STL turning out to be a terrible matchup for MIN. STL relies a lot on special teams -- #2 on the PP at 27%, #5 on the PK (84%). MIN has an average PP, bad PK (25th, 76%).
Round 1 has seen a ton of penalties. Huge edge to STL.
MIN has an elite shutdown line (Eriksson Ek's). STL has 3 very balanced scoring lines -- renders Eriksson Ek's talents less useful.
MIN has one stacked line (Kaprizov, Zuccarello). STL also has an elite shutdown combo of their own (O'Reilly / Saad / Perron) to combat that.
I know a lot of analytic sites I follow had MINN as a clear favorite, but the matchups and special teams have really turned the tides.
__________________
Gaudreau > Huberdeau AINEC
|