Can we start this preview off by saying we aren’t surprised by the dominance of the Colorado Avalanche in Game 1? Let’s be honest, it was going to be hard for the former Stanley Cup champs to take down the number one team in the NHL. Not impossible, but definitely hard. Hence the result of the first game being 4-1.

With a five-game win streak, the Avalanche are looking to cement their dominance not only in the rankings, but in the playoffs as well. The Blues come into the battle with a three straight win streak. No doubt these two will duke it our roughly on Monday night. It’s time to dive into in this game!

NitroBetting news goes over the highlights of the upcoming game, including recent team form, the latest NHL odds, betting trends, and betting predictions, all of which are geared to help you lock in those winning picks. Don’t forget to check out more Hockey betting odds and lines at our online BTC sportsbook before placing your bets!

Avalanche vs. Blues Game 2 Information

• When: Wednesday, May 19, 2021, 10:30 PM ET
• Where: Enterprise Center, St. Louis, Missouri
• TV: NBS, SN1, TVAS, ALT, BSMW
• Radio: (Avalanche Altitude Sports 950 AM) / (Blues KMOX Radio 1120 AM)
• Live Stream: NHL Live
• NHL Betting Odds: Colorado Avalanche (-323) / OU: 5.5

READ MORE: Jets vs. Oilers NHL Playoffs Odds and Game 1 Preview — May 19th, 2021

Why Bet on the Colorado Avalanche?

Besides finishing the regular season as the top team of the NHL, they also took the first spot in the rankings for shot attempt share, 5 on 5 goal differential and goal rate. Another interesting fact, none of the players have posted an xG rate of below 52%. Considering that for a moment, the pretty much had every part of the ice rink dominated in Game 1.

Looking at the top players, we have to mention Nathan MacKinnon, who got two goals and an assist in the first bout. He, along with others like Mikko Rantanen and Gabriel Landeskog were able to obtain a 73.5% goal rate in the top line with just 13 minutes of game time. As for the defense, Devon Toews and Cale Makar had the net well protected, obtaining an xG of 82.3%. Again, if there’s one word for the Avalanche, it’s dominance.

Why Bet on the St. Louis Blues?

If we take a quick look at some of the stats from the Blues during the regular season, it’s very clear there’s no point of comparison. They were second lowest total of the playoff teams with 63 points, ranked 24th in shot attempt share and 27th in expected goal rate. They need to bring some power to the offense if they expect to bring trouble to Colorado. The loss of David Perron due to COVID-19 protocol brought a toll of the front line.

Even though their top star isn’t there, they have top scorers in Mike Hoffman, Brayden Schenn and Ryan O’ Reilly, plus playoff veterans like Jayden Schwartz and Vladimir Tarsenko could provide the push the need to tie the series. If they can somehow make a plan that can swerve the Colorado defense, they might just have a chance.

Avalanche vs. Blues Betting Trends

• The Avalanche 6-0 SU in the last 6 games.
• The Avalanche are 7-1 SU in the last 8 games when playing at home against St. Louis.
• The total went UNDER in 5 of Colorado’s last 7 games.
• The Blues 1-4 SU in the last 5 games on the roads.
• The Blues 3-9 SU in the last 12 games against Colorado.
• The total went UNDER in 4 of St. Louis’ last 5 games.

Avalanche vs. Blues Expert Betting Predictions

Honestly, it’s hard to see the Blues coming out of this one. There’s so much pressure on them, the fact they’re playing home could make it even worse. If they lose, they have to head to Colorado and hope not to lose the other two games. The only way St. Louis can survive is beating the Avalanche in their own game, with obliterating offense. Will they have the strength to pull through? We’ll find out tonight in Game 2!

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*All odds stated are subject to change without prior notice.