NHL Playoffs Hockey Picks: Minnesota Wild at St. Louis Blues
I don’t really mind Jake Allen being named the starter tonight, even if he was primarily a backup all season. He posted 22-7-4 record and has been exceptional of late. In fact, I think he gives St. Louis an edge because their platoon has faltered in the playoffs and going with the hot hand is the right strategy here.
On the flip side, Devan Dubnyk has given the Minnesota Wild some stability in net this year. While I have never been impressed with him overall, he’s stood out this season and given the Wild a viable chance in a series that I otherwise would have predicted to be a total massacre.
Still, when you look at this St. Louis Blues team, it’s hard to find holes. They have way more depth than the Wild and a much better system. They’re home, and if you don’t think St. Louis is a hockey town, you’re simply wrong. This arena will be loud, this game will be tough, and the Wild are going to struggle to get opportunities to steal this road game. I also look to the revamped St. Louis offense as a reason for why I think they control this series. We all know the Blues can go both ways, but the key here is scoring. Dubnyk will be facing the highest-powered offense in the Western Conference playoffs, and the second-highest scoring team in the West overall this season. The Blues finished with a +47 differential and I think they’re the most complete team in hockey. Then again, the Wild were right behind them with a +30 goal differential and the same number of goals allowed on the year. A low confidence pick, but I’m sticking with the more consistent team here. St. Louis Blues 2 – Minnesota Wild 1
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