Winnipeg Jets at St. Louis Blues: NHL Betting Odds, Prediction

David Bastl
Last Updated: October 4, 2018

This game promises to be a great Central division match-up in the “Show Me” state between two teams that will use that mantra this season. The Blues need to show that the multiple additions to the line-up will produce a playoff spot, while the Jets need to show last season’s deep playoff run was no mistake.

NHL Odds and Betting Analysis

The Blues and Jets finished the preseason with identical 4-3 records in seven games. In their four head-to-head games last season, both teams won two games each. Three out of the four games were shutouts, with the Jets recording two of them. Connor Hellebuyck was the goaltender of record for both shutouts. He allowed four goals against in three games played versus St. Louis last year. Jake Allen will start against the Jets Thursday night. Last season, Allen was 1-2 in three games played against Winnipeg, allowing 10 goals over that time.

Winnipeg Jets

The Jets hope to build off it for the 2018-19 regular season but will be missing Paul Stastny (Vegas) who played a major role down the stretch drive, defenceman Toby Enstrom, along with forwards Joel Armia and Matt Hendricks. All things considered, the line wasn’t harmed this off season. The Jets will have a new back-up goaltender in Laurent Brossoit, who will relieve work horse Connor Hellebuyck who played in 67 games last year and was a runner-up in Vezina trophy voting.

The top line of Mark Scheifele, Blake Wheeler, and Kyle Connor will remain together, with Bryan Little now centering Patrik Laine and Nik Ehlers. Laine is coming off a super sophomore season as he scored 44 goals. He is one of the top five candidates to win the Rocket Richard trophy at sportsinteraction.com. If all parts of their game come together, this roster should surpass the Western Conference final appearance of last season.

St. Louis Blues

After being sellers at last year’s trade deadline, the St. Louis Blues missed the playoffs by one point. In the off season General Manager Doug Armstrong was the busiest of the Central Division teams bringing in some key veterans to the line-up. The Blues center ice situation will look different this year with Ryan O’Reilly playing behind Brayden Schenn, and also free agent Tyler Bozak fitting in nicely on the team’s third line.

The Blues also beefed up their wing position in signing Patrick Maroon to a deal, and hope David Perron renews some of his scoring past on his second go around with the Blues. The team also said good bye to veterans Patrik Berglund, Kyle Brodziak, Scottie Upshall, and Vladimir Sobotka, but maybe the most significant loss is goaltender Carter Hutton. Hutton was the back-up to Jake Allen for most of the season, but at times was the better of the two goaltenders. He started 26 games (appeared in 32 games) for the Blues posting a better goals against, and save percentage. He now finds himself the starter in Buffalo, while Chad Johnson comes into the fold to pick up the pieces.

The Blues will sink or swim depending on how well Allen does this season. Also, look for Robby Fabbri to make an impact with the club after needing a year and half to recover from a torn ACL. At age 22, the former Canadian junior national could turn some heads this season.