Welcome to a Sunday edition of NHL Predictions! A week from today, we will be tuning in to Super Bowl LIX. As we wait one more week for the big game, the NHL gives us plenty of hockey to enjoy. Sunday has nine games of NHL action to enjoy. For this installment, we are going to look at the St. Louis Blues and Utah Hockey Club game.
NHL Predictions
St. Louis Blues vs. Utah Hockey Club
Time: 7:00 P.M. Eastern Time
TV: FanDuel Sports Midwest, Utah16
Head-to-Head; Utah 2-0
Utah has won the first two matchups of the year against the Blues, each by a 4-2 final. The two teams will meet this season on Sunday for the third of four games. It will be the last matchup played in Utah. The remaining one will be played in St. Louis in April when both teams conclude their season against one another.
Blues Season of Hope Sliding Away
After missing the playoffs in back-to-back seasons, the Blues gave fans reason for cautious optimism. With the emergence of new faces, the hiring of Jim Montgomery, and production from the usual faces, the Blues entered January in a good spot in the playoff race. However, January proved that the Blue Note is just too inconsistent to be considered a serious playoff contender. The front office also seems to have realized that, which is highlighted by their decision to part ways with Brandon Saad.
So, with a new month upon us, what should fans watch for? While the team is still within striking distance of the playoffs, it would be wise not to set high expectations. However, that does not mean the remainder of the season will not be exciting. The Blues will get younger guys into the lineup more to see what they can provide for the team. Should the team look to trade other veterans, like Radek Faksa and/or Ryan Suter, that will open up more opportunities to see the youth suit up for the Blue Note. No, it will not be as exciting as a playoff chase, but there can be hope in seeing the end of the retool on the horizon. We cannot see that horizon yet, but by April, it may be there.
Utah Starts February on a Losing Streak
The Hockey Club, which is very close to getting an official team name, is hopeful it can make the playoffs in its first season in Utah. However, it enters the new month on a losing streak. The Hockey Club has lost three games in a row. As a result, it is six points out of the playoff picture. That could increase to eight, depending on the outcome of the Detroit/Calgary game on Saturday night.
However, some good news has emerged amid the losing streak. The Utah defence is getting healthy, which has not been the case for most of the season. John Marino recently came back from injury. He has played well on both sides of the ice and has helped provide much-needed stability for the defensive core. This can be the first step in the Hockey Club getting back on track.
Prediction
Both teams are on losing streaks. However, the Blues have not looked too good in their last two games. In addition, Utah has had the Blues number all season. That trend continues Sunday.
Utah wins, 4-2, because why not stick to the trend?
Prop Bets
The over/under is set at 5.5 goals. We are taking the over with six total games.
For anytime-scorers, we like forward Clayton Keller for Utah. For the Blues, we like defenceman Colton Parayko.
Main Photo: Christopher Crevelin- Imagn Images
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The post NHL Predictions: February 2nd St. Louis Blues Vs. Utah Hockey Club appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.