St. Louis Blues vs Vancouver Canucks Picks and Predictions October 13, 2025
Use Code PPWC
A goaltending duel is brewing as the St. Louis Blues battle the Vancouver Canucks in a marquee NHL matchup at Rogers Arena on Monday, October 13, 2025. Both netminders are capable of stealing games, and defensive precision will likely determine the winner in this early-season Western Conference clash. For expert breakdowns and daily betting value, explore our Free NHL Picks before the puck drops.
St. Louis Blues: Defensive Discipline and Net Presence
The St. Louis Blues enter their second game of the 2025-26 season with a 1-0-0 record after a 4-2 road victory over the Calgary Flames on October 11. Across their last five games—including a 2-3-0 preseason—they’ve allowed an average of 2.8 goals per game, showcasing a defensive structure that has been a hallmark under coach Jim Montgomery. In the Calgary win, the Blues blocked 18 shots and limited the Flames to 24 shots on goal, with only 8 high-danger chances. Their penalty kill was perfect at 3-for-3, continuing a trend from last season’s 81.4% success rate (10th in the NHL). This discipline stems from a blue line anchored by Justin Faulk and Nick Leddy, who combined for 5 blocked shots and 42:16 of ice time against Calgary.
Defensive pairings are cohesive, with Cam Fowler and Colton Parayko providing physicality and puck-moving ability. Fowler’s +1 rating and 2 assists in the opener highlight his impact, while Parayko’s 25:03 of ice time underscores his role as a shutdown defender. The Blues’ defensive zone coverage excels at forcing opponents to the perimeter, allowing just 1.2 high-danger chances per period against Calgary. This structure will be tested against Vancouver’s dynamic top line, but Montgomery’s system—emphasizing quick clears and stick-on-puck defense—should hold firm.
In net, Jordan Binnington is the backbone, stopping 22 of 24 shots (.917 SV%) in the Calgary win. His ability to handle high-danger shots is critical, with a goals-saved-above-expected (GSAx) of +0.8 in the opener. Binnington’s positioning and lateral movement shone, particularly on a second-period breakaway save. Last season, he ranked 12th league-wide with a .897 SV% and a 2.84 GAA, and his 36 saves in a 7-1 preseason rout of Ottawa suggest he’s in form. Practice on October 12 focused on defensive zone exits, with drills targeting Vancouver’s aggressive forecheck to prepare for quick transitions.
Sign Up Get $30 Premium Picks Credit + Exclusive Offers
Subscribe Now
Expanding on their approach, the Blues’ defensive discipline is a product of Montgomery’s offseason tweaks, emphasizing active sticks and layered coverage. In the Calgary game, they averaged 14.2 puck battles won per 20 minutes, with Leddy and Faulk disrupting cycles. Their penalty kill relies on Ryan Suter’s veteran presence, who logged 18:44 and blocked 3 shots. Against Vancouver, expect the Blues to double-team Elias Pettersson in the slot, forcing outside shots that Binnington can handle. If they maintain their 2.5 goals-against average from the last five games, they’ll keep this game low-scoring.
Vancouver Canucks: Offensive Creativity and Puck Movement
The Vancouver Canucks, sitting at 0-1-0, are looking to rebound after a 3-1 loss to the Edmonton Oilers on October 11. In their last five games—including a 3-2-0 preseason—they’ve averaged 2.8 goals scored per game, leaning on offensive creativity from their top line. Against Edmonton, they managed 30 shots but converted just once, with a 3.3% shooting percentage that’s well below their 9.5% from last season (23rd in the NHL). Their power play went 0-for-3, a dip from 2024-25’s 22.7% rate (11th), signaling early rust in puck movement.
The Canucks’ offensive zone possession time was solid at 52% against Edmonton, driven by Quinn Hughes’ playmaking from the point. Hughes, with an assist in the loss, orchestrated 12 controlled zone entries, setting up chances for Elias Pettersson and Brock Boeser. Pettersson’s 4 shots and Boeser’s goal—a wrist shot through traffic—highlight their ability to generate net-front pressure. Depth scoring, however, was quiet, with the bottom six contributing just 6 shots. Jake DeBrusk, a new addition, added 3 shots but no points, while Nils Höglander’s speed created 2 high-danger chances.
Vancouver’s power play setups rely on Hughes’ vision and Pettersson’s one-timer, but Edmonton’s aggressive kill disrupted their rhythm. Against St. Louis, expect coach Adam Foote to adjust, using umbrella formations to exploit the Blues’ penalty kill, which allowed 0.8 power-play xG per game last season. The Canucks’ forecheck, led by Kiefer Sherwood’s 5 hits in the opener, aims to force turnovers, but their 8 giveaways against Edmonton suggest sloppiness that St. Louis could capitalize on.
