This is the final matchup of Round 1. Monday jumps right into the second round.
However, first. St. Louis and Winnipeg battle after 7:00 pm ET on TBS/MAX. Let’s jump right into this!
St. Louis Blues vs. Winnipeg Jets Pick for Game 7
One of the first things we must point out is the home dominance. However, St. Louis has played better on the road than Winnipeg. The numbers do not lie.
- The home team has covered in five of the six games ATS.
- The winning team has scored 5+ goals in all but Game 2.
- Nikolaj Ehlers is returning to the lineup, and likely Mark Scheifele too.
This has been one of the most predictable series in recent memory, yet there feels like a twist is coming. However, is that a case of overthinking? Look at Dallas last night. The over hit literally at the last moment. Dallas came back from 2-0 to win 4-2. Mikko Rantanen had a hat trick and an assist in the final period. Chaos is a Game 7.
Now, the crazy irony of all this is as follows. Many believe Jim Montgomery was canned because of his series losses to Florida in 2023 and 2024. Scott Arniel micronmanaged this season to a fault. One of these teams will face a very motivated Dallas Stars team in Round 2.
As we mentioned above, Winnipeg is getting healthier at the right time. No one is sure how Nikolaj Ehlers will play. Again, Mark Scheifele trending toward a return never hurts. If Scheifele plays, the MTS Centre (now Canada Life) will pop.
Game 7 becomes a different animal where heroes appear out of nowhere. Saturday night was Exhibit A more for the latter. Here we go again. Take Winnipeg to come out flying and cover late.
Game 7 Best Bet: Winnipeg Jets -1.5 goals +170 via DraftKings.
Propping Up Winnipeg And St. Louis
Naturally, Game 7 figures to be lower-scoring. With both teams a bundle of nerves, even Dallas and Colorado started scoreless through 20 and 1-0 after 40. The game did not end that way, as the teams combined for six goals. Yes, it felt like a bit of a Christmas miracle in May.
One thing has been how well Connor Hellebuyck has played at home in the regular season. He has gone 3-0 in the playoffs, but has also yielded seven goals. Taking a risk that Winnipeg will try to outscore their shortcomings is dangerous. However, space may be almost zero, but the feeling is to expect more mistakes and goals eventually.
The other problem is the sweat. Anyone who bets or watches games knows that a contest can change instantly. This only gets amplified in a Game 7. Colorado and Dallas came out flat, but Winnipeg will try to make a statement early.
This is why taking Winnipeg to get to three shots first works here. At the current number, the thought process was that this should easily be -160 or even -165. Granted, the Blues have held their own in Winnipeg. Ultimately, the result has been the same. Again, exploring and researching smaller props is okay at the right price.
Prop Bets: Winnipeg and St. Louis over 5.5 goals (+144 via FanDuel), Winnipeg first to three shots on goal (-136 via FanDuel)
The Game 7 200-Foot Bet
Sunday’s Game 7 allows us one opportunity to go way outside the norms with a wager that could be something to bet a dollar or two on.
Now, Winnipeg scored five times in Game 1 and Game 5. Expecting them to score five times in Game 7 is a stretch, but four may not be out of the question. Taking them to win by two goals is viable, and an exact 4-2 score gets +2000 odds.
Good luck this Sunday night!
200-Foot Bet: Winnipeg to defeat St. Louis 4-2 (+2000 via Caesars)
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