 2.74 GAA and .920 SV% in seven starts and eight appearances since the All-Star break.

Place a sports bet on this hockey action or other games at BetMGM.

Blues at Rangers: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 12:05 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Rangers 4, Blues 3

Moneyline (ML)

The Blues (-154) are moderate favorites on the road as they look for their eighth consecutive victory. Most of that damage has been done at home, as they’re just 3-9 in their past 12 on the road. The RANGERS (+125) are short dogs at home, and the value play, based on the Blues’ road struggles, the fact they’re due for a loss and the trends in this series. The home team is 5-2 in the previous seven meetings.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Rangers to win returns a profit of $12.50, while a $10 wager on the Blues results in a profit of $6.50.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The RANGERS (+1.5, -209) are rather expensive, but if you want a little insurance, you have to pay. The Blues (-1.5, +170) have been red-hot and might be tempting, but the public is all over the visitors, and that’s usually a bad sign.

Over/Under (O/U)

I’ll take a flier on the OVER 5.5 (-139). The Over is 7-3-1 in the past 11 on the road for the Blues, too, and 6-2 in the past eight against the Eastern Conference while going 9-4-1 in the past 14 against winning sides. The Over is 4-0 in New York’s past four, 11-4 in the past 15 versus the Western Conference and 13-3-1 in the past 17 against winning teams.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Dallas Stars at St. Louis Blues odds, picks and best bets

Analyzing Saturday’s Dallas Stars at St. Louis Blues matchup, with NHL betting odds, picks and best bets

The defending champion St. Louis Blues (38-18-7) will host the Dallas Stars (32-23-8) Saturday at Enterprise Center in St. Louis at 8 p.m. ET. We analyze the Stars-Blues sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Stars at Blues: Projected starting goalies

Ben Bishop vs. Jordan Binnington

Bishop, the St. Louis native, heads into this one with a 21-14-4 record, 2.49 goals against average and .921 save percentage with a pair of shutouts. He is 0-3-0 with a 3.83 GAA and .890 SV% in his three previous appearances this season vs. STL. He allowed three goals on 30 shots in a narrow 3-2 loss in the only previous meeting in Missouri on Oct. 5.

Binnington will be in search of his 30th win of the season when he takes on the Stars. He has posted a 1-0-1 record, 2.45 GAA and .921 SV% in his other two regular-season starts against the Stars this season.

Place a sports bet on this hockey action or other games at BetMGM.

Stars at Blues: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 7:30 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Blues 3, Stars 1

Moneyline (ML)

The BLUES (-162) are a good play against the Stars (+135), as they just seem to have the number of their rivals from the Metroplex. The Blues have ripped off wins in six consecutive, including four in a row at home, all behind Binnington. St. Louis has won three of the first four meetings this season, too.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Blues ML returns a profit of $6.20 if they win, while a $10 wager on the Stars ML results in a profit of $13.50.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The BLUES (-1.5, +180) are a little bit of a risky play, but very tempting at this price level. A small-unit play is warranted based upon their 3-1 SU record this season. St. Louis has outscored Dallas 13-7 in the first four meetings, covering the puck line in two of their three wins vs. STL.

Over/Under (O/U)

The UNDER 5.5 (-139) is 5-2 in the past seven for Dallas as an underdog, while going 15-6-3 in the past 24 against Central Division foes. The under is 5-2 in the past seven for St. Louis, while going 4-1 in the past five as a favorite. The under is also 5-1-1 in the past seven meetings in this series, including 4-0 in the past four at Enterprise Center.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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New York Islanders at St. Louis Blues odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Thursday’s New York Islanders at St. Louis Blues sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

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The New York Islanders (35-20-7) lock horns with the St. Louis Blues (37-17-10) Thursday at Enterprise Center at 8 p.m. ET. We analyze the Islanders-Blues sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Islanders at Blues: Projected starting goalies

Semyon Varlamov vs. Jordan Binnington

Varlamov suffered a tough 4-3 loss in overtime against the New York Rangers Tuesday, snapping a two-game winning streak. While he is 19-12-5 with a 2.51 goals against average and .918 save percentage in 41 appearances (36 starts), he is actually much better on the road. He is just 8-7-1, but he has a 2.18 GAA and .928 SV% in 19 road games, including 16 starts.

Binnington has racked up a 28-11-7 record, 2.61 GAA and .911 SV% in 46 starts. His splits easily favor him at home, as he is 19-4-5 with a 2.23 GAA and .919 SV% with all three of his shutouts at Enterprise Center, while going just 9-7-2 with a 3.22 GAA and .900 SV% on the road.

