The St. Louis Blues continue their Western Canada road trip tonight in a showdown with the Edmonton Oilers. The Blues are coming off a 4-3 win in Vancouver on Wednesday. They make a trip to Calgary following tonight's game. The Blues are currently 3rd in the Central Division, 4 points behind Minnesota. St. Louis is in danger of falling into a Wild Card spot, however, as Nashville is 1 point behind them. The Blues would prefer a division spot instead of a Wild Card spot, to avoid a Matchup with Caglary or Colorado in the first round so this is a big weekend for this Blues club. The Edmonton Oilers finish up a quick 3 game homestand tonight, they have notched wins against the Kings and Coyotes on this homestand and have won 8 straight home games, outscoring their opponents 42-19. The Oilers currently hold the 3rd spot in the Pacific Division, 3 points behind Los Angeles and 3 points up on Vegas.
This is the 3rd meeting of the season between these teams, the Oilers took the first meeting by a 5-4 score and the Blues took the 2nd meeting 4-2, both games were in St. Louis. On the road this season, where overs are 15-15, the Blues are averaging 3.38 goals per game, which is 5th most in the league. St. Louis has the best road power play, clicking at 28.9%. St Louis has scored power play goals in each of their last 4 road games, totaling 6 goals. The Blues are somewhat stingy on the road as they allow 2.97 goals per game and have the 4th best penalty kill at 82.8%.
At home this season, where overs are 21-12, the Oilers are averaging 3.59 goals per game, 7th best. Their home power play is 4th best at a 27.5% clip. Edmonton has scored power play goals in 7 of their last 8 home games. The Oilers are allowing 3.21 goals per game at home, where they have the 4th worst penalty kill at 72.8%.
Even though both teams need this game, I still like the over tonight. If the Blues go with Binnington, that would be an added bonus. I described both teams' hot power plays and like the value of getting at least 2 PPGs tonight.
