Anaheim Ducks vs St. Louis Blues prediction 11-19-23 NHL Picks

In this exciting NHL matchup, the St. Louis Blues face off against the Anaheim Ducks. Both teams have shown promise this season, making this game a must-watch. The Blues, currently fifth in the Central Division with an 8-6-1 record, are looking to bounce back after a recent 55-1 road loss to the San Jose Sharks. On the other side, the Ducks, sitting fourth in the Pacific Division at 9-8-0, aim to build on their recent 2-1 home loss against the Nashville Predators. With these teams in close contention, this game promises intense action on the ice.

Blues’ Recent Performance and Stats Breakdown

The St. Louis Blues have been a team to watch this season, with their 8-6-1 record placing them in 5th in the Central Division. In their recent games, the Blues experienced a mixed bag of results. They secured an impressive 5-0 victory against the Tampa Bay Lightning, showcasing their offensive prowess. However, their last game against the San Jose Sharks ended in a 5-1 road loss, highlighting the need for defensive improvements.

Taking a deep dive into their statistics, the Blues have scored a total of 42 goals, ranking them 28th in the league for goals scored. Their defense, on the other hand, has been solid, ranking fifth with only 40 goals against. This strong defensive presence has been bolstered by Jordan Binnington’s stellar goaltending performance, boasting a remarkable 2.24 goals-against average and an impressive .930 save percentage. When it comes to special teams, the Blues have struggled on the power play, ranking 32nd in the league with a 7.0% success rate. Their penalty kill, however, sits at 20th, operating at 76.9%. Discipline has been a concern, as they do not get penalized often as they have 97 penalty minutes.

The Blues’ key player to watch is center Robert Thomas, who leads the team in both assists with 11 and points with 17. Additionally, Jordan Binnington’s goaltending prowess will be vital to their success in this matchup. For the upcoming game, the Blues need to find a balance between their offensive and defensive efforts. Improving their power play and discipline will be crucial to secure a win against the Ducks.

Ducks’ Recent Performance and Stats Breakdown

The Anaheim Ducks have shown resilience this season, currently holding the fourth spot in the Pacific Division with a 9-8-0 record. In their recent outings, the Ducks had a rollercoaster of results. They managed to secure a hard-fought 3-2 victory against the Nashville Predators, displaying their ability to grind out wins. However, they faced a tough challenge in their last game against the Florida Panthers, losing 2-1 in a closely contested match.

Analyzing their statistics, the Ducks have netted 50 goals, placing them 17th in the league for goals scored. On the defensive end, they’ve allowed 53 goals, ranking 20th in the league. Goaltender John Gibson has been a standout performer with a stellar 2.18 goals against and a .929 save percentage, though he has yet to register a shutout this season. Special teams play a crucial role in the Ducks’ strategy, with their power play ranked 16th at 20.3%. Their penalty kill has been solid, sitting at 13th with an 81.6% success rate. However, discipline has been a major concern as they have 241 penalty minutes.

Right winger Frank Vatrano has been a key player for the Ducks, leading the team with 12 goals and 17 points. Centers Mason McTavish and Ryan Strome have also contributed significantly to the team’s success. For the upcoming game against the Blues, the Ducks must continue to focus on their strong defensive play and improve their discipline. They will rely on the scoring prowess of Vatrano and the reliable goaltending of John Gibson to secure a victory.

David’s Pick – Anaheim Ducks -114

My pick for this matchup is the Anaheim Ducks. The Ducks have shown resilience in recent games, and their solid defensive performance, led by John Gibson, gives them an edge. Additionally, the Blues’ struggles on the power play and discipline issues could work in the Ducks’ favor. My pick of the Anaheim Ducks is well-founded. The Ducks’ recent form, particularly their ability to secure close victories, showcases their determination and ability to handle pressure situations. John Gibson’s exceptional goaltending, with a 2.18 goals allowed per game and .929 save percentage, gives them a strong defensive foundation.

The Blues’ weaknesses on the power play, ranked 32nd in the league, provide an opportunity for the Ducks to capitalize and potentially secure crucial penalty kills. Additionally, the Ducks’ discipline issues need improvement, but if they can maintain their recent defensive form, they have a good chance of stifling the Blues’ offensive efforts. Frank Vatrano’s scoring prowess and the overall team effort will be pivotal for the Ducks in securing the win. In a closely contested game, the Ducks’ ability to maintain composure and rely on their defensive strengths could tip the scales in their favor. David’s pick aligns with these key factors, making the Anaheim Ducks a logical choice for victory in this matchup.