Welcome to the latest edition of NHL Predictions. Each day, our team here at Last Word on Hockey breaks down head-to-head matchups and other key elements that may influence the outcome of each game. We also have a featured game of the day, which is considered must-watch TV. This edition of NHL Predictions takes us to the state of Nevada, where the St. Louis Blues will be battling the Vegas Golden Knights.
NHL Predictions
St. Louis Blues vs. Vegas Golden Knights
Time: 10:00 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: Scripps Sports, Bally Sports Midwest, ESPN+
The Blues and Golden Knights are meeting Friday night for the first time this season. Both teams are playing in their second game of the season after winning their first. The Golden Knights won the season series last season, 2-1. The final game of the series was a 2-1 overtime win for Vegas late in the season in a key matchup that featured the Blues trying to keep pace with the Knights in the playoff chase. In seven seasons of head-to-head play, the Golden Knights lead the all-time series, 16-10-1.
The Blues Story
The Blues were victorious in their game on Tuesday, beating the Seattle Kraken 3-2. The Blue Note trailed 2-0 in the second period before scoring three goals in just under two minutes. Jordan Kyrou led the way with two goals while defenceman Philip Broberg scored in his Blues debut. The visit to Vegas concludes a season-opening three-game road trip for the Blues. Furthermore, the Blues will be playing the second game of a back-to-back, as the team visited San Jose Thursday night.
With Joel Hofer getting the start in net Thursday, expect to see Jordan Binnington back between the pipes Friday. Furthermore, the Blues may make some lineup changes due to the back-to-back and their third game in four days.
The Vegas Story
Like the Blues, the Golden Knights won their first game of the season, scoring eight goals in a high-scoring showdown with Colorado. However, unlike the Blues, the Golden Knights will have two days of rest before the game. Furthermore, the Golden Knights will have a day off before their next game. As a result, expect to see the same lineup for the Golden Knights on Friday night.
The story of Wednesday’s win for the Golden Knights was their offence. Mark Stone, Victor Olofsson, and Ivan Barbashev each scored twice for Vegas. Furthermore, Vegas was two-for-three on the power play while also going two-for-three on the penalty kill. It was a strong special teams night for Vegas.
Prediction
The Blues may be winded entering their third game in four nights. The Golden Knights will certainly have the advantage of additional rest. Expect to see the first period reflect that, as the Golden Knights will have the Blues chasing the game from the beginning. However, Binnington will keep the Blues in the game and the Blues will find their footing in the second period. One should also expect to see special teams play a role in this game.
When the final buzzer sounds, it will be the more-rested team skating away with two points.
Prediction: Golden Knights win in regulation, 4-2.
Prop Bets in Sin City
Bet365 has the over/under set at six goals. Our prediction puts us right at six. More goals could be scored, but we should be expecting some strong goaltending that keep the goal total relatively low.
For our player prop bets, do not be afraid to bet on Vegas defenceman Alex Pietrangelo burning his former team with at least a point. On the Blues side, if you are someone who likes penalty minutes, this could be a game where captain Brayden Schenn drops the gloves to try and light a fire under his team, which will result in an inflated penalty minute total.
That is it for today! Do not forget to check out are other predictions here on Last Word On Hockey. Have a great weekend, hockey fans!
Main Photo: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images
