NHL Best Bets Today: Expert NHL Picks for 05/04/2025

The Blues are showing tremendous value as road underdogs in Game 7, having already won three games in this series behind Jordan Binnington's solid goaltending.

St. Louis has completely flipped this series after falling behind 0-2, with their offense firing on all cylinders and contributions coming from unexpected sources like Nathan Walker and trade deadline acquisition Cam Fowler.

Meanwhile, Vezina Trophy favorite Connor Hellebuyck has struggled mightily on the road with a shocking 4.42 GAA and .815 save percentage in the series, allowing five or more goals in all three games in St. Louis.

Even at home, Hellebuyck sports just a .879 save percentage, suggesting the Blues' offensive attack has found weaknesses they can exploit regardless of venue.

The Presidents' Trophy curse looms large for Winnipeg, who are trying to avoid a third straight first-round exit, and St. Louis has the momentum and confidence to become the first team to secure a road win in this back-and-forth series.

Game 7 scenarios typically bring a more defensive mindset from both teams, with the high stakes leading to cautious, structured play from the opening faceoff.

The Blues' defensive unit featuring Cam Fowler, Justin Faulk, and Philip Broberg has shown they can limit Winnipeg's chances, holding the Jets to just two goals in their previous matchup.

On the other side, Winnipeg's defensive corps led by Josh Morrissey and Dylan Samberg will likely tighten up considerably in this elimination game, creating turnovers and limiting quality looks for St. Louis.

Jordan Binnington has been solid throughout the series with a 2.54 GAA, and despite Hellebuyck's struggles, he remains one of the NHL's elite goaltenders who could elevate his game when it matters most.

With everything on the line, expect both coaches to implement more conservative game plans that prioritize preventing high-danger chances, leading to fewer goals than we've seen in earlier games of this explosive series.

Cam Fowler has been an offensive revelation for the Blues in this series, already accumulating 10 points, which sets a franchise record for most points by a defenseman in a playoff series.

As a trade deadline acquisition, Fowler has seamlessly integrated into St. Louis' system and become a key catalyst for their offensive attack from the blue line.

His ability to create offense has been consistent throughout the series, making him a reliable option to register at least one point in this decisive Game 7.

The Jets' defensive focus will likely be on shutting down St. Louis' top forwards like Robert Thomas and Pavel Buchnevich, potentially creating more opportunities for Fowler to continue his productive play.

Given his current hot streak and the high-stakes nature of Game 7, Fowler should remain heavily involved in the Blues' offensive game plan, especially on the power play where his puck movement skills are particularly valuable.