In a game between two squads that’ve positioned themselves squarely in the playoff picture, the Winnipeg Jets and the St. Louis Blues collide at the Scottrade Center for a divisional matchup. CiTV will broadcast the action, which gets going at 7 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 16.
Winnipeg Jets at St. Louis Blues Odds
The Blues are 21-12 straight up (SU) and have earned moneyline bettors 4.7 units this year. That win percentage, ranked fourth in the league so far in this young season, is an improvement compared to how the team performed during last years regular season (46-36). Among its 33 games this season, 15 have gone under the total, while 15 have gone over and none have pushed. The teams 11-7 SU at home this season.
St. Louis has converted on just 16.1 percent of its power play chances this year, a mark that places the team in the bottom-10 overall among NHL teams. On the other hand, its penalty kill is ranked 21st overall, and it’s successfully killed off 79.8 percent of all penalties.
St. Louis, as a collective unit, has been whistled for penalties just 3.5 times per game overall this season, and 2.8 per game over its last five games. The team has been forced to stave off opponent power plays for just 7.3 minutes per game over its last 10 outings, in total.
Averaging 24.8 saves per game with a .911 save percentage, Jake Allen (17-11-2) has been the top goalkeeper for the Blues this year. If they decide to give him the night off, however, St. Louis could roll with Carter Hutton (5-3-3 record, .937 save percentage, 1.88 goals against average).
Brayden Schenn and Jaden Schwartz will both look to continue their strong seasons for the Blues. Schenn (37 points) has tallied 16 goals and 21 assists and has recorded two or more points 10 times this year. Schwartz has 14 goals and 21 assists to his name and has recorded at least one point in 20 contests.
On the other side of the rink, Winnipeg is 18-14 straight up (SU) and has earned moneyline bettors 3.0 units this season. A total of 18 of its games have gone over the total, while 13 have gone under and just one has pushed. Winnipeg’s 7-10 SU as the visiting team this season.
Winnipeg currently has the second-best power-play unit in the NHL, as it’s converted on 26.5 percent of its extra-man advantages in the 2017-18 season. On the other hand, its penalty kill unit is ranked 20th overall and it’s successfully killed off 80.0 percent of all opponent power plays.
Winnipeg’s skaters have been penalized 4.3 times per game this season, 4.0 per game over their past five games total, and 4.8 per game over their last five on the road. The team has been forced to defend opponent power plays just 8.5 minutes per game over their last 10 outings.
Connor Hellebuyck (2.54 goals against average and .917 save percentage) has been the main option in goal for Winnipeg. Hellebuyck is averaging 26.8 saves per game and has 16 wins, 10 losses, and four overtime losses to his credit.
Blake Wheeler (eight goals, 30 assists) has been one of the primary offensive facilitators for the visiting Jets.
Winnipeg Jets at St. Louis Blues Free Picks
Predictions: SU Winner – Blues, O/U – Over
Betting Notes
- This game features two of the more physical defenses in the league. Winnipeg skaters have given out the leagues 12th-most hits per game (22.2) while the Blues have registered the ninth-most (23.5).
