St. Louis Blues vs Arizona Coyotes prediction 11-9-23 NHL Picks

As the puck drops in the heart of America, the Arizona Coyotes and St. Louis Blues are lacing up for a Central Division collision. The Coyotes, fresh off a triumphant shootout that left the Seattle Kraken in their wake, are hungry to prove that their early season form is no fluke. On the flip side, the Blues are back on home ice, seeking redemption after being bested by the Jets in a 5-2 skirmish that left fans craving a comeback. With both teams locked in the middle of the division standings, this matchup is set to be a critical pivot point in their campaigns.

Coyotes Clawing Back – Desert Dogs Eye Consistency

The Arizona Coyotes, now balancing on a 6-5-1 record, are showing they’re not just desert mirages, revealing flashes of excellent play that could translate into a playoff hunt if they keep their momentum. They’re coming off a nail-biting shootout win against the Seattle Kraken, a victory that might just be the confidence booster they need as they head into St. Louis to face the Blues. 

In the Coyotes’ recent showdown, the team never gave up and it paid off with a 4-3 shootout thriller. Clayton Keller, leading Arizona in goals with five, showcased his lethal edge, while Nick Schmaltz, the maestro with 12 points, orchestrates the offense with 8 assists. Between the pipes, the goaltending duo of Connor Ingram and Karel Vejmelka are guarding their net with determination. Ingram boasts a solid 2.47 goals against average and a .919 save percentage, outshining Vejmelka slightly, who’s holding a 3.09 GAA and a .904 SV%. 

Arizona’s offensive bite is matched by their defensive bark, yet they find themselves in penalty trouble with the most penalty minutes in the league. Their special teams are a mixed bag; a power play percentage of 26.5% is a weapon they wield with precision, but a penalty kill at 71.4% is a chink in their armor they can’t afford to overlook. 

Blues Battling – St. Louis Strives for Stability

The St. Louis Blues are sitting at an even 5-5-1, finding themselves at a crossroads early in the season. The Blues are looking to fortify their strong play at home with a 4-2-0 record, hoping to brush off their recent 5-2 defeat against the Winnipeg Jets. The Enterprise Center has been a stronghold, and the Blues are intent on keeping it that way, knowing full well that the Coyotes are nipping at their heels, ready to take advantage of any slip-up on the ice.

St. Louis’ recent performance has been up and down – highs and lows that have fans clutching their jerseys in anticipation and angst. In their latest outing, the scoreboard wasn’t their friend, but Robert Thomas, the team’s leading scorer and playmaker with 10 points, continues to prove he’s worth his weight in goals. Between the goalposts, Jordan Binnington is the last line of defense, his 2.58 GAA and .919 SV% are numbers that offer reassurance, while Joel Hofer’s 3.00 GAA and .912 SV% suggest he’s an able understudy in the crease.

The Blues are harmonizing their play, but the melody isn’t quite there yet, especially on the power play, where their dismal 3.6% effectiveness is the league’s lowest. However, they’ve managed to keep their penalty minutes to the minimum, a testament to their disciplined play. 

David’s Pick – Arizona Coyotes (+101)

This faceoff between the Arizona Coyotes and the St. Louis Blues is a chess match on ice. The Coyotes, riding high after their shootout success, boast an offense that can pierce through defenses but are hamstrung by their penalty problems. The Blues, meanwhile, are seeking to orchestrate a turnaround at home with their disciplined yet underperforming power play.

Given the statistical spread, the smart money might lean towards Arizona, given their higher power play efficiency and the goaltending edge with Ingram’s impressive stats. However, St. Louis has home ice, and if they can translate that into energy and convert on their chances, they could tilt the scales in their favor.

Yet, it’s Arizona’s game to lose; they’ve shown a penchant for pulling out wins in the clutch. If they can keep their composure, avoiding the sin bin, they have the tools to take this one. The Blues will have to dig deep, ramp up their power play, and fend off the desert dwellers’ offensive firepower. In a battle where both teams are looking to gain a foothold, expect a gritty, fast-paced contest, with the Coyotes potentially outmaneuvering the Blues in a close one.