On February 2, 2025, the St. Louis Blues will face the Utah Hockey Club at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, UT. This matchup is crucial for both teams as they seek to improve their standings in the NHL’s Western Conference.
Current Standings and Records
As of this date:
- St. Louis Blues: 23 wins, 25 losses, 4 overtime losses (11th in Western Conference)
- Utah Hockey Club: 21 wins, 21 losses, 9 overtime losses (10th in Western Conference)
Both teams are closely matched in the standings, with only two points separating them.
Performance Metrics
St. Louis Blues
- Goals per Game: 2.73
- Goals Against: 2.80
- Power Play Percentage: 18.49%
- Penalty Kill Percentage: 60%
- Shots on Goal per Game: 26.75
- Save Percentage: 90%
Utah Hockey Club
- Goals per Game: 2.80
- Goals Against: 2.73
- Power Play Percentage: 22.70%
- Penalty Kill Percentage: 95%
- Shots on Goal per Game: 27.51
- Save Percentage: 90%
The Utah Hockey Club has shown a stronger offensive performance and significantly better special teams metrics, particularly in their penalty kill.
Recent Performances
The Blues are coming off a heavy loss to Colorado, while Utah suffered a narrow defeat to Columbus in overtime just days prior. Both teams are looking to bounce back from these setbacks.
Injury Report
St. Louis Blues
- Colton Parayko – Day-to-day (Illness)
Utah Hockey Club
- Logan Cooley – Out (Lower Body)
Cooley’s absence is significant for Utah as he ranks second on the team in points.
Projected Goaltenders
- St. Louis Blues: Jordan Binnington
- Utah Hockey Club: Connor Ingram
Home/Away Performance Analysis
St. Louis Blues
- Home Record: Not specified but historically strong.
- Away Record: Struggles noted this season.
Utah Hockey Club
- Home Record: 8 wins, 11 losses, and 5 overtime losses.
Utah has struggled at home this season despite their playoff aspirations.
Special Teams Evaluation
The effectiveness of both teams’ special teams is critical:
| Team | Power Play % | Penalty Kill % |
|---|---|---|
| St. Louis Blues | 18.49% | 60% |
| Utah Hockey Club | 22.70% | 95% |
Utah’s power play is more efficient, and their penalty kill is among the best in the league, which could be a decisive factor in this matchup.
Coaching Strategies and Line Combinations
Both coaches will need to adapt their strategies based on player availability and recent performances:
- The Blues may rely heavily on Jordan Kyrou and Robert Thomas for offensive production.
- The Utah team will depend on Clayton Keller and Nick Schmaltz to fill the scoring void left by Cooley’s absence.
Advanced Metrics
Analyzing advanced metrics such as Corsi and Fenwick can provide insights into puck possession and shot quality:
- Corsi and Fenwick numbers favor Utah due to their higher shot attempts and better possession metrics.
These metrics suggest that Utah may have more scoring opportunities if they maintain puck control.
Puck Possession Metrics
Face-off win percentages can also influence puck possession:
- Historically, both teams have had fluctuating face-off success rates; however, Utah has shown improvement recently.
Rest and Schedule Considerations
Both teams are playing after a short rest period; however, fatigue may play a role given their recent travel schedules.
Strength of Schedule
Recent opponents have been challenging for both teams; however, St. Louis has faced tougher competition overall compared to Utah.
Public Betting Trends and Line Movement
As of now:
- Moneyline for St. Louis Blues: +110 (Road Underdog)
- Moneyline for Utah Hockey Club: -130 (Home Favorite)
The puck line is set at -1.5 for Utah, with a total of 5.5 goals for the game.
Prediction Summary
Based on a comprehensive evaluation of both teams’ current form, injuries, special teams effectiveness, and advanced metrics:
Predicted Final Score
Utah Hockey Club 3 – St. Louis Blues 2
Confidence Level
Medium – Both teams are evenly matched with recent performances indicating a close contest.
Recommended Bet Type
Consider betting on the total points under (5.5) due to both teams’ recent scoring struggles and strong defensive play from Utah.
Player Props or Alternative Lines
Look for value in player props such as Clayton Keller to score at least one goal given his increased responsibility with Cooley out.
Key Matchups
Watch for how effectively the Blues can neutralize Keller’s line while leveraging Binnington’s goaltending against Utah’s power play.This matchup promises excitement as both teams fight for crucial points in the playoff race amidst their recent struggles.
