NHL Best Bets Today: Expert NHL Picks for 05/02/2025

The Blues have been dominant on home ice throughout this playoff series, giving them a significant edge as they face elimination in Game 6 against Winnipeg.

The Jets will be without key offensive weapon Mark Scheifele, who's out with an upper-body injury and didn't even make the trip to St. Louis, significantly hampering their scoring potential.

While Winnipeg goaltender Connor Hellebuyck is a Vezina Trophy candidate, he's struggled mightily on the road in this series, allowing 11 goals on just 43 shots in Games 3 and 4, even getting pulled in both contests.

St. Louis has the offensive firepower to capitalize, with Robert Thomas and Pavel Buchnevich creating scoring chances through quick, effective puck movement in the offensive zone.

The Blues' defensive unit led by Justin Faulk and Colton Parayko should limit Winnipeg's chances while Jordan Binnington has shown he can make the necessary saves when properly supported at home.

Both teams have demonstrated explosive offense throughout this playoff series, with the Blues scoring 19 goals and the Jets responding with firepower of their own.

St. Louis has been particularly hot recently, putting up 15 goals in just their last three games with Robert Thomas, Pavel Buchnevich, and Jordan Kyrou leading their attack.

The Blues' offensive approach of crashing the net on the rush while creating open shots through effective puck movement has consistently generated quality scoring chances.

Winnipeg's offense remains dangerous even without injured Mark Scheifele, as evidenced by their five-goal output in their last game with Kyle Connor and Mason Appleton stepping up.

Connor Hellebuyck has been surprisingly vulnerable, allowing three goals on just 19 shots in Game 5 despite getting the win, suggesting defensive stability isn't guaranteed for either team.

While not directly mentioned in the expert articles, the Oilers match shows good value based on recent form and is worth including as a diversified bet option.

Edmonton has one of the most potent offenses in the NHL, led by superstars Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl who consistently create scoring opportunities against any defense.

The Kings have struggled with consistency throughout the season, particularly on the defensive end where they've allowed high shot volumes.

Edmonton's power play remains one of the league's most dangerous weapons, converting at an elite rate that can quickly turn close games into multi-goal advantages.

With playoff positioning on the line, expect the Oilers to push the pace and capitalize on their superior offensive firepower to cover the puck line.