St. Louis Blues at Minnesota Wild Betting Preview
St. Louis has gone just 2-6 in their last eight games, and they are heading in the wrong direction at this time. The Blues are still in fourth place with 37 points on the year, but St. Louis needs to get things figured out in a hurry.
Minnesota has won seven of their last nine games, and they are climbing up the standings in the West Division. The Wild come into this game with 41 points on the season, just four off the pace set by Vegas for first place.
The Minnesota Wild are -130 against the St. Louis Blues on Thursday night in NHL action.
Blues Giving Up Too Many Goals
The St. Louis Blues are giving up 3.19 goals per game this season, and that is the biggest reason for their latest skid. St. Louis is killing off just 73 percent of their own penalties, and that has put their goaltenders in a tough position.
David Perron has been the best offensive player for the Blues this season, leading the team with 12 goals, 21 assists, and 33 total points. St. Louis has been dealing with a number of injuries this season, and that has clearly affected the offense.
The Blues are still one of the toughest teams in the league, but they just haven’t been able to put together a solid effort of late.
Wild Want to Control Tempo
The Minnesota Wild want to play this game at a much slower pace, and they are comfortable trying to win this game with just three goals. Minnesota is averaging 2.97 goals per game this season while allowing just 2.52 goals against.
Kirill Kaprizov leads the team with 16 assists and 26 total points, and he has started to emerge as a top player in this league. Minnesota has really struggled on the power play this season, and they will need to improve that as the season goes along.
If Minnesota is able to control the tempo against St. Louis, it should lead to another victory.
Wild Win West Division Showdown
The Blues and the Wild have built up a great rivalry over the last few seasons, and that should make for an exciting game on Thursday night. Minnesota is playing much better hockey at this time, but the Blues are also a team that can make a run in the playoffs.
St. Louis is just giving up too many goals on the season, and Minnesota will be able to take advantage. Look for the Wild to take control of this game on Thursday night, and they come away with a one-goal victory.
Bet the Minnesota Wild -130 over the St. Louis Blues in this West Division matchup on Thursday night.
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