USA: NHL
Team Overview and Form
- St. Louis Blues:
- The Blues currently stand at 6 wins and 6 losses after 12 games, a .500 win percentage.
- Their goal difference is -6, indicating a more challenging defense and offense.
- The Blues’ PP% (Power Play Percentage) is only 13.33%, much lower than the league average of 20.78%. This shows they are weak in capitalizing on power play opportunities.
- Defensively, their PK% (Penalty Kill Percentage) is below average at 76.47%, giving opponents more opportunities during penalties.
- Key player injuries, including Robert Thomas, Philip Broberg, Nick Leddy, and Mathieu Joseph, severely impact the team. Young players like Joel Hofer and Scott Perunovich are stepping in but lack the experience of these key players.
- Tampa Bay Lightning:
- The Lightning have played 12 games, winning 7 and losing 5, giving them a win rate of 58.3%.
- They have scored 46 goals and conceded 40, reflecting an attacking style but a vulnerable defense.
- Their PP% is 20.0%, and their goal-scoring average (3.83 goals per game) is strong, especially in power-play situations.
- However, their defense and goaltending have faltered: their PK% is 73.17%, one of the lowest in the league. Jonas Johansson has a save percentage of only .866 in goal, while Andrei Vasilevskiy, though more stable, is not available for every game.
- Tampa Bay also struggles with injuries, and the absence of Brayden Point, a key scorer and playmaker, is their biggest loss.
Key Statistics and Player Performances
- Average Goals For and Against:
- The Blues average 2.67 goals per game, while the Lightning average 3.83, showing Tampa’s stronger offensive power, especially led by Kucherov and Point, though Point’s absence may slow this.
- Defensively, the Blues allow 3.17 goals per game, and the Lightning allow 3.33. Both teams are prone to conceding goals, indicating the potential for a high-scoring game.
- Special Teams:
- The Blues have a weak power play, so they may struggle to capitalize on man-advantage situations. Tampa Bay, with a better PP%, is more likely to score in these situations.
- Tampa Bay’s PK is weak, providing an opportunity for St. Louis to exploit.
- Goaltending:
- Blues goaltenders Jordan Binnington and Joel Hofer both have around 3.00 GAA (Goals Against Average), indicating consistent but average performances.
- Vasilevskiy has the best GAA for the Lightning at 2.54, but without him, Johansson’s weak 4.51 GAA is a significant liability.
Player Highlights and Injuries
- St. Louis Blues:
- Jordan Kyrou and Pavel Buchnevich are the leading scorers for the team, with Kyrou having 10 points (3 goals, 7 assists) and Buchnevich 7 points (4 goals, 3 assists).
- Injuries to Broberg, Thomas, and Leddy weaken the defense, leaving Parayko and Faulk to shoulder more responsibility.
- Missing players: Broberg, Thomas, Leddy, and Joseph are crucial for team stability.
- Tampa Bay Lightning:
- Kucherov is in top form with 20 points (10 goals, 10 assists), while Guentzel and Point are also performing well, although Point’s injury is a major loss.
- Defensively, Hedman, Moser, and Cernak are strong, and if Vasilevskiy plays, the team has a better chance to allow fewer goals.
- Missing players: Point and Glendening are key absences.
Medium-Risk Betting Tips
- Over 5.5 Goals – Medium Risk:
- Both teams are prone to conceding goals, and Tampa has a strong offense while St. Louis has a weak defense, especially due to injuries.
- Probability: 60%
Odds: 1.71 – Safe Kelly: 3%
- Tampa Bay to Win – Medium Risk:
- Tampa has a stronger attacking unit and better power-play conversion. Despite their defensive issues and goaltending challenges, St. Louis’s missing key players still give Tampa the edge.
- Probability: 60%
Odds: 1.58 – Safe Kelly: 1%
The St. Louis Blues vs. Tampa Bay Lightning game is expected to feature a lot of goals, primarily due to Tampa’s strong attack and St. Louis’s weak defense. Tampa Bay is likely to come out on top, but St. Louis may score during power plays as Tampa’s penalty kill is weak.