Welcome to the latest edition of NHL Predictions. Each day, our team here at Last Word on Hockey breaks down head-to-head matchups and other key elements that may influence the outcome of each game. We also have a featured game of the day, which is considered must-watch TV. Today, we take a look at the upcoming game between the St. Louis Blues and the New York Islanders.
NHL Predictions
St. Louis Blues vs. New York Islanders
Time: 8:00 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)
TV: Madison Square Garden Network, Bally Sports Midwest
The Blues and Islanders will meet for the first of two times this season, and the only game to be played in St. Louis, Missouri. The two teams split the season series last season. The Blues led the all-time series, 12-8-3.
The Blues Story
The Blue Note are 2-2 on the young season. They opened the season with come-from-behind wins before falling in back-to-back games. The team has struggled to put out a consistent lineup each game. Forward Brandon Saad just recently returned from paternity leave, while forward Alexandre Texier recently was placed on long-term injured reserve.
However, there have been bright spots in the opening four games for the Blues. Forward Jordan Kyrou has been a strong skater early on. The forward has two goals and could have two more if not for a crossbar and a early whistle. In addition, newcomer Philip Broberg is on a four-game point streak to open the season. While still early, Broberg is showing he may be a long-term solution on the Blues top defensive pairing.
The Islanders Story
The Islanders are 1-1-1 on the young season. The team’s first win of the season was a blowout 6-2 win in which forward Brock Nelson scored twice and goaltender Ilya Sorokin recorded 32 saves in his season debut.
Offence has been a struggle for the Islanders early in the season. The team has scored ten goals in three games, which looks nice on paper, but loses luster when it is noted six of them came in one game. The Islanders have plenty of scoring depth, and even added some over the summer. The goals will come, however. The Islanders have played good hockey, and will look to continue that trend Thursday night.
Prediction
A low-scoring game should be expected. The Islanders are playing the final game of a road trip while the Blues have been at home since returning from Las Vegas, Nevada last weekend. Perhaps home cooking is in order. The Blues will win a close game. The fans at Enterprise Center will go home happy.
Prediction: Blues win, 3-2.
Prop Bets of the Night
According to Bet365, the over/under for the game is six goals. We are predicting just under that, with five goals. However, this could be risky bet. In the four games the Blues have played in, the teams have totaled less than six goals twice while the other two exceeded six goals. For the Islanders, two of their three games have exceeded six total goals. The trend does not suggest doing so, but bet below six total goals.
FanDuel offers us some fun prob bets for the game. Jordan Kyrou is +210 as an “anytime scorer.” Given he could have four goals in four games if not for a cross bar and an early whistle, this is one to bet on. Forward Jake Neighbours, who scored 27 goals last season, has yet to score this year. He is due to light the lamp. He is a +280 “anytime scorer.” Let us go ahead and place a bet on the budding star.
For the Islanders, Bo Horvat is a +750 to score the first goal of the game for the Islanders. Horvat has had a scoring touch against the Blues, especially during the 2020 playoffs. We will take the chance Horvat lights the lamp against the Blues once again. Furthermore, we will take Brock Nelson as a +500 third-period scorer.
Main Photo Credit: Caean Cuoto – USA TODAY Sports
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