The St. Louis Blues will play the New Jersey Devils on Thursday night at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. Let’s take a look at the Blues preview, Devils preview, betting matchup, and the Blues vs Devils prediction.
Blues Preview
The St. Louis Blues are 32-27-3 this year after they lost to the Islanders by a score of 4-2 in their last game. St. Louis led 2-0 in the second period, but allowed the last four goals in the game for the loss. The Blues were out shot by a total of 33-21 and went 0-1 on the power play in the game. St. Louis defeated the Flyers by a score of 2-1 and the Wild by a score of 3-1 in the two games prior to New York. The Blues are scoring 2.82 goals per game and they are allowing 3.07 goals against per game, while going 17.2% on the power play and 79.6% on the penalty kill. Robert Thomas has led St. Louis with 20 goals, 49 assists, and 128 shots on goal. The projected starting goalie for St. Louis is Jordan Binnington, who is 22-16-3 this year with a 2.83 goals against average and a .912 save percentage.
Devils Preview
The New Jersey Devils are 30-28-4 this season after they lost to Florida by a score of 5-3 in their last game. New Jersey tied the game at two in the second period, but they allowed three of the last four goals in the game for the loss. The Devils were out shot by a total of 31-24 and went 1-3 on the power play in the game. New Jersey lost to the Kings by a score of 5-1 and the Ducks by a score of 4-3 in the two games prior to Florida. The Devils are scoring 3.31 goals per game and they are allowing 3.52 goals against per game, while going 22.6% on the power play and 78.9% on the penalty kill. Jesper Bratt has led New Jersey with 22 goals, 42 assists, and 195 shots on goal. The projected starting goalie for New Jersey is Nico Daws, who is 8-10-0 this season with a 3.47 goals against average and a .887 save percentage.
New Jersey Devils Team Facts
- The underdogs have won each of the last three games between the Blues and Devils at Prudential Center.
- The underdogs have covered the puck line in each of the last six games between the Blues and Devils.
- The Devils have won the third period in seven of their last eight games as home favorites following a home loss.
- The ‘Over 2.5 Goals Period 3′ market has hit in each of the Devils’ last seven games against Central Division opponents.
St. Louis Blues Team Facts
- The Blues have won seven of their last eight Thursday games as underdogs.
- The underdogs have covered the puck line in each of the Blues’ last four games at Prudential Center.
- The Blues have lost the second period in each of their last four games at Prudential Center.
- The ‘Over 2.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in five of the Blues’ last nine night games against opponents on a losing streak.
New Jersey Devils Player Prop Facts
- Jesper Bratt has scored at least one goal in four of the Devils’ last five home games against Central Division opponents.
- Tyler Toffoli has recorded at least one point in eight of the Devils’ last nine games as favorites.
- Erik Haula has recorded an assist in each of his last four home appearances against the Blues.
- Dawson Mercer has recorded four blocks against the Blues this season – equal-most against any opponent.
St. Louis Blues Player Prop Facts
- Pavel Buchnevich has recorded at least one assist in each of his last five appearances in night games at Prudential Center.
- Pavel Buchnevich has recorded at least one point in each of his last five appearances in night games at Prudential Center.
- Pavel Buchnevich has the equal-most Shorthanded Goals for the Blues this season (2).
Matchup/League Facts
- The New Jersey Devils rank 31st in the league in save percentage this season (.882).
- The New Jersey Devils are one of only three teams to win 5+ games when trailing after Period 2 this season.
- The St. Louis Blues rank T2nd in the league in short handed goals this season (11).
- The St. Louis Blues rank 30th in the league in penalty minutes this season (444).
Blues vs Devils Betting Prediction
New Jersey comes into this game really struggling and they have been out scored 14-7 in the last three games, but they will be at home here. The Devils are 14-16-2 at home, while St. Louis is 14-16-2 on the road. The Blues have won two of their last three games, but they have lost five of their last six road games. The Devils seem to be completely lost right now and they are allowing 3.52 goals against per game this year. As much as I want to take the Devils to get the win against a Blues team that is struggling on the road, I just can’t back a team that is playing like they are. Give me the Blues and the plus money here.