Jonathan Huberdeau, Aleksander Barkov, and the Florida Panthers will face off against David Perron, Ryan O’Reilly, and the St. Louis Blues at the Enterprise Center in an East-West tilt. The opening face-off takes place at 8 p.m. ET on Monday, March 9, and it can be seen live on Fox Sports Midwest.
Florida Panthers at St. Louis Blues Odds
Netting moneyline bettors 3.9 units, St. Louis is 41-28 straight up (SU) overall thus far. That winning percentage, the second-best in the Central Division so far this season, is fairly close to what the team produced during last year’s regular season (45-37). Among the team’s 69 games this season, 34 have gone over the total, while 32 have gone under and just two have pushed. The team’s 23-11 SU at home this season.
The Blues have converted on 24.2 percent of their power play opportunities this year, a mark that places them in the top-5 among NHL teams. On the other hand, their penalty kill is ranked 17th overall, and they’ve successfully killed off 80.1 percent of all penalties.
Averaging 26.0 saves per game with a .911 save percentage, Jordan Binnington (30 wins, 19 losses, and seven OT losses) has been the top option in goal for the Blue Notes this season. If head coach Craig Berube decides to give him a breather, however, the team could go with Jake Allen (11-12-12 record, .925 save percentage, 2.20 goals against average).
Florida has lost 3.3 units for bettors taking the moneyline this year and is currently 34-34 straight up (SU). Through 68 regular season outings, 38 of its games have gone over the total, while 27 have gone under the total and just three have pushed. The Panthers are 17-16 SU as the away team this season.
The Panthers have converted on 20.8 percent of their power play chances this year, a mark that’s right around league average. On the other hand, its penalty kill unit is ranked 21st overall and it’s successfully killed off 78.4 percent of all opponent power plays.
Sergei Bobrovsky (3.23 goals against average and .900 save percentage) has been the main option in goal for Florida. Bobrovsky is averaging 27.1 saves per game and has 24 wins, 26 losses, and six OT losses to his credit.
Florida Panthers at St. Louis Blues Free Picks
Prediction: SU Winner โ Blues, O/U โ Over
Betting Trends
The Blues are 2-3 in games decided by shootout. The Panthers are 3-4 in shootouts.
Florida has managed 29.6 shot attempts per game over its last five road games while St. Louis is averaging 36.6 shots per game over its last five at home.
Over St. Louis’ last ten outings, six of them have been decided by two or more goals (the team is 5-1 in those games).
Florida skaters notched 23.2 hits per game last season, while the Blues forced 22.5 hits per contest.