NHL Betting Picks, Predictions, Analysis, and Probability for Thursday Slate
By Matt Klett
Thursday, October 17th.
Vancouver Canucks @ St. Louis Blues
104. Prediction. -188. 99. +168
Goalies:
VAN Thatcher Demko
1-0-0 W/L, 1.00 GAA, 0.963 SV%
2-1-2 W/L, 2.96 GAA, 0.910 SV%
NHL Betting Pick #4:
Standings and Current Record:
The Canucks have a 3-2 record, sitting in the middle of the Pacific Division with six points. They’re trying to rebuild back into a playoff contender.
The Blues are 3-1-2 with eight points while defending their Stanley Cup championship. They’re sitting in second place in the Central Division. In a competitive division, a win is always needed. Here’s how they matchup:
Rankings:
Vancouver ranks 12th in goals for and 5th in goals allowed. Their power-play is ranked 17th, while their penalty kill is one of the league’s best ranked 2nd.
St. Louis ranks 16th in goals for and 19th in goals against. On special teams, their power play ranks 11th and their penalty kill ranks 4th. Both teams have shown they’re solid at keeping the opposition for tallying on the power play.
Betting Trends:
The Canucks are just 3-9 in their last 12 meetings against the Blues. However, they are 5-2 in the month of October in their last seven October games
The Blues are 5-1 at home vs the Canucks in their last six. They are also 5-1 in their last six against the Western Conference.
Previous Games and Goal Differential:
The Canucks have wins over Detroit, LA, and Philadelphia. They have lost to Calgary and Edmonton. They are outscoring opponents 18-11.
The Blues have wins against Ottawa, Toronto, and Dallas. Losses to the Capitals, Islanders, and Canadiens. They have been outscored 20-19.
Analysis:
The Blues do not check all the boxes in this matchup, but why would you want to bet against the champs playing….Vancouver? I would advise not to pick against the champs.
% Chance to Win: Blues 65%