LiontipsSt. Louis vs Minnesota. Prediction and Betting Tips for NHL (March 16, 2023).
Command Analysis
St. Louis are one of the most inconsistent teams in the NHL this season, which is why they currently sit in 11th place in the West. The team hasn't won more than two games in a row for a long time and is experiencing a lot of problems even at home. In the last three games, the Blues defeated San Jose (4-2) and Columbus (5-2), but lost to Vegas (3-5).
Moreover, Craig Berube has one of the worst defenses in the league. On average, the Blues allow opponents to score at least four goals per game. After Vladimir Tarasenko's trade, the team's top scorer is Jordan Kyrou, who has 62 points in goals and assists combined.
Minnesota are doing much better this season. The team is currently in fourth place in the Western Conference with 84 points. Dean Evason's team has been very difficult to beat in regulation lately.
However, after two successful away games against Winnipeg (4-2) and San Jose (5-2), the Wild unexpectedly lost to Arizona 4-5 in overtime. In most cases, the Wild demonstrate high-quality defensive play and on average concede no more than one or two goals per game.
Trends
Ставка St. Louis IT under 2.5 goals
In 4 games out of 5, Minnesota conceded under 3 goals.
Ставка 1st period: total under 1.5 goals
In 4 out of 5 games of the Wild, the first period had fewer than 2 goals.
Tip and bets
Minnesota should come out on top in regulation time in this matchup. The Wild have been earning points in almost every game for a long time, while St. Louis often lose by a margin of two to three goals even at home. Additionally, this season the Wild have already defeated the Blues away.
Our prediction is a win for Minnesota.
Minnesota have a reliable defense and usually don't allow more than two goals. St. Louis are forced to play a more closed brand of hockey against such opponents, so we do not expect them to score three goals.
Second bet - St. Louis IT under 3 goals
