Welcome to another edition of NHL Predictions! Each day we go around the league and look at key games. We talk about the key stories heading into the game and give our prediction. Last but not least, we give our opinion as to who you should consider placing a prop bet on. Today’s prediction takes us to the home of the 2024 Stanley Cup Champions. The Florida Panthers are hosting the St. Louis Blues.
NHL Predictions
St. Louis Blues vs. Florida Panthers
Time: 7:00 Eastern Time
TV: FanDuel Sports Network Midwest, Scripps Sports
The Blues and Panthers meet Friday for the first time this season. Last year, the teams split the season series with the road team winning each game.
There is not much history between the Blues and Panthers. The biggest story between the two teams was the Matthew Tkachuk trade rumours in the summer of 2022. When it was made known that Tkachuk would be traded by the Calgary Flames, Blues fans hoped the son of Blues legend Keith Tkachuk would be coming to St. Louis. However, it was not to be as the Flames traded Tkachuk to the Panthers. In the two seasons since the trade, the Panthers have reached the Stanley Cup Final twice, winning it in 2024. The Blues, meanwhile, have failed to reach the playoffs.
Blues Continue Road Trip
The Blue Note continue their three-game road trip. Furthermore, they are playing their second of back-to-back games in Florida after visiting Tampa Bay on Thursday. With Jordan Binnington getting the start in Tampa, we can expect Joel Hofer to get the nod against the defending champs. The Blue Note have played in a few back-to-backs lately.
While we have seen some lineup changes, there is constant we have seen that has worked. That is the team using Alexey Toropchenko on the second line. According to the projected lines for Thursday posted to X by Blues insider Jeremy Rutherford, that trend will continue on Thursday. As a result, we can assume will see Toropchenko , a usual bottom-six forward, on the second line Friday. The 25-year old has provided a physical presence as well as chipping in on offence with a few assists. It will be interesting to see if Toropchenko can continue to be a productive member of the second line.
Defending Champs on Goal-Scoring Kick
The Panthers have had no trouble putting the biscuit in the basket this week. In two games this week, the Panthers have scored 12 goals combined, six in each game. This includes a 6-5 win on Monday in a Stanley Cup rematch with the Edmonton Oilers. Matthew Tkachuk has scored three goals over two games. while former Blues defenceman Niko Mikkola has scored twice.
The Panthers have had a strong title-defence season. They are second in the Atlantic Division. The Panthers are looking to be the first team since the Tampa Bay Lightning to reach the Stanley Cup Final in three-straight seasons. They are also looking to be the first team since the Lightning to win back-to-back Stanley Cups.
Prediction
Joel Hofer has played really well in net for the Blues. Assuming he gets the start on Friday, it will be interesting to see if he can continue his strong play against the defending champs. In fact, we are going to go extreme with our prediction and predict Hofer shuts out the defending champs in their own arena.
Blues win, 3-0.
Prop Bets
The over/under for goals is set at 5.5 goals. We are taking the under with three combined goals.
While we are predicting a Blues shutout, we will still give you an anytime scorer for the Panthers just in case. We are picking Matthew Tkachuk. For the Blues, we are going to choose Alexey Toropchenko to continue to find success on the second line and find the back of the net.
Please play responsibly, check for your local rules and age restrictions, some jurisdictions require ages 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Main Photo: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images
The post NHL Predictions: December 20th St. Louis Blues Vs. Florida Panthers appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.