Betting On Colorado St. Louis – Blues Look To Continue Excellent Play On Home Ice Versus Avalanche

The Colorado Avalanche have surprised many of the hockey experts with their strong play of late, remaining in contention for one of the elite eight spots in the Western conference. Their next opponent has been an even bigger surprise, as the St. Louis Blues have been one of the league’s hottest teams since the hiring of Ken Hitchcock as their head coach, and are now within striking distance of first place in the conference heading in to this Saturday’s game.

Colorado Avalanche @ St. Louis Blues Saturday February 11, 2012 – 8:00 PM ET Scottrade Center, St. Louis, Missouri NHL Sportsbook Line: St. Louis Blues

While the Avalanche have treaded around the .500 mark, the Blues have become one of the top contenders with their excellent play at home one of the biggest reasons for their success. St. Louis was an incredible 22-3-4 at home this season as of Wednesday night, and will be the sports bet favorites when they host Colorado.

Betting On Colorado St. Louis Preview: Colorado Avalanche

The Avalanche have played .500 hockey on the road this season, and a big win over the Chicago Blackhawks on Tuesday helped them move even close to the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western conference. Although they have struggled to score goals at even strength, Colorado has the tenth-ranked powerplay in the NHL and their ability to fill the net on special teams has helped them remain in contention. David Jones scored twice and had three points in the win over Chicago, and the Avalanche are going to need to continue to get production from all three lines in order to have success.

Betting On Colorado St. Louis Preview: St. Louis Blues

The Blues bounced back from a shootout loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins with a 1-0 win over the Los Angeles Kings last Friday to get back on track on home ice, and after splitting a pair of road games they should be eager to return to the Scottrade Center. The tandem of Brian Elliott and Jaroslav Halak has been the best in the NHL as St. Louis is averaging just 1.9 goals against per game, although the entire team does deserve credit for its play in its own zone. The Blues are home for four of their next five games with only one of those against a team with a better record, so this represents the perfect opportunity to close the gap between them in the first-place Detroit Red Wings with Jimmy Howard out for their rivals.

Betting On Colorado St. Louis Preview: Outlook & Pick

While the Avalanche have found ways to win some tough games this season, the Blues have been an elite team on home ice, and will make it very difficult for a team that already struggles to score goals five-on-five. Some aren’t entirely sold on the idea that St. Louis can be a legitimate contender in the Western conference, but until they start losing at home it doesn’t make sense to bet against them as the sports betting favorites.