Wild vs Blues Odds: Series Shifts to St. Louis

Interestingly, the Wild vs Blues odds only have the St. Louis Blues as slight home favorites despite them wresting control of the series from Minnesota with their dominant Game 1 win. But, after the Wild took care of business in Game 2 behind a hat trick from Kirill Kaprizov and two goals from Joel Eriksson Ek, Minnesota has some momentum heading into a monumental Game 3 in St. Louis on Friday.

Wild vs Blues Game 3 Information

• Game: Minnesota Wild (1-1) at St. Louis Blues (1-1)
• Location: Enterprise Center, St. Louis
• Day/Time: Friday, 9:30 p.m. ET
• Television: TNT

Blues Have Home Ice

The St. Louis Blues were a very strong 26-10-5 at home and they should get a much crisper Ville Husso after he struggled on Wednesday. But, winning each of the series’ first two games in St. Paul was kind of a monumental goal for the Blues, so just getting one of the games was more than sufficient. The question is if St. Louis will be able to hold down the Wild’s top scorers again.

St. Louis: Blip for Husso

Even though they’re small underdogs, the St. Louis Blues are one of the best NHL bets on Friday. They’ve done very well against the Minnesota Wild recently and know that they already have Minnesota on their heels. It also helps to have Husso in net despite the fact he gave up five goals in the 6-2 loss in Game 2. There’s no doubt he’ll be better on Friday night.

He was one of the NHL’s top goalies all season and despite this just being his third career postseason game, Husso showed in Game 1 how dominant he can be. That’s why it’s a little surprising that the Wild vs Blues odds for the series still have Minnesota as favorites even after St. Louis won on the road. Husso, at this point in his career, is a much safer bet than either the Wild’s Marc-Andre Fleury or Cam Talbot and he should be the reason the Blues take this game.

Wild: Goalie Questions

In the NHL playoffs, you either live by your goalie or you die by your goalie. For now, the Minnesota Wild are going with trade deadline pickup — and playoff maestro — Fleury instead of Talbot. Both were incredible down the stretch but neither had great regular seasons overall from a statistical perspective. They’re both getting up there in age. Fleury showed that in Game 1, giving up four goals in a subpar showing.

He did recover in Game 2, saving 32 of the 34 shots he faced, but Minnesota’s goaltending situation isn’t as good as St. Louis’. Granted, if the Wild can keep turning Kaprizov and Eriksson Ek loose like they did in Game 2, it won’t matter how Fleury or Talbot play. However, the Wild’s offense is prone to slumps so it can’t be solely relied on for a full series despite what the Minnesota Wild betting odds say.

Wild vs Blues Prediction

After two blowouts opened up the series, look for Game 3 to be a bit closer. The Wild vs Blues odds have this game as essentially a toss-up with St. Louis slightly favored as the home team, which is fair. But, the Blues have the definitive goalie advantage and home-ice advantage after winning Game 1.

The Blues on the moneyline is both good value and a smart play. Minnesota was an elite home team all season and has been far less impressive on the road while St. Louis is always a great home team. Those small advantages make a big difference in playoff games and this Blues team has a ton of playoff experience. Go with Husso to have another big day in goal and consider the under as well.