Welcome to NHL Predictions! We have nine days left in the regular season. It will not be much longer and the Stanley Cup Playoffs will be beginning. As the days tick off the regular season’s calendar, we get closer to seeing which 16 teams will compete for the honour of hoisting Lord Stanley. Today’s prediction looks at a Western Conference matchup between two teams destined to make the playoffs. The St. Louis Blues, looking to start a new winning streak, are paying a visit to the 2024 Western Conference Champion Edmonton Oilers.
NHL Predictions
St. Louis Blues vs. Edmonton Oilers
Time: 10:00 P.M. EST
TV: TNT, TruTV, Max
Head-to-Head: Oilers Lead 2-0
The Oilers will look for the season sweep of the Blues on Wednesday following wins in December and February. The Oilers have not swept a season series against the Blues since the 2016-17 season. Meanwhile, the Blues have not won a game in Edmonton since December of 2022. One of those trends will end Wednesday.
The Streak is Over, But There is Still More to Play For
All good things end at some point. For the Blues, their franchise-record 13-game winning streak ended Monday. It was a frustrating loss for the team, who only recorded 15 shots on goal.
The streak may be over, but there is still more to play for. With three games left, the Blues control their destiny. If they win two of their final three games in regulation, they will clinch a playoff spot. Losses in regulation by the Calgary Flames, who are also in action Wednesday, will also help the Blues. The Blues could clinch on Wednesday night if they win in regulation and the Flames lose in regulation.
If there is a concern surrounding the Blues, it is their health. Dylan Holloway has not played since last Thursday and is considered week-to-week. Colton Parayko, meanwhile, has started to skate again but is still out for the time being. Both could play before the end of the regular season, but likely not until next Tuesday. As far as Wednesday goes, the Blues will not have Holloway or Parayko.
Five Oilers Games Left; Six Oilers Injured
The injury bug has been biting the Oilers. The team has not sent out their regular lineup since March 4th. Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl, Trent Frederic, Mattias Ekholm, and Stuart Skinner are regular Oilers who have been out of the lineup. The silver lining for the Oilers is ta while they have not clinched a playoff spot yet, they have a six-point lead on the Flames for the third spot in the Pacific Division. The Oilers would need to lose four of their last five games in regulation in order for the Flames to have a chance to snag the third spot in the division.
While the Oilers finish the season with three of five games against playoff teams, there is the chance that by the time a game comes, their opponent will have already clinched their spot and may be resting regulars. Furthermore, the Oilers will play the San Jose Sharks twice in their final five.
Predictions
Despite not having Holloway or Parayko, the Blues are the healthier team heading into Wednesday. After a rough game on Monday, the Blues will be looking to get right back in the win column.
Blues win, 5-2.
Prop Bets
The over/under is set at 5.5 goals. We are taking the over with seven goals combined. For prop bets, we are going to pick Jimmy Snuggerud to score his first NHL goal for the Blues. With Holloway out, the Blues would love to get production from their top prospect. For the Oilers, we are picking Corey Perry to score.
Main Photo: Jeff Curry- Imagn Images
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The post NHL Predictions: April 9th St. Louis Blues Vs. Edmonton Oilers appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.