The “rest versus rust” question in regards to the Boston Bruins and their 11-day break before the start of the Stanley Cup Final was answered, at least in part, on Monday night’s first game. “Rust” showed in the first period as the St. Louis Blues took a 2-0 lead. But midway through the second period “rest” became the answer as the powerful Bruins demonstrated great depth and tactics. Boston’s unleashed the full potential of their attack with a relentless assault as they wore the Blues down en route to a 4-2 win. For St. Louis it was a stark reality check. For the Bruins it was an affirmation of their loaded lineup.
2019 Stanley Cup Final Game 2 St. Louis Blues vs. Boston Bruins
Date and Time: Wednesday, May 29, 2019, 8 p.m. ET
Location: TD Garden, Boston, Massachusetts
NHL Betting Online Odds at Bookmaker.eu: Check Back Later
Blues vs. Bruins TV Coverage: NBCSN
Odds Analysis
Boston will always get plenty of live betting public support due to their name brand recognition as a historic and generational “Original Six” franchise. Boston is also well known by the gambling public for its consistency and the 2011 Stanley Cup championship. St. Louis has live betting appeal with bargain hunters that believe that the Blues may be getting some extra enhanced value as a quality underdog.
Current Form
Boston leads this best of seven series 1-0. Following this second game at TD Garden the series will shift to St. Louis for games three and four. Game three will be on Saturday night with the fourth game on Monday.
Boston makes Blues Pay
After the strong start by St. Louis Blues got sloppy and caught off guard in the second period. Boston outshot the Blues 18-3 in what turned out to be a decisive second frame. The key to the period, if not the game itself, was a cheap shot penalty by Oskar Sundqvist. Boston capitalized on the gift power play with a goal by Charlie McAvoy to tie the game at 2-2. Most important of all the Bruins seized the initiative.
Goaltending Report
St. Louis fans can be encouraged by the play of rookie goaltender Jordan Binnington, who did not crack under Stanley Cup pressure. Binnington stopped 34 out of 37 shots on goal and was the best Blues player on the ice. Binnington has a playoff save percentage of .915 with a 2.40 goals against average.
Boston goaltender Tuukka Rask recovered from the rough first period and settled in with a solid night in which he made 18 saves on 20 shots. Thus far Rask remains a top tier Conn Smythe Trophy candidate with a save percentage of .940 and a 1.85 goals against average with two shutouts.
Players to Watch
Boston left wing Brad Marchand remains a top threat with eight goals, 11 assists and plenty of “jam.” Center Charlie Coyle has emerged as a key asset with six goals, six assists and a plus nine. Defenseman Torey Krug has one goal with 11 assists and a plus six.
After a slow start Blues right wing Vladimir Tarasenko has heated up with nine goals and five assists. Left wing Jade Schwartz has 12 goals with five assists and a plus six. Defenseman Alex Pietrangelo has two goals with 11 assists for St. Louis.
Free NHL Live Betting Odds Pick
As bad as game one turned out the Blues have a tremendous opportunity in game two. Boston’s dominant win in the first game will certainly drive live betting action their way but also serve to enhance the Blues wagering value. St. Louis knows that with a win in this one they can seize home ice advantage as the series shifts back to the Gateway City.
NHL Live Betting Odds Picks: St. Louis Blues
NHL Live Betting Odds Score Prediction: Blues 3, Bruins 1
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