2022 NHL playoffs: Blues vs. Avalanche series odds, prediction, preview

Colorado Avalanche won the first round of the NHL playoffs 4-0 over Nashville Predators. The Avs are Stanley Cup favorites to beat the St. Louis Blues. St Louis is a +275 underdog. The Blues are a strong team and won't go down quietly. They have some feasible paths to success up front.

The Blues finished third overall in goals per game and fifth in 5-on-5 scoring during the regular season. The Avs finished in the bottom-10 in expected goals rate, shot attempt share and high-danger chance percentage. Darcy Kuemper and Jordan Binnington will play for the Blues in a series. The goalie matchup will determine how much of a chance the underdog has. Colorado has no key injuries. St. Louis defeated the Wild despite a host of injuries to their blueline. They had a 42.8 percent expected goal-scoring rate in their six-game series win over the Minnesota Wild.

Blues vs. Avalanche is a best-of-seven series. Blues are +320 favourites to win the series at Caesars Sportsbook.