St. Louis Blues vs Ny Islanders Picks and Predictions October 17th 2024

Blues Look to Snap Two-Game Skid as They Host Islanders

The St. Louis Blues are looking to get back on track and end their two-game losing streak when they face the New York Islanders on Thursday night. The Blues, now 2-2 on the season, are still searching for some consistency, while the Islanders, sitting at 1-1-1, are beginning to find their groove with an upgraded forward group.

Islanders’ New Additions Making an Impact

The Islanders shook things up in the offseason, adding some serious speed and firepower with winger Anthony Duclair and Russian forward Maxim Tsyplakov. Both players have quickly made their mark, making New York’s top two lines even more dangerous.

Anthony Duclair has already tallied two goals and an assist, playing alongside center Bo Horvat and playmaker Mathew Barzal. This trio is attracting plenty of defensive attention but continues to find ways to produce.

The Islanders’ second line has been equally impressive. Maxim Tsyplakov has fit right in with veteran winger Kyle Palmieri and center Brock Nelson, scoring a goal and adding an assist. Nelson has been especially impressed with Tsyplakov’s smooth transition to the NHL, despite the challenges of adjusting to a new league and language.

Blues Searching for Offensive Consistency

On the other side, the St. Louis Blues are trying to clean up their defensive game and generate a more consistent offense after a rocky start. The Blues have found themselves chasing games, falling behind by multiple goals in all four matchups this season. Their last two losses, including a 4-1 defeat to the Minnesota Wild, have been frustrating.

Coach Drew Bannister is still optimistic, pointing out some solid stretches of play but recognizing that the team lost momentum late in the Minnesota game, particularly after a deflating third-period goal.

Defenseman Justin Faulk called for better puck management, especially in transition. The Blues had two goals disallowed against Minnesota, adding to their frustration, but forward Jordan Kyrou sees positives in the team’s aggressive play: “We were fast, aggressive, attacking the net, and I like that part of our game.”

Key Matchups to Watch

1. Islanders’ Top Line vs. Blues’ Defense

The combination of Duclair, Horvat, and Barzal has been dangerous, and St. Louis will need to tighten up defensively to limit their chances. The Blues have struggled to contain fast-paced offensive units, so this matchup will be critical.

2. Brock Nelson Line vs. Blues’ Transition Game

New York’s second line, led by Brock Nelson, will test the Blues’ ability to move the puck through the neutral zone without turning it over. St. Louis must improve their transition game to prevent giving up scoring opportunities to New York’s balanced offense.

3. Blues’ Offensive Execution

St. Louis has created chances but hasn’t finished them consistently. With disallowed goals and missed opportunities piling up, Jordan Kyrou, Robert Thomas, and the rest of the offense need to sharpen their finishing touch to take advantage of scoring chances.

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Game Outlook

Both the Blues and the Islanders are still figuring things out early in the season, but New York’s depth and balanced scoring across their top two lines could pose a challenge for a Blues team that’s struggled defensively. Playing at home gives the Blues extra motivation to end their skid, but they’ll need to avoid the mistakes that have been costly in recent games.

Prediction: Islanders 4, Blues 3

The Islanders’ improved depth and offensive balance may be too much for the Blues to handle, especially with St. Louis’ defensive issues. If the Blues can clean up their transition game and finish their scoring chances, they could keep things close. However, the Islanders’ form and ability to roll multiple effective lines give them a slight edge in this matchup.