Free Picks: St. Louis Blues vs. Vegas Golden Knights

After already picking up a shootout victory against the Golden Knights earlier this week, St. Louis attempts to do it again. But for the Blues, I don’t think that will happen. Sitting atop the West division, the Golden Knights will look to prove that their loss against the Blues was a fluke. This is a huge opportunity for both teams to flex their muscles, but I think Vegas will be crowned victor in this one.

Two of the top teams in the West division go head-to-head, as the St. Louis Blues (4-2-1) square up against the Vegas Golden Knights (5-1-1). These teams are rated 1-2 respectively in the standings, but I think Vegas will assert their dominance against the Blues Thursday night.

The first thing that jumps out to me is the Blues’ goal differential. Despite being a top seed, the Blues are a -5 in goal differential. How does this happen? Well, the Blues were spanked by the Colorado Avalanche 8-0 and also took a massive L to the LA Kings, 6-3.

Even when the Blues manage to pick up victories, they narrowly edge the opposition by a goal. Of the Blues’ four victories this season, two of those wins have come by 1 goal. So, St. Louis can capture wins but their opposition has at least been active in the dying minutes of the game in half of St. Louis’ victories this season.

I won’t call the Blues frauds. I think that is too mean. Instead, I think they are having an identity crisis despite winning hockey games. While they are a contender in NHL Stanley Cup odds, I think it’s safe to say that the Blues are still trying to address what type of team they are in the NHL. With key faces gone from last season, we’re still trying to identify what this Blues team can do.

The Blues are decent contenders and have their fair share of supporters, but I think the Golden Knights are one of the best bets you can make. They are talented, competitive and consistent. I play no favorites in the betting game but I adore the Golden Knights.

It’s hard to pick apart the Knights and find flaws. Every team has them, but it’s the teams that limit mistakes that find the most success. And when you watch a Golden Knights game, it’s tough to find mistakes.

I know, the Blues won in a shootout against the Knights earlier in the week. The Golden Knights proved they weren’t immortal with their loss to Arizona but quickly corrected that in their next game to seal a victory. I expect the same thing when we see the Blues take on Vegas.

• Vegas are 4-2 SU in last 6 games.
• The Golden Knights are 1-1-1 in last 3 games.
• St. Louis are 12-5 SU in last 17 games played on a Thursday.
• The total has gone OVER in 5 of St. Louis’ last 6 games.