San Jose at St. Louis

Defense is key this time of the season and St. Louis has it, propelled to the Conference Finals with a defense ranked fifth in goals allowed, and top 10 in penalty killing. St. Louis is on a 17-9 run, as well as 21-11 against winning teams. They are home against a San Jose squad that is #21 in goals allowed, #15 in penalty killing. San Jose is 6-10 off a road win, scoring four or more goals and has lost five straight playoff games when leading in the series. The home team has won six of the last eight meetings between these teams, so back the superior defensive team playing at home. Play St. Louis as a Max Play tonight.