The first-round playoff clash of the Stanley Cup between the Winnipeg Jets and the St. Louis Blues will take place on April 20 at the Canada Life Centre. Winnipeg vs. St. Louis: prediction and betting odds, statistics.
Winnipeg Jets
The team finished the regular season as the leader of the Western Conference and Central Division, amassing 116 points over 82 games. Notably, the club won the Presidents' Trophy for the first time in 13 years, marking the first regular-season victory for a Canadian team since the 2011/12 season. Winnipeg ranked among the league's highest-scoring teams this season, netting 277 goals while also boasting the best defensive record, being the only club to concede fewer than 200 goals (191). Winnipeg also led the NHL in power-play efficiency at 28.9%.
Key player Kyle Connor stood out, earning 97 points and becoming the team's top scorer and playmaker (41+56). Connor Hellebuyck also deserves mention, ranking among the top five goaltenders for the most saves.
The upcoming playoffs will mark the club's seventh appearance in the last eight years. It's worth noting that the team failed to advance past the first round in the previous two seasons. Last year, Winnipeg was eliminated by Colorado in five games at this stage.
- The club has scored at least three goals in regulation time in 6 of their last 7 home encounters in the NHL.
- Winnipeg has won 5 of their last 6 home games in the league (2 in OT).
- No more than five goals were scored over three periods in 10 of the last 11 NHL matches involving Scott Arniel's team.
St. Louis Blues
Jim Montgomery's side finished the regular season at the bottom of the playoff zone in the West, accumulating 96 points, while ranking only fifth in the Central Division. St. Louis was among the teams with the worst penalty kill this season (74.2%). However, they ranked in the top ten for scoring in even-strength play and set a club record with a 12-game winning streak. Robert Thomas stood out with 81 points (21+60), while Jordan Kyrou became the team's top goal scorer this season with 36 goals.
Last season, St. Louis failed to qualify for the Stanley Cup playoffs. The last time they participated was in the 2021/22 season when they reached the second round.
- St. Louis has not scored more than two goals in regulation time in 8 of their last 9 encounters in the NHL at Winnipeg's venue.
- The team has not lost in regulation time in 5 of their last 7 away games in the league (4 wins, 1 draw).
- No more than five goals were scored in regulation time in 4 of St. Louis' last 6 away NHL matches.
Winnipeg vs. St. Louis: Match Prediction
It's hard to find a weak spot for Winnipeg, at least on paper. The club had a consistent season and ranks among the leaders in almost all statistical categories. Scott Arniel's team boasts one of the best attacks this season, an impressive defense, a convincing goaltender, and overall, with this potential, it's hard to imagine the first round being too taxing for Winnipeg.
St. Louis, meanwhile, pleasantly surprised with a strong finish to the regular season, winning 12 consecutive games, and now enters the playoffs in good form. In 2019, when they faced Winnipeg in the first round, they were also lower-seeded but still advanced to the second round. This time, the situation is not quite the same. Winnipeg looks like the clear favorite, and in my opinion, if they face challenges, it will be self-inflicted. Despite St. Louis' impressive end to the regular season, I doubt Winnipeg will encounter problems at home. As hosts, they have won in regulation time in 6 of their last 7 NHL encounters, so my prediction: Winnipeg Jets to win
