The St. Louis Blues surprised almost everyone on Thursday with a road victory against the Colorado Avalanche. As this series settles into what could be a six- or seven-game session, there’s plenty of value to be had for bettors. This betting guide will deliver some of the more valuable options as the series heads to St. Louis.
Colorado Avalanche (-165) vs St. Louis Blues (+135)
Series Tied 1-1
The Blues evened up the series by taking a crucial game on the road in Game 2, and their coach won the game for them. After getting shelled for 54 shots in Game 1, the Blues took it to the Avalanche in Game 2, outshooting them on the way to a 4-1 win. Entering the third act, the difference between the teams looks razor thin.
The odds are starting to flatten out, but the Avalanche (-165) are still favorites. Frankly, there’s not much value in any of the moneylines or puck lines, based on how close these teams are. However, the number that has the most value here is the Blues moneyline (+135). This game might be a coin flip, but this is good value for the team that’s playing better and is heading back to its home rink.
Over/Under: Under 6.5 (-105)
These teams were two of the highest-scoring in the NHL during the regular season, and both had high-scoring battles in the first round. However, there have been only eight goals scored in the first two games. When it comes to scoring during the regular season, the Blues are essentially the same team at home as they are on the road, but the Avalanche scored 32 fewer goals on the road compared to when they were at home.
St. Louis goalie Jordan Binnington almost stole the first game for the Blues and was every bit as good in Game 2. Darcy Kuemper has been almost every bit as good in the Colorado net. As long as these two goaltenders are clicking, and the number stays at 6.5, the under is going to be the play. The under also continues to get good odds (-105) in Game 3, making it one of the better plays of the day.
Prop Bet: First Period Total Goals (Under 1.5, +135)
For as impressive as both teams’ offenses are, the games in this rivalry have been notoriously slow to start. In their last nine games against each other, including the postseason, more than one goal has been scored in the first period just twice. Going into a pivotal Game 3, things should tighten up even more.
There has been only one first-period goal through the first two games, and only three first-period goals were scored throughout their entire playoff series last season. These teams played three times during the regular season. Despite 23 goals scored in those three games, just three were scored in the opening stanza in those games combined. With these goalies playing the way they are, these are good odds (+135) for another low-scoring first period.
Odds via FanDuel
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