Date: April 15, 2025
Author: Mark Lehtonen, former Finnish coach
Current Form of Both Teams
St. Louis Blues are currently eighth in the Western Conference with 94 points, walking a fine line between playoff qualification and elimination. After a solid winning streak, they’ve entered what’s often called an offensive stagnation phase - a period where scoring opportunities are created but poorly converted - and lost three consecutive games.
In their latest outing against Seattle, goaltender Jordan Binnington struggled with a low save percentage (ratio of shots saved) of just 82.3%, allowing 3 goals on only 17 shots. A concerning sign heading into a must-win matchup.
However, the top line of Schenn - Kyrou - Buchnevich remains highly dangerous. The Blues average over 3 goals per home game, largely thanks to their highly efficient power play unit (offensive advantage with more players due to opponent’s penalty).
Roster Update
- Injured: Texier, Holloway, Krug
- Expected starting pair: Defensive duo focusing on defensive zone coverage (strategic positioning to protect the goal area)
Utah’s Momentum
Utah has no playoff hopes but plays with surprising intensity. They’ve won three of their last four games, including a dominant 5-3 victory over Dallas where they converted 100% of their power play opportunities.
Coach Tourigny’s squad is known for its aggressive use of stretch passes (long passes from the defensive zone to create fast breaks). Yet, their defensive play remains inconsistent, averaging 3 goals conceded per game - especially weak in the second period, with a 82:90 goal ratio in that frame.
Head-to-Head and Trends
Two of their last three meetings this season have seen 6+ goals. In the most recent clash, the Blues came out on top 2-1 in a gritty game full of dump-and-chase scenarios (shooting the puck deep and aggressively forechecking to regain possession).
Prediction by Mark Lehtonen
Given the Blues’ must-win situation, Utah’s defensive inconsistencies, and solid offensive rhythm in St. Louis’ top line, I’m expecting an open and goal-rich game. Both teams rely heavily on transition game (rapid switch from defense to offense), which typically results in a high number of shots and scoring chances.
Pick: Over 6 Total Goals
Odds: 2.15 Result:Won
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| Date | Time | League | Teams | Prediction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16/04/2025 | 02:00 | NHL | St. Louis vs Utah | OVER 6 GOALS |