In this article we will formulate a Jets vs Blues prediction for this NHL game on Saturday, April 19th at the Canada Life Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup in the 1st round of the playoffs.
Winnipeg Jets Betting Preview
The Winnipeg Jets are 56-22-4 this year after they defeated Anaheim in overtime by a score of 2-1 in their last game. Winnipeg allowed the Ducks to tie the game in the third period, but they were able to rally and get the win in overtime. The Jets outshot Anaheim by a total of 44-31, won 46.9% of the face-offs, and went 0-4 on the power play in the game. Winnipeg got goals from Scheifele and Pionk, while Hellebuyck stopped 30 out of 31 shots in the game.
Prior to that overtime win, the Jets lost to the Oilers by a score of 4-1, but did beat the Blackhawks by a score of 5-4 before that. Winnipeg has won four of their last five games and they finished first in the Central standings with 116 points. Winnipeg has scored 3.35 goals per game and they have allowed 2.32 goals against per game, while also going 28.9% on the power play and 79.4% on the penalty kill this season. Kyle Connor has led Winnipeg with 41 goals, 56 assists, and 267 shots on goal, while Mark Scheifele has added 39 goals, 48 assists, and 181 shots on goal. Connor Hellebuyck is 47-12-3 with a 2.01 goals against average and a .925 save percentage this year.
St. Louis Blues Betting Preview
The St. Louis Blues are 44-30-8 this season after they defeated Utah by a score of 6-1 in their last game. St. Louis scored four goals in the first period and they were able to cruise to the win in the second and third. The Blues outshot Utah by a total of 29-23, won 51.7% of the face-offs, and went 3-6 on the power play in the game. St. Louis got goals from Bolduc, Buchnevich, Kyrou (2), Schenn, and Snuggerud, while Binnington stopped 22 out of 23 shots in the win.
Prior to that game, the Blues lost to the Kraken by a score of 4-3 and the Oilers by a score of 4-3. St. Louis has lost three of their last four games and they finished fifth in the Central standings with 96 points. St. Louis has scored 3.05 goals per game and they have allowed 2.82 goals against per game, while also going 22.1% on the power play and 74.3% on the penalty kill this season. Robert Thomas has led St. Louis with 21 goals, 60 assists, and 145 shots on goal, while Jordan Kyrou has added 36 goals, 34 assists, and 239 shots on goal. Jordan Binnington is 28-22-5 with a 2.69 goals against average and a .900 save percentage this year.
Why the Jets will beat the Blues
- The Jets have won each of their last seven home games against Central Division opponents.
- The Blues have lost each of their last four games at Canada Life Centre following a win.
- The Jets have covered the puck line in each of their last seven home games against Central Division opponents.
- The Blues have failed to cover the puck line in each of their last five games at Canada Life Centre following a win.
- The Jets have won the second period in each of their last six games when leading after the first period.
Total Goals Facts
- Each of the Jets’ last nine night games at Canada Life Centre have gone UNDER the total goals line.
- Each of the Blues’ last five road games following a win have gone UNDER the total goals line.
- Four of the last five games between teams from the same division have gone UNDER the total goals line.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3′ market has hit in each of the Blues’ last 11 night games.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3′ market has hit in 13 of the Jets’ last 14 games as favorites against Central Division opponents.
Winnipeg Jets Player Prop Facts
- Vladislav Namestnikov has recorded at least one point in each of his last nine Saturday appearances against Western Conference opponents at Canada Life Centre.
- Kyle Connor has scored at least one goal in each of the Jets’ last four Game 1s of a playoff series.
- Mark Scheifele has recorded at least one assist in seven of the Jets’ last eight home games.
- Mark Scheifele ranks T1st in the league for Game Winning Goals (11) this season.
St. Louis Blues Player Prop Facts
- Pavel Buchnevich has scored a goal in each of the Blues’ last four games as underdogs.
- Robert Thomas has recorded at least one assist in each of the Blues’ last 11 games.
- Robert Thomas has recorded at least one point in each of the Blues’ last 14 games against Central Division opponents.
- Zachary Bolduc ranks 1st amongst rookies for Plus/Minus (+20) this season.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Winnipeg Jets rank 1st in the league for goals against per game this season (2.32).
- The Winnipeg Jets rank 1st in the league in power play percentage this season (28.90%).
- The St. Louis Blues rank 28th in the league in penalty kill percentage this season (74.21%).
- The St. Louis Blues rank T2nd in the league for Period 2 goals allowed per game this season (0.79).
Jets vs Blues Prediction
Winnipeg comes into this matchup looking to find some postseason success, but they have to be worried about a let down after a great regular season. The Jets are 30-7-4 at home this year, while the Blues are 20-16-5 on the road. St. Louis was the hottest team in the NHL at one point over the last month, but they struggled to finish the season and barely held off the Flames for the last wild card spot. Winnipeg has been the best defensive team in the NHL this season and I think they are going to start this series with a big win at home. Take the Jets -1.5 here.