The first round playoff clash of the Stanley Cup between the St. Louis Blues and the Winnipeg Jets will take place on May 3 at the Enterprise Center. The series score is 3-2 in favor of Winnipeg. St. Louis vs. Winnipeg: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
St. Louis Blues
Jim Montgomery's squad lost the last away game of the series with a score of 3-5. Notably, the team managed to equalize twice during the match. Nathan Walker stood out for St. Louis, scoring twice. In the current Stanley Cup, the club ranks among the top scorers with 19 goals. Additionally, they are in the top five for power play efficiency (31.6%).
- St. Louis has won their last 14 home games in the NHL (3 in OT).
- The team has scored at least four goals in regular time in their last five home league games.
- At least six goals have been scored in total in 7 of the last 8 NHL games involving St. Louis.
Winnipeg Jets
Scott Arniel's side took the lead in the series again, securing their fourth consecutive home win (1 in OT). Kyle Connor (1+2) and Mason Appleton (0+3) were key players for Winnipeg. In the current playoffs, the club is among the most conceding teams with 19 goals against. They are also fourth from the bottom in penalty killing (68.4%).
- Winnipeg has won 7 of the last 10 head-to-head NHL meetings at St. Louis (1 in OT, 1 in shootout).
- The team has not won in regular time in their last three away league games (1 draw, 2 losses).
- No more than six goals have been scored in regular time in 6 of Winnipeg's last 8 away NHL matches.
St. Louis vs. Winnipeg: Match Prediction
In this series, the teams have consistently exchanged home victories, and given how St. Louis has performed on their ice, there is little doubt they can level the series. Jim Montgomery's team boasts a 14-game home winning streak (3 in OT), and I believe this consistency will help them extend their playoff run.
Winnipeg has failed to win in regular time in their last three NHL away games (1 draw, 2 losses). Meanwhile, their main asset, Vezina Trophy contender Connor Hellebuyck, has not met expectations in the playoffs. The goaltender has not been as reliable, allowing the opponent to capitalize on their chances.
I think St. Louis will find a way, as they are not the underdogs in this series to be eliminated so quickly. They have won in regular time in their last two home NHL meetings against Winnipeg, and while 60 minutes might not be enough this time, I am leaning towards the hosts.
My prediction: St. Louis Blues to win the match