Place a sports bet on this hockey action or other games at BetMGM.

Islanders at Blues: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated at 6:10 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Blues 3, Islanders 2

Moneyline (ML)

The BLUES (-176) are heavily favored at home behind Binnington. This won’t be a slam-dunk play, however, as the Islanders (+145) just made some key acquisitions at the trade deadline. While the home team should still come out ahead, go very lightly.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Blues ML returns a profit of $5.68 if they win, while a $10 wager on the Islanders ML results in a profit of $14.50.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

This game is going to be super close, and could need overtime or a shootout to determine a winner. As such, you cannot play the Blues (-1.5, +145). However, the Islanders (+1.5, -176) is just a little too expensive. AVOID.

Over/Under (O/U)

The UNDER 5.5 (-121) has connected in six of the past seven games overall for the Islanders, and 5-0 in the past five against Western Conference foes. For the Blues, they have hit the Over in six of the past seven against Eastern Conference teams, while the Over is 8-3-1 in the past 12 against winning teams. Don’t get carried away, but bank on a lower-scoring game.

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @JoeWilliamsVI and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Chicago Blackhawks at St. Louis Blues odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Tuesday’s Chicago Blackhawks at St. Louis Blues sports betting odds and lines, with NHL matchup analysis, picks and tips.

The Chicago Blackhawks (27-27-8) visit the St. Louis Blues (36-17-10) in a Central Division clash Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET. We analyze the Blackhawks-Blues odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips around this matchup.

Blackhawks at Blues: Projected starting goalies

Corey Crawford vs. Jordan Binnington

Crawford figures to be the steady No. 1 option the rest of the way for the Blackhawks, who traded G Robin Lehner to the Vegas Golden Knights Monday. Crawford owns a 2.80 goals against average (GAA) and a .915 save percentage. He permitted eight goals on 68 shots in a pair of losses against St. Louis in December, but the 35-year-old veteran has logged a robust .939 SV% in nine games since Jan. 9. Crawford stopped 31 of 33 shots at Dallas Sunday. He’s also registered a .913 SV% when starting on two-day rest.

Binnington has played in 45 games for St. Louis, logging a 2.56 GAA and .913 SV%. He’s been sharp at home (2.12 GAA, .922 SV%) and of late (2.33 GAA, .918 SV% in February). Binnington is coming off a sharp Sunday start (32 saves, one goal allowed at the Minnesota Wild), which followed back-to-back home shutouts – 14 saves in a 1-0 win vs. the Arizona Coyotes Thursday, and 17 saves in a 3-0 victory vs. the New Jersey Devils Feb. 18.

Place a sports bet on this hockey action or other games at BetMGM.

Blackhawks at Blues: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 1:30 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Blackhawks 3, Blues 2

Moneyline (ML)

Pythagorean comparisons (using goals and goals allowed to predict wins and losses) are bullish on Chicago and bearish on St. Louis. Recent puck-possession numbers indicate the ‘Hawks may be overlooked and worth a shot at a price +175 or better. The CHICAGO +185 line makes for moderate value.

New to sports betting? Every $1 wagered on the Blackhawks ML will profit $1.85 if they win.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

PASS. Three of the Blues’ last four wins have been by multiple goals. But the Blackhawks line (+1.5, -150) isn’t tamped down enough to warrant a play.

Over/Under (O/U)

The Under is 3-2 over Chicago’s last five games and 4-1 in the Blues’ last five. The goal total in seven of Chicago’s last 10 games has been 5 or less. A struggling St. Louis power play makes for two subpar PP-units in this one. The netminders present a likable matchup for Under bettors, and the price here – UNDER 5.5 (+115) – is a lure. Will back the UNDER.

Want some action on this matchup? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Arizona Coyotes at St. Louis Blues odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Thursday’s Arizona Coyotes at St. Louis Blues sports betting odds and lines, with NHL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The St. Louis Blues (33-17-10) host the Arizona Coyotes (30-25-8) Thursday at Enterprise Center for an 8 p.m. ET puck drop, as they try to hold off the Dallas Stars and Colorado Avalanche for the top spot in the Central Division. The Stars beat the Coyotes 3-2 Wednesday. We analyze the Coyotes-Blues sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Coyotes at Blues: Projected starting goalies

Antti Raanta vs. Jordan Binnington

Raanta took the night off Wednesday but is expected to return to the net Thursday. He has won back-to-back games over the New York Islanders and Washington Capitals, while allowing just two goals on 66 shots. He has a .919 save percentage and 2.70 goals against average on the season.

