Vancouver Canucks vs St. Louis Blues prediction 10-27-23 NHL Picks

In a clash that’s shaping up to be a goaltender’s duel, the St. Louis Blues (2-2-1, 7th in Central Division) are set to face off against the Vancouver Canucks (4-2-0, 2nd in Pacific Division). While the Blues are coming off a 4-2 loss to the Winnipeg Jets, the Canucks managed to snatch a 3-2 victory over the Nashville Predators. Both squads have different stories to tell this season, and as they go stick-to-stick, it’s the kind of showdown that you won’t want to miss.

Blues on Thin Ice

The St. Louis Blues find themselves playing just average early in the season with a record of 2-2-1. Their recent 4-2 loss to the Winnipeg Jets highlighted their shaky start, despite a strong performance from their goaltender Jordan Binnington, who has a 1.69 goals-against average and a /945 save percentage. Binnington’s play in net has been a silver lining for the Blues, but the rest of the squad has been falling short. In terms of goal-scoring, Brandon Saad leads the pack with just two goals, and Robert Thomas tops the team in points with four.

Special teams have been a significant area of concern for the Blues. Their power play has been lackluster, converting only 6.7% of their chances, placing them 29th in the league. Their penalty kill hasn’t fared much better, with a 71.4% effectiveness. The Blues are currently leading the league in penalty minutes with 128, a statistic that could spell disaster when paired with their already struggling penalty kill unit. The Blues’ difficulties in capitalizing on power plays and killing off penalties make them vulnerable, especially when going up against a team with a potent power play like the Canucks.

The Blues have shown inconsistencies in their performances, particularly in their most recent games. Their loss against the Jets was telling. In this game, the Blues were outshot 34 to 23, highlighting a need for improvement in offensive execution. St. Louis has been struggling with puck possession, averaging just 23.2 shots per game while allowing 34. This difference could be a significant factor when facing a Canucks team that has been strong in both the offensive and defensive zones.

St. Louis Blues Team Facts

• The Blues have won four of their last five games as underdogs against the Canucks.
• The Blues have covered the puck line in seven of their last eight games as underdogs against the Canucks.
• The Blues have won the second period in each of their last four games against the Canucks.
• The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in eight of the Blues’ last nine games against Pacific Division opponents.

Canucks on Cruise Control

The Vancouver Canucks are off to a solid start this season with a 4-2-0 record, including a hard-fought 3-2 win over the Nashville Predators. Thatcher Demko has been a standout in net, boasting a 2.42 goals-against average and a .923 save percentage. Casey DeSmith, the other goaltender, has also been impressive, with a 2.73 GAA and a .926 save percentage. These statistics indicate that the Canucks have a reliable goalie tandem, which will be crucial in the upcoming game against the Blues.

Offensively, the Canucks have been nothing short of dynamic. Brock Boeser has netted six goals to lead the team, while Elias Pettersson has racked up ten points. The power play has converted an impressive 35.3% of opportunities, making them the third-best team in the league. Their penalty kill is also respectable at 78.3%, putting them in the mid-tier of the league. 

Examining key trends, the Canucks have shown they can maintain pressure in the offensive zone, averaging 26.3 shots per game while allowing 33. Their shot conversion rate stands at a league second-best of .147, underlining the efficiency of their offense. In their recent win against the Predators, the Canucks showcased their quick scoring abilities by coming out strong in the second period, scoring two quick goals. 

Vancouver Canucks Team Facts

• The underdogs have won five of the Canucks’ last six games.
• The underdogs have covered the puck line in each of the Canucks’ last eight games.
• The Canucks have won the first period in each of their last four games at Rogers Arena.
• The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in seven of the Canucks’ last eight games.

Matchup/League Facts

• The Vancouver Canucks ranks 3rd in the league in power play percentage this season (35.29%).
• The Vancouver Canucks are one of three teams to rank in the top 10 for both goals scored and goals conceded per game this season.
• The St. Louis Blues ranks 31st in the league in power play percentage this season (5.26%).
• The St. Louis Blues ranks 28th in the league for goals per game this season (2.17).

David’s Pick – Vancouver Canucks (-182)

The Canucks have been in sensational form, especially on home ice. Their power play can be a game-changer, and their goaltending has been rock-solid. On the other hand, the Blues are struggling to find their groove, particularly on the power play and when short-handed. The power play and penalty kill percentages could be their downfall in this matchup. While Jordan Binnington is a formidable goalie, the lack of offensive support could ruin a strong performance by the Blues’ netminder. Taking all these factors into account, my money’s on the Vancouver Canucks. They have the offensive firepower, a sturdy defense, and the kind of goaltending that can win games.