St. Louis Blues (49-21-11) vs Vegas Golden Knights (42-31-8)
Game Info: Friday, April 29, 2022 at 8:00 pm (Enterprise Center)
Betting Odds: St. Louis Blues -161 / Vegas Golden Knights +130 --- Over/Under: 5.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
The St. Louis Blues host the Vegas Golden Knights in Friday NHL Action.
The Vegas Golden Knights come into this road contest with an overall record of 42-31-8. Through 81 games, the Golden Knights are 4th in the Pacific Division. On the season, they have found the net 259 times, good for a rank of 12th among NHL teams. Heading into the game, Vegas is the 15th-ranked defensive team, allowing opponents to score at an average rate of 2.96 goals per game. So far, the Golden Knights have a strength of schedule rating of 20th in the league. When diving into their opponent-adjusted scoring margin, they come into this game as the 15th-ranked team in the NHL.
The St. Louis Blues get set to host the Vegas Golden Knights with an overall record of 49-21-11. This mark places them 2nd in the Central division. Through 81 games, the Blues have scored 307 goals, giving them an average of 3.77. This output gives them a rank of 3rd among NHL teams. On defense, St. Louis is the 11th ranked unit, giving up 2.86 goals per contest. So far, the Blues have played the 28th toughest schedule in the league. And, when taking into account St. Louis's scoring margin relative to the quality of their competition, they come in with a power ranking of 5th in the NHL.
Through 75 games, the Vegas Golden Knight's goal and overall scoring leader is Jonathan Marchessault, with 64 points. He has reached his mark of 29 goals, on a shooting percentage of 11.8%. So far, 17.0% of his goals have come during power play time. Behind him is Chandler Stephenson, who has 43 assists to go along with his 21 goals. While on the ice, his offensive production has led to a plus-minus rating of +4. Vegas's top goalie is Robin Lehner, who is giving up an average of 2.83 goals per game.
Through 74 games, the St. Louis Blues' goal and overall scoring leader is Vladimir Tarasenko, with 82 points. He has reached his mark of 34 goals, on a shooting percentage of 14.8%. So far, 15.0% of his goals have come during power play time. Behind him is Robert Thomas, who has 57 assists to go along with his 20 goals. While on the ice, his offensive production has led to a plus-minus rating of +21.0. St. Louis's top goalie is Ville Husso, who is giving up an average of 2.47 goals per game. In his 39 games played, he has turned in 23 quality starts, giving him a quality start percentage above the league average.
In Vegas's 81 games, the over has hit in over half of their games, going 45-33-3. So far, taking the over when the Golden Knights are playing away from home has been a good bet with an over-under record of 20-19-1. On the season, 59.0% of Vegas's games have gone for at least 6 goals or more, with 53.0% of the scoring coming from the Golden Knights. In St. Louis' 81 games, the over has hit in over half of their games, going 44-35-2. So far, taking the over when the Blues are playing at home, has been a good bet with an over-under record of 20-19-1. On the season, 62.0% of St. Louis's games have gone for at least 6 goals or more, with 56% of the scoring coming from the Blues. At first glance, it makes sense that this game is set at 5.5 goals, as each team's goalie groups have strong save percentages. However, the Blues and Golden Knights both have expected goals allowed figures above the NHL average. I recommend taking the over.
Joe’s Pick Over 5.5 Goals
AUTHOR: Joe Kiemen
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