Welcome back to NHL Predictions. Each day, Last Word on Hockey takes a look at the games that are scheduled, then offers insight and analysis to help predict who will be victorious in head-to-head matchups. Today we are looking at the game between the Vancouver Canucks versus the St. Louis Blues. Be sure to check out more NHL Predictions as the 2024-25 season continues.
NHL Predictions
Vancouver Canucks at St. Louis Blues
Time: 6:30 P.M. EDT
TV: ESPN+, Hulu, Disney+, Sportsnet Pacific, FanDuel Sports Network Midwest
This is the third and final meeting between the Canucks and Blues this season. Each team has a win in the other’s building, though Vancouver has three points to the Blues two. The Canucks managed an overtime loss back in December and took the win in January.
Each team has three short-handed goals this season and one in each of their wins. It’s a suitably weird quirk for teams that have had an unexpected season. Vancouver, far from building on their success last year, is struggling to finalize a playoff spot. St. Louis, in a low-pressure, rebuilding season, has been roaring back into the playoff conversation.
Since that late January meeting, the Canucks have gone 10-8-1, and the Blues’ record is 11-4-3.
Canucks Most Important Road Trip of the Season
The biggest difference between the Canucks then and now is the removal of J.T. Miller and the addition of yet another Pettersson. The most dangerous player in the series, Conor Garland (2G, 2A), is back after missing a game to rest up. The Canucks didn’t miss him as they shocked the Winnipeg Jets 6-2 before hitting the road.
The good news for Vancouver is the last time they had a six-game road trip, they went 4-1-1. The bad news is that was three months ago, and the road hasn’t been so kind to them since. They came home with just one win in each of their last two five-game road trips. Do that again and they’ll lose their wild card spot, probably for good.
Speaking of wild cards, the Canucks hit the road with Thatcher Demko‘s bags packed. With a game every two days, they won’t be able to get a serious practice in with Demko. If he does start somewhere on the trip, he’ll be coming in cold. But it’s clear the team isn’t comfortable with Artūrs Šilovs, and for good reason. He’s not ready yet.
There’s better news up front, with Pius Suter and Brock Boeser each getting two goals in the Winnipeg game. Elias Pettersson adding to his five-game points streak and the mood around the team is far lighter than it has been in months.
St. Louis Forcing Their Way Into Playoff Conversation
The Blues have six wins in March to go with just two losses and one extra point loss in overtime. They’ve scored 16 goals in their last three games and allowed just four, so safe to say St. Louis is on a roll. A win over Vancouver would put them in the driver’s seat in the four-way race to the playoffs.
Their schedule ahead is one of the “easiest” in the league between now and the end of the season. The Canucks, as middling as their record is, is one of their tougher challenges and a direct competitor. While they’re missing Colton Parayko for the rubber match, Dylan Holloway (2G, 1A) and Robert Thomas (1G, 2A) are ready.
Jordan Kyrou has torn up the scoring sheet lately, scoring five goals and eight points in his last three games, including a hat trick on Saturday. Justin Faulk has a goal and five assists in his last four games, anchoring the defence in Parayko’s absence. Cam Fowler has rediscovered his scoring touch since coming over from the Anaheim Ducks. He wants to reach the playoffs for the first time since 2016-17.
NHL Predictions
In theory, neither team is a high-scoring threat, yet both have suddenly found the net in recent games. Vancouver’s scored 17 goals in their last four games, and St. Louis has scored 19. That’s not normally how they win, but it’s a heck of a lot more fun to watch.
That being said, expect coaches Rich Tocchet and Jim Montgomery to tell their teams to tighten up for this one. The Canucks are starting their 10-game trip and the Blues are finally home after seven of their last eight were on the road. The stakes for this game are through the roof, and there will be pressure to avoid mistakes.
Zero points separate the two teams, though Vancouver has one game in hand. They’re even tied in regulation and overtime wins. We aren’t predicting overtime, but only because of an empty net goal.
Prediction: Canucks over the Blues, 3-1
Prop Bets of the Night
As close as these teams are, the big difference could be the Canucks special teams. Their power play is average – slightly better than the Blues – but their penalty kill has been phenomenal. But if you want a long shot, look for rookie Jonathan Lekkerimäki on their first unit power play. He’s changed their look, and his shot is prime NHL-level. Choosing him as the first goal scorer
A safer bet is Kyrou continuing his roll and getting the game opener for his home crowd.
Main Photo: Jeff Curry- Imagn Images
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The post NHL Predictions: March 20th Vancouver Canucks at St. Louis Blues appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.