Colorado Avalanche vs St. Louis Blues Picks and Predictions January 31st 2025

Two Teams Searching for Answers

The St. Louis Blues (23-24-4) and Colorado Avalanche (29-21-2) are both in the midst of challenging stretches as they prepare to clash on Friday night in Denver. With both teams struggling to find consistency, roster moves and lineup adjustments could play a key role in determining the outcome.

For St. Louis, a three-game losing streak has pushed them further from the Western Conference playoff picture. Meanwhile, Colorado has won just four of its past 10 games (4-5-1), a stark contrast to the form that made them a top Stanley Cup contender earlier this season.

Blues Reshaping Roster for a Playoff Push

The Blues have struggled offensively, scoring two or fewer goals in four of their last five games. In response, they’ve started to reshape their roster, parting ways with veteran forward Brandon Saad, who tallied just seven goals and nine assists in 43 games this season.

“Right now, the cap is tight, and obviously, statistically, he’s not having a great year,” Blues general manager Doug Armstrong said. “If we could find a match, we would try.”

St. Louis also recently dealt defenseman Scott Perunovich to the New York Islanders, signaling a shift toward building around their young core.

That group includes Jordan Kyrou (21 goals, 21 assists), Dylan Holloway (16 goals, 22 assists), and Robert Thomas (12 goals, 24 assists), all 26 years old or younger. If the Blues want to stay in the playoff hunt, these players must step up in the absence of veterans like Saad.

Colorado Adjusting After Trading Mikko Rantanen

The Avalanche are also dealing with significant roster changes, having made one of the biggest trades of the season by sending Mikko Rantanen, their leading goal scorer, to the Carolina Hurricanes.

Colorado received Martin Necas and Jack Drury in return, and both have made an immediate impact. Drury has scored twice in three games with the Avalanche, while Necas has chipped in four assists.

“We thought we played three solid games on the road and only won one,” coach Jared Bednar said following the team’s 1-2-0 East Coast trip. “That’s getting a little old for me. Ultimately, we’ve got to do a better job converting on some of our chances.”

Colorado still has Nathan MacKinnon, the NHL’s points leader with 78 (19 goals, 59 assists), and Cale Makar, who ranks second among defensemen with 56 points (18 goals, 38 assists). However, they’re missing key depth pieces.

Forward Valeri Nichushkin remains out with a lower-body injury and isn’t expected back until after the 4 Nations Face-Off. Oliver Kylington, out since late November, could return soon, which would be a boost for the defense.

Key Matchups to Watch

1. Blues’ Young Core vs. Avalanche’s Transitioning Offense

With Saad gone, St. Louis will rely even more on its rising stars. Can Kyrou and Thomas carry the offensive load against an Avalanche team still adjusting to its new top-six forwards?

2. Special Teams Battle

Both teams have had issues converting power-play opportunities and killing penalties. The team that can capitalize with the man advantage may have the upper hand.

3. Goaltending Duel

Jordan Binnington (Blues) and Alexandar Georgiev (Avalanche) will need to be sharp in a game where both teams have struggled defensively. Georgiev, in particular, has been inconsistent in recent weeks.

What’s at Stake?

For St. Louis, this game is critical to keeping pace in the Western Conference playoff race. A fourth straight loss would push them further behind in the wild-card standings.

For Colorado, this marks their first home game since the Rantanen trade. The Avalanche need to show they can still be a dominant force in the West without their former star winger.

Final Prediction

The Blues are in transition, while the Avalanche are still adapting to their new-look lineup. With the home-ice advantage and MacKinnon leading the charge, expect Colorado to snap its slump with a close victory.

Final Score Prediction: Avalanche 4, Blues 2

Dive into the Latest Stanley Cup Betting Odds and Expert Predictions Shaping This Year’s Playoff Race

Conclusion

Both St. Louis and Colorado are in a state of flux after major roster changes, but the Avalanche’s talent advantage and home-ice presence could be the difference-maker on Friday night. Can the Blues’ young core step up, or will the new-look Avalanche take control? Stay tuned for a pivotal Western Conference battle.