This series just got a lot more interesting after what happened in game three. The two teams entered game three tied in the series at one a piece. After St. Louis took the early 1-0 lead, but it quickly turned in Colorado’s favor after Jordan Binnington left early due to a nasty hit by Nazem Kadri. Binnington will not return in this series which is a huge blow for St. Louis.
Colorado holds the 2-1 advantage but they lost a player of their own in game three as well. Samuel Girard took a hit early in the game from Ivan Barbashev and had to be rushed to the hospital. Girard suffered a broken sternum on the play and is out for the remainder of the season.
Game four practically becomes a must-win game for the St. Louis Blues tonight. They have typically struggled in past game three’s at home but have a chance to rebound tonight in game four. St. Louis was able to overcome a hurt roster in the first round in game four, can they steal a game tonight and head back to Colorado for the chance to win it at home in game six? Let’s have a look at both teams and how they stack up against each other so you can continue betting against the NHL Playoffs Odds.
Stanley Cup Playoffs: Second Round: Colorado Avalanche vs St. Louis Blues Analysis
Colorado Avalanche Notes
The entirety of game three was very odd for the Avalanche. They lost Girard early in the game and fell behind 1-0 after a goal by Colton Parayko. Logan O’Connor scored a goal that was very close to offsides but St. Louis decided not to challenge the play.
After a hit that some consider nasty and some consider a regular play on the puck, Nazem Kadri found himself at the center of attention yet again. Is the situation heightened because of his past and what happened last season in the first round series? Possibly, but both sides most definitely have a reason to be upset.
It is odd that for a guy who claims to not be a dirty player and such, always finds himself in situations like this. What should happen though is the threats that Kadri is receiving. The St. Louis Police have been involved with Kadri and the Colorado team in the last day to help.
There is no place for that in life and especially in hockey. Colorado will have their hands full tonight.
St. Louis Blues Notes
After shining in game one of the first round, Ville Husso has struggled for the St. Louis Blues. He lost games two and three in the first round with bad performances. It led to him being benched for Binnington and Binnington has played like his old self.
Husso will have to answer the bell yet again with Binnington done for the series. Charlie Lindgren has been called up due to emergency situations. Lindgren played in five games this season for the Blues and won all five starts.
If things continue to trend in the wrong direction for Husso, do not be surprised to see Craig Berube make a switch to Lindgren.
St. Louis has to find their offense again after it was pretty well nonexistent on Saturday night. Vladimir Tarasenko and Pavel Buchnevich continue to run hot and cold in the postseason. They will have to be big in game four for the Blues to have a chance in the series.
St. Louis Blues vs Colorado Avalanche Odds and Lines
- Spread: Colorado -1.5
- Money Line: Colorado -160 / St. Louis +140
- Over/Under: 6.5
