St. Louis Blues vs Arizona Coyotes prediction 10-19-23 NHL Picks

As the NHL season gains momentum, the Arizona Coyotes and the St. Louis Blues are set to clash in what promises to be a riveting contest. The Coyotes, currently 1-2 and 7th in the Central Division, are looking to rebound from a narrow 1-0 loss to the New York Islanders. The Blues, on the other hand, are riding high after a 2-1 shootout victory over the Seattle Kraken, placing them 5th in the Central Division. With both teams eager to make a statement, this game is a must-see.

Blues in Cruise Control?

The St. Louis Blues have started the season on a positive note, with a record of 1-0-1. Their most recent game, a 2-1 shootout win against the Seattle Kraken, highlighted their defensive capabilities. Goalie Jordan Binnington was the standout performer, stopping all three shots in the shootout. His early-season statistics are impressive, boasting a goals-against average of 0.92 and a save percentage of .969. These numbers indicate that Binnington is in top form and ready to backstop the Blues through the rigors of the NHL season.

However, the Blues’ attack has been less than stellar. With only two goals scored in their first two games, the team needs to find its scoring touch. Jordan Kyrou and Tyler Tucker have been the only players to light the lamp so far. The lack of goal-scoring is particularly concerning given the team’s power play performance, which currently sits at a 0.0% conversion rate. This inefficiency on the man advantage could prove costly in tight games.

Another point of focus is the team’s penalty kill, which has been successful 80% of the time. While this is a respectable figure, the Blues will need to maintain or improve this rate, especially when facing teams with potent power plays. The upcoming game against the Coyotes offers an opportunity for the Blues to fine-tune their special teams and get their scorers going. With a balanced attack and a strong defensive core, the Blues have the ingredients for success but need to start mixing them in the right proportions.

Coyotes Howling for a Win

The Arizona Coyotes are off to a rocky start this season, holding a 1-2-0 record. Their most recent outing was a 1-0 loss to the New York Islanders, a game that was largely a goaltending duel. Karel Vejmelka, the Coyotes’ netminder, put up a valiant effort, stopping 30 of 31 shots. His performance this season has been a silver lining for the team, with a goals-against average of 1.95 and a save percentage of .943. Vejmelka’s form will be crucial for the Coyotes as they look to climb up the standings.

On the offensive front, the Coyotes have not shown enough punch, netting only four goals in their first three games, with contributions coming from Nick Schmaltz, Matt Dumba, Sean Durzi, and Clayton Keller. While the season is just over a week old, scoring must improve if the Blues hope to be competitive in the Central division. The team’s power play has been decent, converting at a rate of 20.0%. This could be a key factor in the upcoming game against the Blues, who have struggled on the penalty kill.

However, the Coyotes have a glaring issue that needs immediate attention: their penalty kill. With a success rate of just 63.6%, the team is leaving itself vulnerable to opponents’ power plays. This weakness could be exploited by a Blues team eager to get its power play unit firing. The Coyotes will need to address this issue if they hope to secure a win in their upcoming game. With a few tweaks on special teams and continued strong play from Vejmelka in goal, the Coyotes could turn around a disappointing first week of the season with a win on Thursday.

David’s Pick – St. Louis Blues (-192)

While both teams have their strengths and weaknesses, the Blues appear to be the more balanced team. Their defense, led by Binnington, gives them the edge in this matchup. The Coyotes have struggled to score with just four goals in three games, have a penalty kill that must improve and face a netminder who is allowing less than a goal per game. The Blues have the home-ice advantage, and their recent form suggests they’re the safer bet. The Coyotes’ struggles on the penalty kill and their inconsistency in front of the net make them a risky pick. I expect the Blues to capitalize and skate away with a win.