Vegas Golden Knights vs. St. Louis Blues Prediction, Preview, and Odds
The Vegas Golden Knights face the St. Louis Blues with teams heading in opposite directions this season. The Golden Knights have a 39-20-6 record which is the best in the Pacific Division while the Blues have a 28-31-5 record and are near the bottom of the Central Division. Both teams look to improve in the Western Conference and the upcoming game should be a good one.
Golden Knights defense has led the way
The Golden Knights are having a great season with their offense stepping up and scoring 3.14 goals per game. Chandler Stephenson, Jack Eichel, and Reilly Smith have scored 57 goals and 87 assists to lead the top two lines but the rest of the offense has been great as well. Jonathan Marchessault, William Karlsson, and Phil Kessel have combined for 42 goals and 68 assists while defensemen Shea Theodore and Alex Pietrangelo have added 16 goals and 36 assists from the point to open the offense up.
The offense has been great but the defense has carried the Golden Knights, allowing only 2.75 goals per game. Brayden McNabb and Alec Martinez have combined for 7.8 defensive points shares and 355 blocked shots while Alex Pietrangelo, Shea Theodore, and Nicolas Hague have combined for 9.0 defensive point shares to add depth to the unit. In addition, goaltender Adin Hill has stepped up with a .916 save percentage and a 2.45 goals-against average on 728 shots with 8.0 goals saved above average.
Blues defense has let them down this year
The Blues are having a rough season despite their offense stepping up and scoring 3.03 goals per game. Jordan Kyrou and Pavel Buchnevich have scored 46 goals and 67 assists to lead the top line but the rest of the offense has also been great. Robert Thomas, Brayden Schenn, and Brandon Saad have combined for 49 goals and 76 assists while defenseman Justin Faulk has added eight goals and 25 assists from the point to help open up the offense.
The offense has been great but the defense has been awful, allowing 3.66 goals per game. Calle Rosen and Nick Leddy have combined for 4.8 defensive point shares but the rest of the unit has struggled, allowing opponents to find open shots on the net at will. Additionally, goaltender Jordan Binnington has struggled with a .894 save percentage and a 3.31 goals-against average on 1511 shots with -16.7 goals saved above average.
Best Bets for this Game
Full-Game Side Bet
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The Blues are looking to pull off the upset on their home ice but I like the Golden Knights to overwhelm them from the first period. The Golden Knights should pile on the goals against the Blues, who allow 3.66 goals per game, with Jack Eichel, Chandler Stephenson, and the rest of the forward unit carrying the puck into the offensive zone and creating open shots with quick puck movement. The Golden Knights, who allow only 2.75 goals per game, should limit the Blues' offense with Alec Martinez, Brayden McNabb, and the rest of the unit creating turnovers in the defensive zone and limiting shots on the net, allowing goaltender Adin Hill to make plenty of big saves. The Golden Knights should win the game with a strong performance on the road.
Take the Golden Knights money line as road Favorites.
Prediction: Golden Knights (-155)
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Full-Game Total Pick
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Both teams have great offenses and I see this game being a high scoring one from the opening puck drop. The Blues, who average 3.03 goals per game should constantly find the back of the net with Jordan Kyrou, Robert Thomas, and the rest of the forward unit controlling the puck in the offensive zone and creating open shots with quick passes. The Golden Knights, who average 3.14 goals per game, should run up the score with Jack Eichel, Chandler Stephenson, Reilly Smith, and the rest of the forward unit crashing the net on the rush and creating open shots with effective puck movement while Shea Theodore and Alex Pietrangelo pick apart the Blues defense from the point. The Over should cover in a high-scoring game with both offenses stepping up.
Take the Over on 6.5 goals.
Prediction: Over 6.5
Mike Fink is a sports writer and a passionate football fan. After graduating from college, Fink picked up the passion he had since being a young child in following and covering all things sports and we are very excited to have him as a part of the StatSalt team. In recent weeks, Mike started a podcast which you can find on Spotify, called "The Mike and Grover Show" and it discusses all things football. He covers all forms of sports betting and also bets on all of the plays he gives out. Mike would advise hockey betting since the odds give you great payouts "Hockey is built to bet the Money Line Underdogs. Be sure and follow him on a daily basis.
