Blues vs Jets Predictions

**SBR Andy** · 04-18-25, 09:54 AM

Blues vs Jets Game 1 prediction from SBR's Gary Pearson:

Under 5.5 goals (-148 FanDuel) and Jets ML (-178 FanDuel)

The Jets have no overtly discernible weaknesses. They had the second-best home record (30-7-4), where they scored the 10th-most goals per game (3.39) and allowed the fewest (1.95).

You probably won't be surprised to learn they had the best overall defensive record, too, giving up 2.32 goals per contest. If the Jets are to exercise their playoff demons and make a deep playoff run, they must replicate that stinginess.

While the Jets were among the best statistical teams, which I discussed in the stats and trends to base your NHL picks and predictions on, their superb defensive record forms the bedrock of my expert picks.

Connor Hellebuyck redemption tour
The Jets' formula for success is based on a few principle fundamentals, with Connor Hellebuyck as the focal point. Hellebuyck dominated again in the regular season and is a shoo-in to win his second straight and third Vezina Trophy.

Last season's playoffs were an unmitigated disaster for the Jets ace, which is why I'm backing him to stand on his head in Game 1. He's too elite, proud, and competitive to endure another subpar postseason.

Hellebuyck lost just three times in regulation at Canada Life Centre in 33 games, picking up six shutouts. He had a .938 save percentage and a 1.63 goals-against average in the friendly confines. If he can replicate those numbers, which I expect him to do, even the league's best team down the stretch doesn't have a chance.

Further emphasizing the Under, Hellebuyck had eight shutouts overall, more than the total of 27 teams. And 10 of the last 11 Jets' home games had five goals or fewer.

Key St. Louis cog unavailable
Dylan Holloway, the Blues' third-leading scorer, suffered a lower-body injury in Pittsburgh on April 3.

The Blues' extended 12-game win streak ended two games later. Holloway is still unavailable and is listed as week-to-week. While his offensive contribution will obviously be missed, Holloway was a key defensive cog, often responsible for matching up against opponents' best players.

The Blues are 2-2-1 since the 23-year-old got injured.

Both Under 5.5 goals (-148) and Jets moneyline (-178) odds are slightly too long to play independently if you want to maximize your potential return. Combining them will profit $16.70 on a winning $10 bet."

**SBR Andy** · 04-18-25, 09:55 AM

Blues vs Jets Game 1 player prop bets from SBR's Gary Pearson:

Robert Thomas Over 0.5 assists (+105 BetMGM)

"Thomas has an assist in five straight games against the Jets, posting six in that span. He was the most prolific scorer in the NHL from Feb. 22, scoring 40 points in 26 games. Of those 40 points, 32 were assists. He finished the season on an 11-game assist streak, amassing 21.

I expect the sizzling spell to spill over into the postseason. BetMGM has +105 odds for him to notch one helper, which would profit $10.50 on a $10 wager."

Josh Morrissey Over 9.5 assists (+120 bet365)

"Morrissey has at least one assist in four of the previous five games against the Blues, posting six in that stint. He notched at least one assist in three of the last four games, and he's an instrumental part of the Jets power play, which was the best (31.6%) at home in the regular season. bet365 has the longest odds of our best sports betting sites, offering +120."

Neal Pink Over 1.5 shots (+105 BetMGM)

"In seven of the last eight games against the Blues, Pionk managed to fire at least two shots on goal. It's that head-to-head productivity I'm banking on. He also had at least two shots in five of the last six regular season games, adding a juicy cherry to an already appealing prop. The +105 odds at BetMGM would yield a $10.50 profit on a winning $10 wager."

**SBR Andy** · 04-20-25, 10:49 AM

The Jets score 3 unanswered in the 3rd period to win Game 1 by a score of 5-3.

Updated series odds at DraftKings: Jets -425 / Blues +320

**SBR Andy** · 04-21-25, 08:36 AM

Blues vs Jets Game 2 prediction from SBR's Connor Cooper:

Over 5.5 goals (+118 Caesars)

"Winnipeg survived a scare in Game 1 by rallying from a 3-2 third-period deficit to beat the St. Louis Blues 5-3. Although the Jets allowed just 17 shots and held a 3.70-1.82 advantage in expected goals, they still needed a late goal by Connor to pull ahead. The hosts then sealed the game with an Adam Lowry empty-netter.

Although winning the opener might ease the pressure on the President’s Trophy-winning Jets, Winnipeg fans still can’t feel great about the continued playoff struggles of Connor Hellebuyck.

The Jets’ star goalie was beaten for three goals in the first 22 minutes, marking the 10th straight postseason game he’s allowed 3-plus goals dating back to 2023. St. Louis is well-positioned to extend that streak Monday night.

A big reason the Blues were able to turn their season around with a 19-4-3 record in their final 26 games was their ability to bounce back from a loss. St. Louis is 5-2-1 in its last eight games following a defeat, scoring at least three goals in each of those contests.

Blues goaltender Jordan Binnington isn’t exactly in a zone himself, allowing 16 goals in his last five outings after yielding four in Game 1. That leaves me with more confidence in the Over 5.5 than the Blues’ moneyline, but I still expect St. Louis to give the Jets all they can handle as they look to square the series."

Connor Hellebuyck Over 20.5 saves (-135 BetMGM)

"Hellebuyck only had to make 14 saves in Game 1, but that low number was an outlier. The American has made at least 21 stops in 17 of his previous 20 appearances. Meanwhile, the Blues have averaged nearly 30 shots per game over their last 10.

In a game where we like St. Louis to bounce back with a strong offensive performance, it only makes sense that we like the Blues to generate more shots on net, as well."

Jordan Kyrou Over 0.5 goals (+240 FanDuel)

"Kyrou was clearly the most dangerous Blues shooter in Game 1, recording four of St. Louis’ 17 shots on target. Kyrou has hit the net 18 times over his last four, with four of those shots finding the back of the cage.

That makes it easy to like Kyrou’s shots on goal prop of Over 2.5, which you should be able to find in the range of -110 to -115. However, given Kyrou’s recent hot streak that includes a goal in Game 1, I’ll take a shot at a bigger price backing Kyrou to score once again on Monday night."

Kyle Connor Over 0.5 goals (+135 bet365)

"The bigger the game, the bigger Connor tends to come through. Not only did the Jets' sniper snap a 3-3 deadlock late in the third period with a perfect one-timer, he finished the night with three points and a team-high five shots on net.

Stepping up his game in the playoffs is nothing new for Connor, who has now potted seven goals in his last 11 playoff games. He's recorded at least four shots in seven of those 11 outings. A safer play is to back Connor to go over his shots prop, but most of our best sportsbooks set his total at 2.5 shots with nearly -200 juice.

Like Kyrou, I’d rather shoot at a bigger price with Connor to score for the second straight game, a bet you can make at +135 odds at bet365."

**SBR Andy** · 04-22-25, 10:22 AM

The Jets win a close one 2-1 in Game 2 to go up 2-0 in the series.

Updated series odds via DraftKings: Jets -1200 / Blues +700