Welcome to NHL Predictions! We are closer and closer to the Stanley Cup Playoffs. There are only two weeks left of the regular season and there is still much to be determined. The game we look has major playoff implications. The St. Louis Blues are looking to pad their lead in the Western Conference playoff race, while the Pittsburgh Penguins look to play spoiler once again and send the Blue Note fans hoped disappointing.
NHL Predictions
St. Louis Blues vs. Pittsburgh Penguins
Time: 8:00 P.M. EST
TV: FanDuel Sports Network Midwest, Sportsnet-Pittsburgh
Head-to-Head: Penguins Lead 1-0
The Penguins and Blues met just a few weeks ago. The Penguins took advantage of a shaky performance by Jordan Binnington and won 5-3. It was a big win for a Penguins team looking to play spoiler.
However, that loss on March 13th is the last loss the Blues have recorded. Since that night in Pittsburgh, the Blues have won ten games in a row.
Keep Winning
The Blues are win away from tying their franchise record set during the 2018-19 season. The team find themselves in the first wild card spot in the Western Conference as a result of this winning streak. However, the Calgary Flames, despite losing on Tuesday, are right on the Blues trail. The Vancouver Canucks are still lingering outside the playoff picture and the Minnesota Wild are looking to take back their spot in the wild card. The Blues have put themselves in a great spot as a result of the winning streak, but they have to continue to win to keep their positioning. As Herb Brooks said, “again.”
It will be interesting to see if Jimmy Snuggerud remains in the lineup on Thursday. He played well overall in his NHL debut. There were a few moments where you could tell Snuggerud was a rookie, but nothing to be concerned about. Head coach Jim Montgomery may make a lineup change to get more experience in, but he could justify keeping Snuggerud in.
Penguins Look to End Season Strong
There was a time where Sidney Crosby and the Penguins were regulars in the Eastern Conference playoff picture. That time has come and gone, but the Penguins are looking to play spoiler. Furthermore, there are some stat marks some players are looking to hit to end the season. Crosby is three goals away from 30. Bryan Rust is four away from 30. Rickard Rakell has an outside chance at recording 70 points. These players and others will look to pad their stats and end a disappointing season on a strong note.
Prediction
The Blues a strong game on Tuesday. They outplayed their opponent, but still trailed 1-0 late before Jordan Kyrou tied it in the final minute. The Blues are going to look to get off to a stronger start on the scoreboard to try to avoid having to rely on a late goal. We expect the Blues to score early and often.
Blues win, 5-2.
Prop Bets
The over/under is set at 5.5 goals. We are taking the over with seven total goals.
For prop bets, we are taking Rakell as an anytime-scorer for the Penguins. For the Blues, we are taking former Penguins forward, Oskar Sundqvist.
Main Photo: Charles LeClaire- Imagn Images
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The post NHL Predictions: April 3rd St. Louis Blues Vs. Pittsburgh Penguins appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.