The results in this series have been sweeping, with every game decided by three goals or more. The St. Louis Blues and Minnesota Wild are still deadlocked at two games apiece. This betting guide will deliver some guidance on some of the best value plays for today’s pivotal Game 5 in St. Paul, Minn.
St. Louis Blues (+115) vs Minnesota Wild (-140)
Series Tied 2-2
Each team has won once in the other team’s home rink, but Minnesota having the home ice in Game 5 is a big advantage. The Blues are still banged up on the blue line, and Minnesota getting last change for being at home is a big deal as far as getting the right matchups for that electric top line. Their moneyline (-140) is a decent play, but with the lopsided nature of every game thus far, there is also some value in the Wild’s puck line (-1.5, +180).
Kirill Kaprizov, Minnesota Wild (Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers)
Just like the results between the teams, the totals have also split, with two games going over and two games going under. Minnesota has been flying with the injuries to the Blues defensemen, but St. Louis pushed back with some pace of their own in Game 4. The goals should continue to come, especially if Minnesota can take advantage of playing at home. Give the over (O6.5, -105) a serious look here.
Props
Kirill Kaprizov Anytime Goalscorer (+115)
The last time these two teams played in Minnesota, Kirill Kaprizov scored the first playoff hat trick in franchise history. He followed that up with one goal in Game 3 and another in Game 4. Now the Wild get the benefit of last change, meaning a big advantage for the top line against a defensive corps that is without three of its top four blueliners.
There’s good value in Kaprizov’s odds to score a goal (+115), and the Wild are going to need him. His usage has also increased, as he logged a hefty 23:05 of ice time in the Game 4 loss. Even when the rest of the Wild have struggled, Minnesota’s best player has been dangerous. Expect that to continue in this crucial contest, and look for Kaprizov to keep up his goal streak.
Ryan O’Reilly Points (-130)
David Perron had a hat trick in Game 1 and finally got on the scoresheet again in Game 4 with two goals and an assist. However, Ryan O’Reilly was the driving force for the Blues as they evened up the series. The St. Louis captain had a goal and two assists in Game 4 and racked up five shots on goal in nearly 20 minutes of ice time.
Ryan O’Reilly, St. Louis Blues (Amy Irvin / The Hockey Writers)
O’Reilly has a goal in every game of the series except Game 2, and he will be in the thick of things for the Blues again in Game 5. If O’Reilly’s postseason career in St. Louis has taught us anything, it’s that when he heats up, he can keep it burning for a long time. He’s zeroed in right now and is a good bet to put up at least a point (-130) for St. Louis in another enormous game.
*Odds via Yahoo & BetMGM
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