The Penguins host the Blues in a cross-conference clash. Welcome back to NHL Predictions here on Last Word on Hockey! Each day, we provide in-depth analysis, insights, and predictions for all the NHL’s games. In tonight’s matchup, both Pittsburgh and St. Louis look to bounce back from recent losses as we close out the month of October.
NHL Predictions
St. Louis Blues vs. Pittsburgh Penguins
Head-to-Head: Blues 0-0 Penguins
Time: 7:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST)
TV: SportsNet Pittsburgh; Sportsnet+,
Evgeni Malkin and the Pittsburgh Penguins take on Robert Thomas and the St Louis Blues in a Monday night matchup.
The Penguins’ Story
The win streak had to end sometime. The Penguins walk into this game coming off a 5-4 loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets in the shootout. As has been the theme for this year’s Penguins, the team refused to give up when faced with adversity and deficits. Down by two with less than ten to go in the third, Kris Letang and Bryan Rust would both score to tie up the game. Although the Penguins would lose in the shootout, they captured a valuable point and extended their point streak to five games. Unfortunately for Pittsburgh, forward Rickard Rakell suffered an injury in the game against the Blue Jackets. Following hand surgery, Rakell will be out for six to eight weeks. A massive loss for the team, rookie Ville Koivunen will replace him on the top line for the time being.
The loss of Rakell is softened by the depth of scoring Pittsburgh is receiving. The “Mutant Line” of Evgeni Malkin, Anthony Mantha and Justin Brazeau continues to chug along. Malkin and Mantha with two points, and Brazeau with one against Columbus. Defensive stars Erik Karlsson and Kris Letang have begun heating up as well, as both players recorded a point against Columbus. Both Karlsson and Letang have looked energetic and confident this season, and their offensive production has encouraged the team’s other defencemen, such as Ryan Shea, to push for offence as well. Shea scored a goal against Columbus and has five points through nine games to start the year. This depth scoring will be crucial to getting by the stingy St. Louis Blues.
The Blues’ Story
What once seemed like a middling team teetering on the edge of a rebuild quickly changed its perception over the course of a year. Signing Dylan Holloway and Philip Broberg were the catalysts in a bounce-back season ending in a playoff berth in 2024-25. This change of fortune has led to the Blues trying to ice a more competitive roster, although the past few games have put a dent in the team’s confidence. Following an overtime loss to the Los Angeles Kings and a 7-4 loss to the Utah Mammoth, the Blues found themselves up 4-0 on the Detroit Red Wings on Saturday night. The Wings would score six straight and extend the Blues’ losing streak to three games. Expect the squad to come out fast and aggressive against Pittsburgh, looking to regain composure following a string of bad losses.
The Blues have received offence from many players in the lineup. Eight of the team’s players have scored at least a half a point per game pace through eight games. Jake Neighbours leads the team with an impressive six goals in addition to an assist. Highly touted prospect Jimmy Snuggerud has started the season hot as well, scoring three goals and three assists through eight games. Additionally, Pavel Buchnevich, Robert Thomas and Jordan Kyrou have all produced six points through eight games as well. The Blues have a treasure trove of depth scoring and will need to find offence throughout the lineup to outscore a Penguins team tied for third in the league in goals for to start the year.
NHL Prediction
The Penguins and Blues both need a get-right game after disappointing losses. The Penguins, however, played sloppy hockey against Columbus, and could struggle again against a disciplined team like the Blues. Expect St. Louis to snap their losing streak and improve to a .500 record after this contest.
NHL Prediction: Blues Win 4-3
Prop Bet for the Night
A popular prop bet is the total goals over-7, with odds of +220. The Penguins and Blues are both scoring at a high rate at the moment, expect another high-scoring affair in Pittsburgh on Monday night.
Main Photo: Jeff Curry- Imagn Images
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The post NHL Predictions: October 27th St. Louis Blues at Pittsburgh Penguins appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.