Blues vs. Coyotes: NHL Best Bets, Picks & Predictions (Thursday)

We have a loaded nine-game slate of hockey on Thursday with some great matchups. Here are my three best bets for Thursday’s NHL slate. And below is a closer look at Blues vs. Coyotes.

Today’s Best NHL Bets: Blues vs. Coyotes

St. Louis Blues (-165) @ Arizona Coyotes (+135) | O/U 6.5 (-120/-103)

Another underdog to back on Thursday is the Arizona Coyotes, who host the St. Louis Blues in Thursday’s nightcap. More than anything else, this play is a fade of the Blues, who should not be laying -165 on the road against anyone.

At 5-on-5, St. Louis ranks just 27th in the league in expected goals for per 60 minutes (xGF/60) and 24th in expected goals against per 60 minutes (xGA/60). Backing up this inefficient team is goaltender Jordan Binnington, who has struggled mightily this season.

Through 37 starts, Binnington possesses a .891 SV%. Based on his metrics, positive regression is unlikely for the Blues’ netminder as he ranks 24th among starting goaltenders in goals saved above expected per 60 minutes (GSAx/60) at 5-on-5.

To make matters worse for the Blues, injuries are starting to pile up as they are expected to miss Robert Bortuzzo, Ryan O’Reilly and Pavel Buchnevich for this contest. They could struggle mightily to score against goaltender Karel Vejmelka, who is slated to start between the pipes for Arizona. Through 34 appearances in the crease, Vejmelka boasts a .904 SV%. Among starting goaltenders, he ranks 13th in GSAx/60 at 5-on-5.

On home ice with the better goaltender and only marginally worse efficiency at even strength, back the Yotes to pull off the upset.

Best Bet: Coyotes ML (+135 via Barstool Sportsbook)

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