St. Louis Blues vs. Pittsburgh Penguins: Odds, Picks, and Predictions
The St. Louis Blues are set to take on the Pittsburgh Penguins on Monday night in an exciting NHL matchup. This game will be held at PPG Paints Arena in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, starting at 7 p.m. ET. The Blues currently hold a record of 3 wins, 4 losses, and 1 overtime loss, while the Penguins sit at 6 wins, 2 losses, and 1 overtime loss.
Current Team Performance
The series between the two teams is tied at 1-1 for the 2024-25 season. The Blues have struggled with strong starts this season, often finding themselves trailing early. In their most recent game, the Blues led 4-0 against the Detroit Red Wings but ultimately lost 6-4 after allowing six consecutive goals. This loss was compounded by the injury of key player Robert Thomas, who is unlikely to play on Monday.
Additionally, forward Jake Neighbours, who leads the Blues with 6 goals, is dealing with a knee injury suffered from a high-speed shot. The team will have to manage his condition as they face back-to-back games.
Penguins Injury Update
The Penguins are also dealing with injuries. Notably, right winger Rickard Rakell, who scored 35 goals last season, will be out for 6 to 8 weeks due to a hand injury. Recently, the Penguins lost to the Columbus Blue Jackets in a shootout, ending their four-game winning streak. However, players such as Bryan Rust and Kris Letang are showing promising performances, with both contributing goals in recent games.
Game Odds and Predictions
According to BetMGM Sportsbook, the current odds for this matchup are as follows:
- Moneyline: Blues -120, Penguins +100
- Puck Line: Blues -1.5 (-190), Penguins +1.5 (-235)
- Over/Under: 6 (Over: -120, Under: +100)
Goalies projected for the game include Joel Hofer for the Blues, with a record of 1-1-0, a 6.23 GAA, and a .789 save percentage. Tristan Jarry will start for the Penguins, boasting a 3-1-0 record, a 2.52 GAA, and a .921 save percentage.
Expert Predictions
Experts predict that the Penguins will win this matchup, with a projected score of 5-3. Given the Blues’ struggles and potential absences, the Penguins (+100) are favored to triumph. Additionally, Jordan Kyrou is expected to be a key player for the Blues, with predictions suggesting he will record over 2.5 shots on goal.
As both teams continue to navigate injuries and their performance history, this matchup promises to be a compelling contest. For fans and bettors alike, the odds and strategies will be crucial leading up to puck drop.