Binnington stopped all 17 shots he faced Tuesday in a win over the New Jersey Devils at Enterprise Center. It snapped a 0-2-2 skid over his last four starts. He is 25-11-7 on the season with a .910 SV% and 2.66 GAA.

Place a sports bet on this hockey action or other games at BetMGM.

Coyotes at Blues: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list.
Odds last updated at 1:25 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Blues 4, Coyotes 2

Moneyline (ML)

The BLUES (-189) are getting better odds than they should while facing a Coyotes (+155) team on the second half of a back-to-back. St. Louis is 19-6-5 on home ice and Arizona is just 15-14-4 on the road.

Both teams have struggled of late, with the Blues owning a 3-5-2 record across their last 10 games and the Coyotes going 4-4-2 over the same span. Arizona leads the season series 2-0, but the two teams haven’t met since Dec. 31, and Blues backup Jake Allen was between the pipes.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Blues to win in regulation, overtime or a shootout returns a profit of $5.30.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

Increase your profit margin by backing the BLUES (-1.5, +145) to win by 2 or more goals. St. Louis is just 29-31 against the spread overall and 13-17 at home, while Arizona is 35-28 ATS overall and 20-13 on the road, but the second half of the back-to-back for the visitors turns this one dramatically in favor of the Blues. Look for the defending cup champions to pull back in front in the suddenly-crowded Central Division.

Over/Under (O/U)

Take the OVER 5.5 (+105) at plus-money as the play most conducive to our other two picks above. Both teams have favored the Under of late, but we’re backing the Blues to win by at least 2 goals, and a 4-2 victory will cash all three bets.

Esten’s NHL betting record: 242-231

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @EstenMcLaren and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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New Jersey Devils at St. Louis Blues odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Tuesday’s New Jersey Devils at St. Louis Blues sports betting odds and lines, with NHL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The St. Louis Blues (32-17-10) host the New Jersey Devils (22-26-10) Tuesday for an 8 p.m. ET puck drop at Enterprise Center. The defending Stanley Cup champions enter the day on a five-game losing skid. We analyze the Devils-Blues sports betting odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips and picks around this matchup.

Devils at Blues: Projected starting goalies

MacKenzie Blackwood vs. Jordan Binnington

Blackwood has been credited with the win in each of his last four starts with a total of just four goals allowed. The 23-year-old is 19-12-7 on the season with a .913 save percentage and 2.79 goals against average.

Binnington has gone 0-2-2 across his last four outings while allowing a total of 14 goals. He is 24-11-7 through 42 starts with a .909 SV% and 2.72 GAA.

Place a sports bet on this hockey action or other games at BetMGM.

Devils at Blues: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list.
Odds last updated at 11:20 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Blues 4, Devils 3

Moneyline (ML)

While the Blues (-278) have been awful of late, they’re still the better team in every way, especially with the Devils (+220) having already fully embraced their role of trade-deadline seller. St. Louis remains atop the Central Division and is 18-6-5 on home ice for the season. New Jersey remains last in the Metropolitan Division despite an adequate 5-2-3 record over its last 10 games. The Devils are just 12-16-0 on the road for the season.

There’s good value on the Devils with a $10 bet returning a profit of $22, but it’s difficult to see the Blues losing this game while at home. They’ll snap their slide, but there’s no value with a $10 bet at -278 odds returning a profit of just $3.60.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The better play Tuesday is to back the DEVILS (+1.5, -121) to lose by just one goal or win outright. The same $10 bet would return a profit of $8.26 and negates a large amount of the risk.

The Devils are 28-30 against the spread overall and 12-16 on the road, while the Blues are 28-31 ATS overall and just 12-17 on home ice. St. Louis hasn’t beaten a team by two or more goals since dropping the Carolina Hurricanes 6-3, on Feb. 4.

Over/Under (O/U)

Back the OVER 5.5 (-150), albeit at an unattractive number. The Devils are 6-4 against the O/U across their last 10 games, the Blues are 5-2-2 against the projected goal totals over the same span. There’s better value on the alternate line of Over 6.5 (regular time) at +135, but we’re better off accepting the lower risk.

Esten’s NHL betting record: 235-224

Want some action in this one? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @EstenMcLaren and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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St. Louis Blues at Vegas Golden Knights odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Thursday’s St. Louis Blues at Vegas Golden Knights sports betting odds and lines, with NHL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The St. Louis Blues (32-15-9) will take on the Vegas Golden Knights (28-22-8) Thursday at 10 p.m. ET at T-Mobile Arena. We analyze the Blues-Golden Knights odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips around this matchup.

