Welcome to NHL Predictions! The Stanley Cup Playoffs continue with four games of action this Thursday. We are looking at a pivotal Game 3 in the Western Conference. One team looks to take a commanding 3-0 lead, while the other looks to get back in the series on home ice. The St. Louis Blues are hosting the Winnipeg Jets.
NHL Predictions
Game 3: St. Louis Blues vs. Winnipeg Jets
Time: 9:30 P.M. EST
TV: FanDuel Sports Network Midwest, ESPN2
Playoff Series: 2-0 Jets
The Jets look to take a commanding 3-0 series lead Thursday night. In NHL history, only four teams have rallied to win a series after trailing 3-0, the latest being the Los Angeles Kings in 2014.
Recent trends favour the Jets heading into Game 3. The Jets have not lost a game in St. Louis since March 2023 and have won three straight games there during that time.
Blues Needing a Full 60-Minute Effort
The Blues could be the team up 2-0 in the series. In Game 1, the Blues took a 3-2 lead into the third period. In Game 2, the game was tied entering the final period. Despite this, the Blues failed to finish both games and left Winnipeg empty-handed. Multiple factors have led to the Blues being in this position. The biggest, however, is the team’s inability to play a full 60-minute game. Both losses featured poor third-period play.
Wednesday’s practice indicates the Blues may use a different lineup for Game 3. In Game 2, the Blues played seven defenceman and inserted Tyler Tucker into the lineup. The practice lines indicate Jim Montgomery will return to the normal six defenceman and 12 forwards. However, it is unknown which defenceman stays in the lineup. Tucker took turns with Nick Leddy playing alongside Ryan Suter. It appears either Tucker or Leddy will sit for Game 3. In addition, Alexandre Texier skated on the third line. Texier has not played in the series yet. Montgomery went as far as to talk about what Texier could bring to the lineup offensively, suggesting we will see Texier on Thursday.
Texier, who was on the third line in today’s practice, hasn’t played since March 27 (out 10 games). If he suits up in Game 3, Monty believes he could help the offense.
“Yes because he has incredible self-belief and confidence. He is very, very high-end with the puck. He does…
— Jeremy Rutherford (@jprutherford) April 23, 2025
If Texier does play, he will be the 12th forward the Blues did not dress on Monday.
Jets May Get Huge Boost to the Offence
Mark Scheifele and Kyle Connor have carried the Jets offence, with both having two goals so far in the series. However, the Jets may get a massive piece to their offence back for Game 3. Gabriel Vilardi, who has not played since March 23rd, is traveling with the Jets for Games 3 and 4 and could return to the lineup. Vilardi was having a career year at the time of his injury, scoring 27 goals. The Jets will have a first-line and power-play weapon back if Vilardi returns to the lineup.
Regardless of Vilardi’s availability, the Jets will want to keep their foot on the gas pedal. The Blues have shown to be a resilient bunch this season. Despite their shortcomings in this series, the Blues have been a team that has refused to quit. As a result, the Jets need to recognize the opportunity they have. They have the Blues against the ropes. They need to keep them there and get them facing elimination.
Prediction
This is a tough one to predict. Both teams need wins in different ways. Both teams are dealing with injuries but could be inserting a forward into their lineup to help the offence.
If the Blues can play a 60-minute game, there is every reason to think they can win. On the flip side, the Jets did win the President’s Trophy for a reason. Their 56 regular-season wins indicate the team can win games regardless of how their opponent is playing. The organization has won just one playoff series since reaching the Western Conference Final in 2018. Still, it may be time to acknowledge the possibility that this year may differ.
Until the results show otherwise, we will pick the Jets to squeak out another victory and put the Blues on the brink of elimination.
Jets win, 3-2.
Prop Bets
The over/under is set at 5.5 goals. We are taking just under that with five goals.
For prop bets, why not take Scheifele to score another goal for the Jets? For the Blues, we think Pavel Buchnevich lights the lamp.
Main Photo: James Carey Lauder- Imagn Images
Please play responsibly. Check for your local rules and age restrictions. Some jurisdictions require ages 21+. Have a gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
The post NHL Predictions: Game 3 St. Louis Blues Vs. Winnipeg Jets appeared first on Last Word On Hockey.