The set-up: I think at this price and considering the overall situation that each team finds itself in coming into this one, that the defending champs offer unreal value here. In fact, I feel so strongly about it, that this pick has now become my NHL game of the year! Vegas is 15-17 and the Blues are 18-13. Vegas lost 5-0 to the Rangers and then bounced back with a 5-1 win over the Blackhawks. Inconsistency from game-to-game has plagued the Knights and I believe they'll have their hands full vs. a Blues team which has dropped three straight.

The pick: I'm primarily a situational handicapper and I think this one definitely sets up great for the hungry Blues. Also note that Las Vegas is already only 5-6 (-5.4 units) this season after scoring four or more goals in its previous contes and just 4-7 (-5.3 units) this year vs. clubs with winning records, while St. Louis is 10-6 in its last 16 after three or more straight losses, including 2-1 this year. I like Jordan Binnington to step up in this big game and for St. Louis to skate away with a comfortable victory once it's all said and done.

10* GAME OF THE YEAR on St. Louis Blues.