Unquestionably the main event for tomorrows action with both teams boasting a 100% record to start the season.

Offense


Both teams average 4.8 goals a game (number 1 in the league) with the Sharks scoring 24 goals from 5 matches and the Blues scoring 19 from 4 matches. The Sharks lead the league in shots per game averaging 42.4 per game however St. Louis have been more effective on the power play, leading the league in power play goals (averaging 1.5 per game) and are going at conversion rate of 37.5% (extremely good). It's fair to say these two teams have been firing however both teams goals for average have been inflated by some demolitions with the Sharks smashing a struggling Rangers 9-2 and the Blues crushing Florida 7-0. Due to the large amount of shots the Sharks get on goal their Goals Per Shot average (11.3%) is lower than than the Blues (14.7%) who are number one in the league for this. The GPS is our best measure of scoring efficiency as it indicates the percentage of goals a team is scoring from their total shots. Given the Blues power play dominance and their higher GPS ratio we think they have the slight offensive edge.


Defense


Although each teams offense has been popping their D has been as equally impressive. The Sharks have the second stingiest defense in the league conceding only 1.4 goals per game. This has been largely due to the form of Niemi in the net (.939 save %) however he receives great support from his team mates who allow only 22.8 shots per game (best in league). The Sharks have the 3rd best GPS Against, only conceding 6.1% of all shots taken. The Blues have been just as good allowing only 1.75 goals a game with a GPS Against of 6.6% slightly worse than the Sharks. Halak has been just as solid in the net with a .935 save %. Once again not much to separate the two teams but with the Sharks having a slightly better GPS and GA average we think they have a narrow advantage with their defense.


Our tip


Given the encounter is extremely tight on paper we have to look at the head to head record between the two and factor in the home ground advantage. The Blues have an extremely impressive record against the Sharks holding a 8-1 SU record against them from their last 9 games. They are also 12-1 SU from their last 13 at home making it a fortress. Despite both teams averaging 4.8 goals per game we do not expect it to be high scoring as each team's respective D will hold up with the game total going Under 5.5. We think the Blues will get up at home in a narrow hard fought victory and will not be surprised if the game goes beyond the 60 minutes.


Best Bet: St. Louis SU @ $1.78