Jeff's (JH-Sportsline) NHL Spotlight teams are squads that will make the playoffs (and/or improve by at least 15 points) after missing out the previous year. Jeff is a now a six-time NHL Handicapping champion documented by The Sports Monitor of OK. Jeff cashed a record 78.6% in 2013 NHL regular season and 70% in the Postseason. Jeff was ranked No. 3 in 2015 and ranked No. 1 in win percentage two seasons ago. Jeff cashed 64% in 2017. Do yourself a favor and jump on board. Full season NHL packages are now available.
Jeff's 2018-19 NHL Western Conference Spotlight Team: St. Louis Blues (2017-18 record: 44-32-6, 94 points)
The St. Louis Blues missed the playoffs by 1 point last season. This team will be on a mission this season. There is too much talent on the roster for the Blues not to be playing well into May. They made some nice additions to an already loaded roster. Tyler Bozak and Ryan O'Reilly add significant skill and depth down the middle. David Perron and Patrick Maroon were brought in to add speed on the wing. Mission Accomplished. Vladimir Tarasenko is a rising star and should improve on his 66-point performance last season. He finished with 33 goals and 33 helpers in 80 games and I wouldn't be shocked if he hits the 40/40 mark.
The Blues have a big mobile defense but there is one concern. Goaltending. Veteran Jake Allen, who is 34 now needs to play better than last season. In 56 starts, Allen was 27-25 with a 2.75 GAA and .906 save percentage. The two counting stats are well-above his career average. Both Allen and backup Chad Johnson have looked great in the preseason. Jake has a history of bouncing back and Johnson looks to be a future starter in this league. Lets just hope they stay healthy. This will be the third year running Mike Yeo's system and I have a really good vibe about this team in 2018-19. Go OVER 96 season point total. The West won't be as top-heavy as the Vegas Golden Knights and Winnipeg Jets won't reach 109 and 114 points respectively.
Jeff's St. Louis Blues Prediction: (45-27-10, 6th playoff spot out West, 100 points)
Jeff's Western Conference Season Point Total best bet: Vegas Golden Knights UNDER 99.5
This total opened at 96.5 and the Vegas locals have steamed the total up. Multiple books on the strip have the point total at 101. Shop around. At BookMaker, which is a sharp book, has it at 99.5. Take the Under 99.5 (-114).
Coming up Thursday: Jeff's 2018-19 Eastern Conference Spotlight team
Follow Jeff on twitter @jhsportsline
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