Monday in the NHL brings a nice 5-game slate to hockey fans. Among those games, Ducks vs Blues has plenty of intrigue — the Ducks want to avoid 2 losses in as many nights, while the Blues are really needing to build on just their second 2-game winning streak of the year. The pure matchup and recent forms make for an entertaining one between Anaheim and St. Louis.
If you will be tuning in and want to have some action, here are a few betting markets that may be worth considering — with lines and odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook at the time of writing. Also be sure to check out all of our NHL predictions for every game throughout the season.
Ducks ML (+130)
Over 6.5 (+105)
Chris Kreider Over 0.5 points (-110)
NHL parlay odds: +495
Ducks ML (+130)
The Blues enter tonight having won consecutive games for just the second time this season. But they have been the epitome of inconsistency, which makes it tough to click their -155 against a Ducks team that has been far more successful this year. The Ducks are 15-9-1, and their 31 points are still good for the most in the Pacific Division.
The Ducks rank second in the NHL in goals scored per game. Their powerplay is ranked just 16th at 20%. But both offensive metrics are superior to the Blues, who rank 29th in goals scored per game, 26th in goals allowed per game and 26th on the penalty kill. Anaheim has 3 players with double-digit goals, 3 players averaging more than a point per game and 6 guys with 18+ points. The Blues have zero players that check a single one of those boxes. Look for the Ducks to bounce back from a frustrating loss in Chicago last night with a win in St. Louis. The plus money only gives the pick better value.
Over 6.5 (+105)
High totals were very common in Blues games earlier this season. They have been more common in Ducks games of late. The over has hit in 5 out of the Ducks’ last 6 games as part of a 15-10 over/under record on the year. The over is also 8-5 in Anaheim road games on the year. High totals have largely been due to Anaheim’s strong scoring ability and weaker goal prevention. Not much has changed of late.
The Ducks rank 23rd in the NHL in goals allowed per game. That general weakness combined with their strength of goal scoring gives every game total over a good look. They have either scored or allowed 4+ goals in 5 out of their last 6 outings. The Blues have been very volatile this year, and playing a strong offensive team like the Ducks could force St. Louis to take some risks just to keep pace in the game.
Chris Kreider over 0.5 points (-110)
The Blues have been a very favorable opponent this year, primarily for highly productive teams like the Ducks. Despite stronger performances lately, St. Louis still ranks near the bottom of the league in goals allowed per game because of how awful it was for the majority of this young season. It remains to be seen which version of this team is the real version. Regardless, the Blues are still a team to target for team or player props of the opposition.
In a game during which Anaheim could really flex its goal-scoring prowess, Chris Kreider has solid odds to get on the score sheet. Kreider is on Anaheim’s second line and top powerplay. He has 12 goals and 18 points in 21 games played, including a team-leading 6 powerplay goals. The Ducks’ top line has a combined 92 points in 75 games played this year. They will draw a lot of attention from St. Louis’ top players. That leaves the door open for Kreider and his line to continue their productivity, themselves. Getting even money for Kreider to tally a point has appeal.
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