Wild vs. Blues Game 3 Stanley Cup Playoffs Odds - May 6th, 2022

Wild vs. Blues Game 3 Stanley Cup Playoffs Odds and Preview – May 6th, 2022

By Hank Blaine • May 5, 2022

The Western Conference first-round NHL playoff series between the Minnesota Wild and St. Louis Blues is tied 1-1 as it shifts to St. Louis for Game 3 on Friday. Both games have been routs so far, but we don’t expect this one to be.

Nitrobetting is ready to dish out some slick assists to get bets into the back of the net. This time, let’s break down the upcoming 2022 Stanley Cup PLayoffs matchup between the Minnesota Wild and the St. Louis Blues. Be sure to be on the lookout for updated NHL odds at our online Bitcoin sportsbook before placing your bets.

Wild vs. Blues Game 3 Information

When: Friday, May 6, 2021, 9:30 PM ET
Where: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
TV: TNT, SN360, TVAS2, BSMW, BSN, BSWIX
Radio: KOOL 108 FM (Wild) // NewsRadio 1120 KMOX (Blues)
Live Stream: NHL Live
NHL Betting Odds: Wild (+100) / Blues (-110)

Why Bet on the Minnesota Wild?

After the Blues dominated the Wild with a 4-0 victory in Game 1 in the Twin Cities, many thought that Wild coach Dean Evason might switch out goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury for Cam Talbot, who was spectacular down the stretch of the regular season. However, Evason stayed with the future Hall of Famer Fleury in Game 2 and it paid off in a 6-2 victory.

Two nights after not scoring a goal and being shut out for just the second time all season, the Wild opened up a four-goal lead just 51 seconds into the second period. While the Minnesota special teams were terrible in Game 1, those units scored twice with the man advantage and the PK was much improved, killing off the first two Blues power plays as well as the final two, all at critical junctures.

“We took a lot of heat for our special teams, right, and they were real good obviously tonight,” Evason said. “Our first shot obviously goes in, was a big key for us.”

After setting the Wild record for most goals (47), assists (61) and points (108) in a season, Kirill Kaprizov became the first player in franchise history to score a playoff hat trick. Kaprizov scored on a power-play in the first period to give his team a 3-0 lead in the final minute of the period. After St. Louis pulled 4-2, the 25-year-old former Calder Trophy winner responded with two goals in the third to complete the hat trick. He finished with a plus-2 rating and five shots on goal.

Joel Eriksson Ek had two goals and an assist as he and Kaprizov became the second set of Wild teammates to each record three points in a postseason contest. The only other instance was Game 7 of the 2017 first round, when Kyle Brodziak, Nino Niederreiter and Dany Heatley did it.

The Wild’s six goals tied for the second most in a game in franchise history (also Game 3 of 2018 R1), behind a seven-goal performance in Game 5 of the 2003 conference semifinals.

Fleury stopped 32-of-34 shots in the bounce-back performance. His career postseason record improved to 91-71 with a .912 save percentage. The Blues became the 18th different franchise Fleury has earned a win against in a best-of-seven playoff series, which stands as the second most in NHL history behind only Patrick Roy (20). Fleury’s 91 playoff wins are one shy of tying Grant Fuhr (92) for third on the NHL’s all-time list.

After being so good in Game 1, Blues goaltender allowed five goals on 27 shots in Game 2, but he’s expected to start Game 3. The opener was his first-ever playoff start and he was looking to become only the fourth goaltender in Blues history with consecutive shutouts in the postseason: Brent Johnson (3 GP in 2001-02), Jacques Plante (2 GP in 1968-69) and Curtis Joseph (2 GP in 1992-93).

Why Bet on the St. Louis Blues?

The Blues played Game 2 without top defenseman Nick Leddy and then lost defenseman Robert Bortuzzo in the game. Leddy He suffered his injury in Game 1 after he was hit awkwardly into the boards by Minnesota’s Matt Boldy. Niko Mikkola took his spot in the lineup. Bortuzzo took a puck off his head after he went down to block a shot in the first period of Game 2.

Coach Craig Berube’s club was already without Marco Scandella, who has a lower-body injury. Scandella practiced Wednesday but didn’t play in Game 2. Earlier in the day, Berube said there was no timetable for his return.

Asked if there was any expectation that Leddy, Bortuzzo or Scandella could be back Friday, Berube replied, “Yeah, there’s always expectation or belief. We’ll see how they are.”

If none of the three blueliners can play, the Blues may be looking at a call-up from the Springfield Thunderbirds, their American Hockey League affiliate. Steven Santini, Tyler Tucker and Tommy Cross could be candidates, but none have played in the NHL this season.

Wild vs. Blues Betting Trends

Wild are 6-1 in their last 7 after scoring 5 goals or more in their previous game.
Wild are 45-19 in their last 64 after allowing 2 goals or less in their previous game.
The total went over in 4 of Minnesota’s last 6 games on the road.
Blues are 9-2 in their last 11 games as a favorite.
Blues are 20-8 in their last 28 games as a home favorite.
The total webt over in 5 of St. Louis’ last 6 games.

Wild vs. Blues Expert Betting Predictions

Blues 4, Wild 3.

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