This has not been a good year to be a hockey writer in the playoffs, particularly one tasked with choosing the winners of games and series. My pick to win the Stanley Cup, the Calgary Flames, is already busted, as are quite a few of the series predictions made for the opening round. I am, though, in very good company, as I am sure that there were not a lot of people who took the Lightning, Flames, and Capitals to exit in the opening round.
That is exactly what has happened, though, which means that we are left with a playoff race that any of the remaining teams can win. Things look to be particularly tight in the Western Conference, where the 4 remaining teams look to be very evenly matched. The St. Louis Blues will once again be in Dallas for Game 4 of their series against the Stars. The Blues can blow this series open with another road win after taking Game 3 on the road, but all 3 games thus far have been tight, so perhaps we can expect more of the same here. The Stars are favored by 1 ½ on home ice, with the goal total set at 5.
Blues vs Stars 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs Odds & Pick for Game 4
- When: Wednesday, May 1 at 9:30 PM EST
- Where: American Airlines Center, Dallas
- TV: NBCSN
- Radio: The Fan
- Live Stream: NHL.tv
- 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs Odds: Dallas Stars -120 (Total 5)
Islanders vs Hurricanes Stanley Cup Playoffs Game 3 Odds, Preview, and Pick
Why bet on the St. Louis Blues?
In theory, winning a playoff series is simple, especially if you have home ice advantage heading into the 7-game set. It’s all about winning each of your home games, which, if you can manage it, will lead you to the Stanley Cup. The Blues have found that this is easier said than done, as they split their 2 home games versus the Stars. The good news, though, is that they won home-ice advantage back after a thrilling 4-3 win in Dallas in Game 3.
A win here would put them very much in the driver’s seat, as it would mean heading back home with a 3-1 series lead. Given that St. Louis has won 5 of their last 6 road games, you need to like their chances, although they are just 2-4 SU in their last 6 visits to Dallas.
Team Stats
Offense- Goals: 2.99
- Shots: 31.57
- PP/PK Percentage: 21.05
Defense
- Goals: 2.73
- Shots: 28.71
- PP/PK Percentage: 18.82
Why bet on the Dallas Stars?
The Stars are sure to be more than a little disappointed after losing Game 3 on the heels of stealing away home-ice advantage on the road in St. Louis. They are now not only back to square one, but they are also in a position where a win on home ice in Game 4 is considered an absolute must, as heading back to St. Louis down 2 games is not where they want to be.
The Stars have been good in their own building, going 26-16-3, although they have not exactly been dominant in those games, going just 21-24 ATS. This is a similar predicament to the one that Dallas found themselves in when facing the Predators in Round 1. Down 2-1 in the series, the Stars rallied to win it in 6 games.
Team Stats
Offense- Goals: 2.60
- Shots: 30.91
- PP/PK Percentage: 20.90
Defense
- Goals: 2.45
- Shots: 31.81
- PP/PK Percentage: 15.97
Blues vs Stars 2019 Stanley Cup Playoffs Betting Trends
- Blues are 2-4 SU in their last 6 games when playing on the road against Dallas
- Blues are 30-19 ATS when playing against a team with a winning record this season
- The total has gone UNDER in 6 of St. Louis’ last 9 games played in May
- Stars are 29-18 ATS after allowing 4 goals or more over the last 2 seasons
- Stars are 4-2 SU in their last 6 games
- The total has gone UNDER in 10 of Dallas’ last 15 games at home
Expert Pick & Final Score Prediction for Blues vs Stars
This has the look and feel of a series that is set to go the distance, which is why I am leaning towards Dallas evening things up in Game 4 in yet another close one.
Score: St. Louis Blues 2 – Dallas Stars 3
