Colorado Avalanche vs St. Louis Blues prediction 11-11-23 NHL Picks

On November 11, the St. Louis Blues, with a 6-5-1 record and fourth in the Central Division, face off against the Colorado Avalanche, who stand second in the same division with an 8-4-0 record. This pivotal Central Division battle at Ball Arena, to be aired on ESPN+, ALT, and BSMW, presents an intriguing contest between the defensively sound Blues and the offensively adept Avalanche. Both teams, despite injury setbacks, are aiming to assert their dominance in the division.

St. Louis Blues: Defensive Resilience Amidst Offensive Struggles

The St. Louis Blues, currently fourth in the Central Division, have shown a contrasting performance this season. While their defensive play has been commendable, ranking sixth with only 34 goals against, their offense ranks towards the bottom (30th) with just 29 goals for. The team’s top scorer, center Robert Thomas, with six goals and five assists, has been a bright spot in an otherwise struggling offensive lineup. One of the major concerns for the Blues is their dismal power play, ranking last in the league at 2.9%. This lack of efficiency in converting man-advantage situations has been a critical factor in their offensive woes. Additionally, their penalty kill hasn’t fared much better, ranking 25th at 72.7%. These special teams’ shortcomings need urgent attention, especially against a team like Colorado, known for its scoring capabilities.

The Blues’ goaltending, led by Joel Hofer and Jordan Binnington, has been a strong point, with save percentages of .918 and .919, respectively. Their defensive structure, backed by solid goaltending, has kept them competitive in games, despite the lack of scoring. St. Louis’s strategy against Colorado should focus on tightening their defense further while finding ways to rejuvenate their power play. Capitalizing on scoring opportunities, especially in power play situations, will be key against the Avalanche. The Blues will also need to maintain discipline to avoid giving Colorado’s potent offense too many chances.

Despite their offensive struggles, the Blues have the potential to challenge the Avalanche. If they can improve their special teams’ performance and capitalize on their defensive strengths, St. Louis could pose a significant threat to Colorado’s aspirations in this divisional matchup.

Colorado Avalanche: Capitalizing on Offensive Strengths

The Colorado Avalanche, with an 8-4-0 record, stand as a formidable force in the Central Division. Ranked 16th in goals for with 41 and 10th in goals against with 35, Colorado’s balanced play has been key to their success. Right winger Mikko Rantanen, leading the team with eight goals and 10 assists, exemplifies their offensive depth, complemented by defenseman Cale Makar’s impressive playmaking abilities. The Avalanche’s power play, ranking 21st at 17.4%, hasn’t reached its full potential yet. However, their penalty kill has been highly effective, ranking fourth at 88%. This efficiency in penalty killing has been a crucial aspect of their game, helping them maintain leads and stay competitive in close games.

Goaltending, with Alexandar Georgiev leading the charge, has been solid but not spectacular. Georgiev’s .897 save percentage and 2.93 goals given up per game indicate room for improvement, especially against high-caliber offenses like St. Louis.

Colorado’s strategy against the Blues should leverage their offensive capabilities while maintaining their strong penalty kill. Improving their power play efficiency could be a game-changer in this matchup. The Avalanche’s ability to exploit the Blues’ weak power play and penalty kill could tilt the game in their favor. Colorado’s success will hinge on their ability to maintain their offensive rhythm and exploit any weaknesses in St. Louis’s defensive setup. The Avalanche must also remain disciplined, avoiding penalties that could give the Blues opportunities to find their footing in the game.

With a balanced team and strong special teams, the Avalanche are well-positioned to take on the Blues. If they can execute their game plan effectively and capitalize on their offensive and defensive strengths, Colorado stands a good chance of solidifying their position in the Central Division.

David’s Pick – Colorado Avalanche (-244)

The matchup between the St. Louis Blues and the Colorado Avalanche presents a clear edge to the Avalanche. Colorado’s balanced attack and strong penalty kill, coupled with St. Louis’s struggles on the power play, set the stage for a game likely to be dominated by the Avalanche. Expect Colorado to exploit the Blues’ weaknesses, particularly in special teams, and leverage their offensive depth to secure a victory at Ball Arena.