By Greg Dempson
Pinnacle Sports: Dallas Stars +129 at St. Louis Blues -143
Dallas enters tonight’s contest at the Scottrade Center trailing 2–1 in the series, (puck drops at 8:00 ET.) Goaltending has been an issue for the Stars and as I write this late Wednesday evening, it is uncertain who will start in net for Dallas.
Vladimir Tarasenko scored 1 goal and assisted on 2 others in Tuesday’s contest. Not only has St. Louis been efficient in goals against as well as scoring seemingly at will, (4 power play goals in their last two games,) the Blues have also killed off all 11 power play opportunities when Dallas had the man advantage. It will be a daunting task to say the least as the Stars will also be without Patrick Eaves and Tyler Seguin this evening.
View From the Press Box
· Dallas is 26–08 to the over after one or more consecutive loses this season.
· St. Louis is 9–1 to the over the past two seasons after scoring 5 or more goals in their previous game.
· The Stars are 9–1 to the over this season after scoring 1 or fewer goals in their previous game.
· The Blues are 5–2 to the over in their 7 playoff games this season.
· In the second half of the season play home teams over the total when off a win by 3 goals or less vs. a division rival. This system is 26–12 = 68% to the over this season as well as 83–41 = 67% to the over the past five seasons with an average combined score of exactly 6 goals per game.
· I like the over and I bet the total early this morning with the juice was –115. Since then it has climbed up to –140 almost identical to the posted total in game 3. Would I play the over at –140? No, I would not, perhaps a beer and pizza parlay on the Stars/Blues over to team X might be something you could consider.
NHL Pick
My Every Edge Game of the Night is for the Dallas Stars and St. Louis Blues to sail over the total of 5 goals at –115.
For additional free selections and systems visit www.gregdempson.com.