While this is a statement that I seem to make every single year, this year’s version of the Stanley Cup playoffs has probably been the best in recent memory. Surprise has been the norm this time around, with Game 7’s being the norm, too. We are now into the Conference Finals, with each of the four remaining teams now just a few wins away from being in the Stanley Cup Final.
The Boston Bruins are already halfway there after winning the opening two games of their Eastern Conference Final against the Carolina Hurricanes. The Bruins are taking full advantage of starting out on home ice, and now the San Jose Sharks will be looking to do the same thing in the Western Conference Final versus the St. Louis Blues. The Sharks won big in Game 1 and will be looking to put the Blues under real pressure with a win in Game 2 on Monday night. The Sharks are favored by 1 ½ in this one, with the O/U set at 5 ½.
Blues vs Sharks 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs Odds & Pick for Game 2
- When: Monday, May 13 at 9 PM EST
- Where: SAP Arena, San Jose
- TV: NBCSN
- Radio: 98.5 KFOX
- Live Stream: NHL.tv
- NHL Odds: San Jose Sharks -135 (Total 5.5)
Why bet on the St. Louis Blues?
While no team ever wants to lose the opening game of a series, the St. Louis Blues will not be sweating going down 0-1 here. After all, they were in a much worse position in the last round versus the Dallas Stars, when they found themselves in a 2-3 hole and on the brink of elimination.
They bounced back from that, winning the final 2 games to move on to the Western Conference Final. What might be a little alarming for a team that has played great defense is that they lost 6-3 in Game 1. That can happen, though, as the home team is usually a little fired up in a series opener. The Blues have won 5 of their last 7 road games, but they are now just 1-4 in their last 5 trips to San Jose. Against the spread, St. Louis is 29-19 on the road.
Team Stats
Offense- Goals: 2.96
- Shots: 31.78
- PP/PK Percentage: 20.36
- Goals: 2.73
- Shots: 28.64
- PP/PK Percentage: 19.25
Why bet on the San Jose Sharks?
The Sharks are now a perfect 3-0 in Game 1 in these playoffs, but those early wins have not translated into smooth sailing for them, as they have seen both series this year go to 7 games. Like the Blues, San Jose has also been on the brink of elimination, the most dramatic of which was coming from 3-0 down versus Vegas to win and take Game 7 in an OT thriller.
Despite being routinely pushed to the limit, the Sharks are now 6-1 SU in their last 7 games in their own building, although they are just 20-30 ATS in all games played on home ice this season.
Team Stats
Offense- Goals: 3.48
- Shots: 32.75
- PP/PK Percentage: 22.90
- Goals: 3.16
- Shots: 28.76
- PP/PK Percentage: 19.16
Blues vs Sharks Stanley Cup Playoffs Betting Trends
- Blues are 1-4 SU in their last 5 games when playing on the road against San Jose
- Blues are 32-22 ATS when playing against a team with a winning record this season
- The total has gone UNDER in 5 of St. Louis’ last 7 games against an opponent in the Pacific division
- Sharks are 4-1 SU in their last 5 games when playing at home against St. Louis
- Sharks are 5-5-0 straight up against ST LOUIS over the last 3 seasons
- 6 of 7 games in this series have gone Under the Total over the last 3 seasons
Expert Pick & Final Score Prediction for Blues vs Sharks
The overwhelming margin of victory for the Sharks in Game 1, as well as their recent dominance of the Blues on home ice, suggests that they might be a good bet again here. While I think they go up 2-0 in the series, I think the bet here is the Blues to cover.
Score: St. Louis Blues 2 – San Jose Sharks 3
