Colorado Avalanche (61-19-7) vs St. Louis Blues (53-24-12)
Game Info: Thursday, May 19, 2022 at 9:30 pm (Ball Arena)
Betting Odds: Colorado Avalanche -256 / St. Louis Blues +200 --- Over/Under: 6.5 Click Here for the Latest Odds
The Colorado Avalanche host the St. Louis Blues in Thursday NHL Second Round Playoff Action.
The St. Louis Blues will look to bounce back from an opening game loss to the Colorado Avalanche by a score of 3-2. During the regular season, they have found the net 311 times, good for a rank of 4th among NHL teams. Heading into the game, St. Louis is the 11th ranked defensive team, allowing opponents to score at an average rate of 2.91 goals per game. For the year, the Blues played the 28th most difficult schedule in the league. When diving into their opponent-adjusted scoring margin, they come into this game as the 5th-ranked team in the NHL.
The Colorado Avalanche come into game 2, having yet to lose a game in the playoffs. During the regular season, the Avalanche have scored 312 goals, giving them an average of 3.76. This output gives them a rank of 3rd among NHL teams. On defense, Colorado is the 7th ranked unit, giving up 2.83 goals per contest. For the season, the Colorado Avalanche played the 26th toughest schedule in the league. And, when taking into account Colorado's scoring margin relative to the quality of their competition, they come in with a power ranking of 3rd in the NHL.
Through 75 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 +17.0. St. Louis's top goalie is Ville Husso, who is giving up an average of 2.56 goals per game. In his 40 games played, he has turned in 23 quality starts, giving him a quality start percentage above the league average.
Through 75 games, the Colorado Avalanche's goal and overall scoring leader is Mikko Rantanen, with 92 points. He has reached his mark of 36 goals, on a shooting percentage of 14.2%. So far, 44.0% of his goals have come during power play time. Behind him is Nathan MacKinnon, who has 56 assists to go along with his 32 goals. While on the ice, his offensive production has led to a plus-minus rating of +22. Colorado's top goalie is Darcy Kuemper, who is giving up an average of 2.54 goals per game. In his 57 games played, he has turned in 32 quality starts, giving him a quality start percentage above the league average.
Heading into game 2, the over-under betting line is set at 6.5 goals. Even though the Blues held the Avalanche to just 3 goals in game 1, I expect the Avalanche to return to their usual rate of scoring. During the regular season, St. Louis was just the 14th rated defensive team, including ranking 29th in expected goals allowed. In game 2, I recommend taking the over.
Joe’s Pick Over 6.5 Goals
AUTHOR: Joe Kiemen
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