Blues at Golden Knights: Projected starting goalies

Jordan Binnington vs. Marc-Andre Fleury

Binnington owns a 2.66 goals against average and a .910 save percentage through 40 games. He’s scuffled away from home and hasn’t been in good form of late with a .870 SV% since Jan. 15.

Fleury has logged a 2.87 GAA and .904 SV% through 41 games (40 starts). The veteran netminder has coughed up nine goals over his last 105 minutes between the pipes. He owns a lowly .854 SV over his last four outings. Fleury has faced the Blues twice this season, allowing four goals each time.

Place a sports bet on this hockey action or other games at BetMGM.

Blues at Golden Knights: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access them at USA TODAY Sports for a full set of today’s betting odds. Odds last updated at 10:50 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Vegas 4, St. Louis 1

Moneyline (ML)

The Golden Knights (-161) are opening a five-game homestand and perhaps just now getting their legs back after an eight-game road stretch (split in half by the bye week), a return to home ice for one and then a trip to Minneapolis. Vegas is 8-3-1 as a home favorite and taking on a St. Louis squad which is 1-7 over its last eight on the road and looking for answers at both ends of the ice. The home team has won seven of the last eight head-to-head meetings between the two teams.

PASS on the moneyline play for Vegas, however, as there’s better value on the spread. Even accounting for the extra risk, the reward on the puck line play makes for a more acceptable return.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The Knights have played below expected levels when it comes to what their record “should” be based on goals scored and allowed. Those numbers can also be improved on the margins based on puck-possession and shot-quality analysis. In the futures market, Vegas is a solid play at the right price.

And the VEGAS -1.5 (+170) is a solid play in Thursday’s market as well.

Over/Under (O/U)

The Over is 6-1 in the Golden Knights’ last seven games as a home favorite, 7-2 in Vegas’ last nine games playing on one-day rest and 5-1-1 in the Blues’ last seven road tilts.

The Over is the general lean here, but the OVER 5.5 (-121) doesn’t deserve backing. The play is over-saturated on that side.

Want some action on this matchup? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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St. Louis Blues at Anaheim Ducks odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Tuesday’s St. Louis Blues at Anaheim Ducks sports betting odds and lines, with NHL betting picks, tips and best bets.

The St. Louis Blues (32-15-9) travel to Southern California to take on the Anaheim Ducks (23-26-7) Tuesday for a 10 p.m. ET puck drop at Honda Center. We analyze the Blues-Ducks odds and lines, while providing NHL betting tips around this matchup.

Blues at Ducks: Projected starting goalies

Jordan Binnington vs. John Gibson

Binnington owns a 2.66 goals against average and .910 save percentage. He allowed three goals on 24 shots against the Ducks Nov. 16. Binnington has won just twice in seven since Jan. 11, and he has posted an .870 SV% over that stretch.

Gibson owns a 2.96 GAA and .904 SV% through 41 games. The 26-year-old has been solid at home (2.62 GAA, .913 SV%), and he’s logged a couple nice starts against the Blues (.931 SV%). Gibson has registered a .892 SV% in five games since the All-Star break. He’s well-rested, with his last start being last Thursday.

Place a sports bet on this hockey action or other games at BetMGM.

Blues at Ducks: Odds, picks and betting tips

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list.
Odds last updated Tuesday at 10:45 a.m. ET.

Prediction

St. Louis 3, Anaheim 1

Moneyline (ML)

Overall this season, the Blues have been a bit puck-lucky with goal-scoring outpacing support numbers. That’s not the case of late, however. The last nine games for St. Louis have resulted in a 2-5-2 record, with puck-possession and shot-value indicators remaining much the same as they had been over a 12-2-1 surge prior. Over those nine games, the Blues have logged a 7.8% shooting mark and a .871 SV%.

A tip of the cap, though, as the Blues’ (-162) moneyline price would indicate a realistic appraisal by the market. PASS on the ML.

Puck Line/Against the Spread (ATS)

The BLUES (-1.5, +170) are the better play of the two sides. That’s a borderline low-confidence play, although a price closer to +180 would more strongly encourage a play. The two-goal cushion also works against what I view as the top play on this game — the total.

Over/Under (O/U)

Projecting Binnington to bounce back and reckoning both offenses as being a bit over-valued make for the UNDER 5.5 (-115) being a profitable play in this one. The Ducks’ penalty-killing unit was roughed up in a four-game road trip that concluded their last time out. Anaheim’s PK is sub-par overall, but the Blues draw penalties at a below-average rate. The public has been moving the way of the Under for this game. Waiting too long may cut into profitability with a higher cost.

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