Welcome to a Monday edition of NHL Predictions! This new week of hockey is already off to an exciting start. Alex Ovechkin has passed Wayne Gretzky for the most goals in NHL history. Furthermore, the hunt for the Stanley Cup Playoffs intensifies as we enter the final two weeks of the regular season. Our game today takes us right into the playoff hunt. In fact, we may even be looking at a first-round matchup. The Winnipeg Jets are hosting the St. Louis Blues.
NHL Predictions
St. Louis Blues vs. Winnipeg Jets
Time: 7:30 P.M. EST
TV: FanDuel Sports Network Midwest, NHL Network
Head-to-Head: Jets Lead 2-1
The season series between the two teams ends Monday. The Jets will look to claim the season series while the Blues will look to earn a split with their division rivals. The Jets have won every season season series going back to the 2021-22 season.
However, this may not be the last time the two teams meet. There is a chance the Blues and Jets will meet in the first round of the playoffs. As of now, the Blues hold the Western Conference’s first wild card, which would prevent them from playing the Jets if they hold the spot. However, should the Blues fall to the second wild card or if the Jets fall to the second seed in the conference (this is unlikely), then they would meet in round one. The rivals last met in the 2019 playoffs, where the Blues defeated the Jets in six games. Jaden Schwartz scored four goals in the series for the Blues, including the game-winner in Game 5 with 15 seconds left.
Blues Seeking a Baker’s Dozen
The Blues have won 12 games in a row, setting a new franchise record. Their last three wins have been close to the end. Last Tuesday, the Blues got a goal in the final minute to force overtime before winning. Last Thursday, the Blues surrendered a 4-2 lead before winning in overtime again. On Saturday, the Blues led 4-0 before giving up three-straight goals, but did hold on to win.
This win streak has put the Blues in a great spot to make the playoffs. The Blues have four games left in the season and have an eight-point lead over the Calgary Flames. The Blues have 93 points and can earn up to 101 points. The Flames have six games left and have 83 points. The Flames can earn up to 95 points. As a result, the Blues have a chance to clinch a playoff spot on Monday. They will need some help though. The Blues need to beat the Jets in regulation as well need the Flames to lose in regulation on the road against the San Jose Sharks. Should the Blues win in regulation but the Flames win or go to overtime, then the Blues would be able to clinch a spot outright on Wednesday.
Jets Hold Slim Lead in Division and League
With five games left, the Jets hold a slim lead for the Central Division title as well the President’s Trophy. If the team can hang on to their lead, they will win the first division title and President’s Trophy in franchise history.
The Jets are hoping for a magical playoff run, but they have to take care of business first. However, it will not be an easy task. Three of their final five games come against teams in the playoff race. Furthermore, the Jets visit the Dallas Stars this Thursday. The three-point lead the Jets currently have over the Jets could make Thursday’s game interesting.
Prediction
You know the drill by this point. Roll with the Blues until the evidence says otherwise.
Blues win, 2-1, in overtime.
Prop Bets
The over/under is set at 5.5 goals. We are taking the under with three total goals.
For prop bets, we are taking Robert Thomas as an anytime-scorer for the Blues. For the Jets, we are picking Kyle Connor to score his 39th goal of the season.
Main Photo: Connor Hamilton- Imagn Images
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The post NHL Predictions: April 7th St. Louis Blues Vs. Winnipeg Jets appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.