Expert Hockey Forecasts: Opinions on Matchups for Friday, May 2
Twitter Facebook Email ## NHL Predictions: Game 6 of Winnipeg Jets vs. St. Louis Blues, May 2
Here's a lowdown on the must-watch hockey action tonight!
Winnipeg Jets at St. Louis Blues (-115, 5.5)
Game Six (Winnipeg trails series 3-2)
8 p.m. ET
Mark Scheifele, the Jets' captain and top playoff scorer, is out of tonight's Game Six due to an upper body injury sustained in Game Five. The team's leading scorer in the regular season (39 goals, 87 points) won't be traveling with the squad 2. The injury occurred following a hit from the Blues' Brayden Schenn, though the cause remains undisclosed 2.
Coach Jim Montgomery of the Blues disputed the incident, claiming Scheifele was injured earlier by Radek Faksa's hit 1. Jets coach Scott Arniel dismissed Montgomery’s comments as medically unfounded, criticizing Faksa's hit as reckless and expressing frustration over referees not reviewing the play 1.
The Jets dominated play in their 5-3 victory Wednesday night in Game Five, with Connor Hellebuyck being solid between the pipes 1. However, Hellebuyck has struggled on the road in the playoffs, with just one win in his last nine games 1. He has given up three or more goals eight times, four or more goals seven times, and five or more five times in that stretch 1.
Despite the roster shakeup, we're still all over the Blues team total at Over 2.5 goals 1. The first period Over has been profitable in this series, with both teams finding the back of the net in the first period in four of the five games 1. We'll also continue to ride the trend of playing the third period pre-game Over 2 goals and live with Over 1.5 goals when we have games involving a clinching scenario 1.
Expect a competitive matchup despite the injury. The game is scheduled for Friday in St. Louis, with the Jets battling to clinch their first playoff series since 2021 2.
Extra Insights:
- The Jets must compensate for Scheifele's absence through depth scoring 2.
- Jim Montgomery disputed the injury cause, blaming an earlier hit by Radek Faksa 1.
- Jets coach Scott Arniel emphasized concerns about physical play in the series with the NHL, hinting at heightened scrutiny in Game 6 1.
Related Articles:
- Expert Picks on Thursday, May 1
- Expert Picks on Wednesday, April 30
- Expert Picks on Tuesday, April 29
- The absence of Mark Scheifele, Winnipeg Jets' top scorer, leaves expert picks questioning the team's ability to compensate for the void in Game Six due to his upper body injury.
- With Jets' captain Scheifele out, on-lookers anticipate the return of Kyle Connor Ehlers to step up and carry the offensive load for the Jets against the St. Louis Blues in the NHL playoffs.
- Despite the absence of key players and roster shuffles, sports analysts predict a competitive matchup between the Winnipeg Jets and the St. Louis Blues in Game Six, with indications of a tight contest based on the Jets' dominance during their 5-3 victory in Game Five.
- As the Jets battle to clinch their first playoff series since 2021, many in the hockey community are keeping a closer eye on the physical play in Game Six, following Jets coach Scott Arniel's comments about concerns over how the series is being officiated.
