Welcome to the latest edition of NHL Predictions on a day featuring all 32 teams in action and we call it the Frozen Frenzy. Today, like everyday, 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. Our installment today looks at Tuesday’s game between the St. Louis Blues and the Winnipeg Jets.
NHL Predictions
St. Louis Blues vs. Winnipeg Jets
Time: 8:00 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: FanDuel Sports Network Midwest
The Central Division rivals meet for the first time this season. The Jets lead the all-time series, 27-16-9. Last season, the teams played one another three times. The Jets swept the season series. Furthermore, the Jets have won the last three against the Blue Note and nine of the last 11 games. The game will also feature a minor historical first. The game will be the first broadcast by the new FanDuel Sports Network Midwest, who is replacing Bally Sports.
The Blues Story
The Blues conclude a four-game home stand Tuesday. The Blue Note are 2-1 on the home stand so far. The team beat the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday night, 4-3. Philip Broberg continued his point streak and all the while the Joseph Brothers contributed to the scorecard as well.
It is possible that forward Oskar Sundqvist will make his season debut on Tuesday night. The forward did skate with the team on Monday and his return is, according to head coach Drew Bannister, a matter of days, not weeks. It will be interesting to see how the Blues handle the lineup and the roster if Sundqvist is able to return. After the last games were started and won by Joel Hofer, it would seem likely Jordan Binnington returns to the net for the first time since last Tuesday for the Blues. However, as always, please check the latest news and lineup notes before locking in your fantasy starting goaltender.
The Jets Story
The Jets have played in five games and have won them all. The team is off to a very strong start to begin the season. Connor Hellebuyck has led the way in goal for the Jets. He has gone 4-0 with an impressive .952 save percentage to go along with a 1.25 goals-against-average. Mark Scheifele leads the team with five goals and eight points. Defenceman Josh Morrissey leads the team with six assists. It is still very early, but the Jets have two players who are averaging more than a point-per-game.
The Jets cannot win the Central Division or even clinch a playoff spot in October. However, this strong start suggests they will be a bigger threat than many realized in the Western Conference. In contrast, it is worth mentioning that their schedule to open the season has been favourable. They have only played one team who made the Stanley Cup Playoffs last season. No reasonable hockey fan will argue against the importance of collecting points however possible. Conversely, no reasonable hockey fan will disagree that beating good teams is where a team makes the strongest impression.
Prediction
Both teams are off to strong starts. Something will have to give Tuesday night. This should be a goaltender’s dual with few goals scored. One team will be on the wrong end of a close game, and it may be the home team.
Prediction: Jets win 2-1.
Prop Bets of the Night
The over/under is set at six goals. We are suggesting taking the under due to strong goaltending on both ends.
FanDuel offers quite a few fun bets to take a look at. First off, if you are interested in betting on the final score, the bet for a 2-1 Jets win is +2600. It is very difficult to predict a correct score, but if you, that’s definitely a winning guess given the potential payout.
Regarding individual player props, we like Blues forward Jake Neighbours as an anytime goal scorer at +310. The young forward has scored in back-to-back games. His net-front presence will be key against a tough Jets defence. Speaking of the Jets, we like Mark Scheifele as an anytime goal scorer at +165. His strong start to the season makes him an easy choice as a prop bet.
Do not forget to check in each day here at Last Word On Hockey for predictions each day for games around the league!
Main Photo Credit: Jeff Curry – USA TODAY Sports
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