Stars vs Blues Odds, Picks, and Predictions Tonight: Back Oettinger and the Playoff Bound Stars

There is a Central Division tilt set to kick off Wednesday night’s NHL doubleheader on TNT with the sixth-place St. Louis Blues hosting the second-place Dallas Stars.

This is the first leg of a two-game that's set to close out the season between these divisional foes as Dallas looks to build upon its 4-1 victory over St. Louis earlier this season.

Will the Stars take care of business once again, or can the Blues pull off the upset on home ice? Find out in our free NHL picks and predictions for Stars vs. Blues on  April 12.

Stars vs Blues best odds

Stars vs Blues picks and predictions

Entering this contest in tremendous form, the Dallas Stars have won four straight games and six of their last seven. This trend is likely to continue in a matchup against the lowly St. Louis Blues, a team that punted on the season at the trade deadline after shipping out both Vladimir Tarasenko and Ryan O’Reilly.

Projected to start between the pipes for the Stars in this contest is goaltender Jake Oettinger, who is putting together another dominant campaign. Through 61 appearances in the crease this season, Oettinger is 36-11-11 with a .918 SV% and 2.41 GAA.

Dallas’ netminder enters this game in particularly great form. Over his past seven starts, Oettinger is 6-1 with a commanding .934 SV% and 1.65 GAA. Based on his underlying metrics, regression is unlikely for the 24-year-old. Among starting goaltenders, Oettinger ranks 12th in goals saved above expected per 60 minutes (GSAx/60) at 5-on-5.

Across the ice, goaltender Jordan Binnington is projected to start in the crease for St. Louis. It has been a particularly tough year for Binnington, who is 27-26-6 with a .892 SV% and 3.35 GAA through 60 appearances between the pipes.

Among starting goaltenders, he ranks 20th in GSAx/60 at 5-on-5. Not only do the Stars boast the advantage in net, but they are also far better both offensively and defensively.

At 5-on-5 this season, Dallas ranks 16th in the league in expected goals for per 60 minutes (xGF/60) and seventh in expected goals against per 60 minutes (xGA/60). Meanwhile, the Blues rank just 25th in xGF/60 and 26th in xGA/60 at 5-on-5.

Dallas is the superior club on special teams as well, boasting a Top-10 mark in both PP% and PK%. On the other hand, St. Louis ranks near the bottom of the league in both of those categories.

With the better offense, defense, goaltender, and special teams, back the better team to take care of business in this matchup.

My best bet: Stars moneyline (-165 at DraftKings)

Stars vs Blues moneyline analysis

Oettinger’s dominant play in net is likely to continue against the Blues, a team he typically dominates. Across two career starts against St. Louis, the Stars netminder boasts a .923 SV% and 2.53 GAA.

For those more inclined to risk or do not wish to lay the juice on the moneyline, taking Dallas at -1.5 (+155) is also a tremendous play to make. Of St. Louis’ last 22 losses, 17 have come by at least a two-goal differential.

Dallas possesses the motivation to secure an easy two points in this contest, considering that it is still in the hunt for the first seed in the Central. Personally, I think –165 is worth the squeeze, especially considering the Blues are playing their home finale in this matchup.

Stars vs Blues Over/Under analysis

I would lean towards the Under in this contest, given that Dallas is elite defensively and boasts one of the league’s best netminders.

The Stars’ offense is obviously also strong, but their strength is definitely on the back end. While St. Louis is better offensively than it is defensively, I'll still take the Under because I have faith in putting trust in Oettinger and the Stars’ blue line. 

Stars vs Blues betting trend to know

The Stars have won four straight games and six of their last seven. Find more NHL betting trends for Stars vs. Blues.

Stars vs Blues game info

Stars vs Blues key injuries

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