In this article, we will formulate a Blues vs Jets prediction for this NHL game on Sunday, April 27, at the Enterprise Center in Saint Louis, MO. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup.
Winnipeg Jets Betting Preview
The Winnipeg Jets (58-23-4, 42-43 ATS) finished the regular season with the best point tally in the NHL and opened Round 1 of the playoffs with a pair of home wins over the Blues. After winning 5-3 and 2-1, the Jets suffered a massive 7-2 defeat in Game 3. They were down 3-0 after two periods and had no chance to bounce back. David Gustafsson and Neal Pionk scored for the Jets, while Connor Hellebuyck saved 19 of 25 shots he faced and Eric Comrie stopped two of three shots.
The Jets score 3.35 goals per game on average (4th), while they concede 2.32 GPG (1st). This season, Kyle Connor leads the team with 101 points (43 G and 58 A). Mark Scheifele has 92 points (41 G and 51 A), while Josh Morrissey chips in with 64 points (14 G and 50 A).
Connor Hellebuyck (49-13-3) is expected to start for the Jets at the goal on Sunday against the Blues. The 31-year-old is allowing 2.01 goals per game this year with a .925 SV% and eight shutouts.
St. Louis Blues Betting Preview
The St. Louis Blues (45-32-8, 49-36 ATS) squeezed into the playoffs after finishing the season with the same amount of points as the Calgary Flames, but were better in the tie-breaker. As expected, the Blues lost Game 1 and Game 2 at Winnipeg, but then surprised many with a big 7-2 victory at home. Pavel Buchnevich scored the first playoff hat-trick in his career and added an assist; Cam Fowler had one goal and four dimes, while Robert Thomas registered four dishes. Jordan Binnington saved 17 of 19 shots he faced.
The Blues average 3.05 goals per game this year (13th), while they allow 2.82 GPG (11th). Robert Thomas leads the team with 86 points (22 G and 64 A). Jordan Kyrou contributes 72 points (38 G and 34 A), while Pavel Buchnevich has 63 points (23 G and 40 A).
Jordan Binnington (29-24-5) will likely take his place in the cage for the Blues on Sunday against the Jets. The 31-year-old is allowing 2.69 goals per game this year with a .900 SV% and three shutouts.
Why the Blues will beat the Jets
- The Blues have won each of their last 13 home games.
- The Jets have lost six of their last 10 games as road favorites against Western Conference opponents.
- The Jets have failed to cover the puck line in 12 of their last 13 games as road favorites against Western Conference opponents.
- The Blues have covered the puck line in each of their last six day games against Western Conference opponents.
- The Jets have lost the first period in six of their last seven games as road favorites against Western Conference opponents.
Total Goals Facts
- Five of the Blues’ last six games as underdogs following a home win have gone OVER the total goals line.
- Four of the Jets’ last five day games against Western Conference opponents have gone UNDER the total goals line.
- Three of the last four day games between two teams from the Central Division have gone UNDER the total goals line.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3′ market has hit in each of the Blues’ last 10 games at Enterprise Center.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in each of the Jets’ last four games as favorites against Central Division opponents.
Matchup/League Facts
- The St. Louis Blues rank 28th in the league for shots per game this season (26.7).
- The St. Louis Blues rank T8th in the league for Period 1 goals scored per game this season (0.93).
- The Winnipeg Jets rank T3rd in the league for goals per game this season (3.35).
- The Winnipeg Jets are one of only three teams in the league to rank top 5 for both goals for and goals against per game this season.
Blues vs Jets Prediction
The Jets won eight of the previous ten H2H encounters, including five of seven duels they played this season. The Blues will be high on their big victory in Game 3, and I am riding with them in Game 4. The Jets are the best team in the league, but I am not sure they will respond in time to get a W and take a 3-1 lead back to Winnipeg. I still believe they will go through to the next round, but I am backing the Blues to win in this game.