Delving deeper, Vancouver’s puck movement is their identity, averaging 51.8% Corsi in their last five games. Preseason showed flair, with Boeser and Pettersson combining for 7 points in three wins, but their opener exposed a reliance on the top line. The second line, featuring J.T. Miller and Conor Garland, managed 5 shots but no goals, with Miller’s 44.4% faceoff win rate a concern against St. Louis’ strong draw men. October 12 practices emphasized quick passes to counter the Blues’ layered defense, with Höglander drilled on net-front tips to challenge Binnington’s rebound control.
St. Louis Blues vs Vancouver Canucks: The Goaltending Battle
The goaltending matchup pits Binnington against Vancouver’s likely starter, Kevin Lankinen, who faced Edmonton and stopped 27 of 30 shots for a .900 SV% and a +0.2 GSAx. Binnington’s .917 SV% in his opener edges Lankinen, but the Canucks’ netminder has a strong track record against St. Louis, going 3-0-0 with a .925 SV% in his career. Last season, Lankinen’s .908 SV% and 2.82 GAA with Nashville ranked mid-pack, but his ability to stop wraparounds—key against St. Louis’ cycling game—was evident in a March 2025 near-shutout (25 saves).
Recent streaks favor Binnington, who’s won his last three starts dating back to preseason, allowing just 5 goals on 87 shots (.943 SV%). Lankinen’s loss to Edmonton snapped a four-game win streak, and his 0-for-3 penalty kill performance raises questions about special teams support. Historically, Binnington struggles vs. Vancouver, with a .890 SV% in his last five starts against them, including a 5-2 loss on January 27, 2025, where Conor Garland scored twice. Lankinen, conversely, has never lost to the Blues in regulation, giving Vancouver a slight edge in net.
Back-to-back fatigue isn’t a factor—both teams had two days’ rest—but Binnington’s 36-save preseason gem suggests he’s sharper early. Lankinen’s high shot volume (30 in the opener) could play into St. Louis’ hands if they sustain their 28.2 shots per game from last season. The Blues’ ability to block shots (18 vs. Calgary) could limit Vancouver’s chances, while the Canucks’ 14 hits indicate physicality that might test Binnington’s focus.
X-Factors and Line Matchups
Coaching adjustments will be key. Montgomery’s Blues are disciplined, averaging 8.4 penalty minutes per game in their last five, but Vancouver’s 9.5 penalty minutes (7th in the NHL last season) could draw calls if they overcommit on hits. Foote, replacing Rick Tocchet, is pushing a high-tempo game, with October 12 drills focusing on neutral-zone traps to slow St. Louis’ breakouts. The Blues counter with Montgomery’s emphasis on faceoff wins—Robert Thomas won 55.6% vs. Calgary—to control puck possession.
Star player usage favors Vancouver’s top line, with Pettersson (22:14 TOI) and Hughes (25:47) logging heavy minutes. St. Louis spreads the load, with Jordan Kyrou (18:22) and Pavel Buchnevich (19:10) facing Hughes’ pairing, likely Quinn Hughes and Tyler Myers. The Blues’ second line of Dylan Holloway and Brayden Schenn, who combined for 3 points vs. Calgary, could exploit Vancouver’s third pairing, where Victor Mancini struggled with 2 giveaways. Line matchup data from last season shows St. Louis winning 52% of puck battles vs. Vancouver, but the Canucks’ 3.2 xG per game in head-to-heads suggests offensive upside.
Bench depth and line-change timing are critical. St. Louis’ fourth line, featuring Alexey Toropchenko and Nathan Walker, outworked Calgary’s bottom six, winning 60% of faceoffs. Vancouver’s third line, with Arshdeep Bains, generated 3 shots but no points, and their 44.4% faceoff rate (lowest in the opener) could cede control. The Blues’ quick changes, averaging 42 seconds per shift vs. Calgary, contrast with Vancouver’s longer 48-second shifts, which led to fatigue late against Edmonton.
Key Players to Watch
For St. Louis, Jordan Kyrou’s hot streak (2 goals vs. Calgary, 14 points in his last 12 games dating to 2024-25) makes him a threat, though his 1 shot vs. Vancouver in January was quiet. Buchnevich’s playmaking (1 assist) and faceoff prowess (58%) are pivotal. For Vancouver, Pettersson’s five-game point streak (1 assist vs. Edmonton) and Boeser’s goal-scoring (2 in his last 3 vs. St. Louis) demand attention. Cold streaks include Vancouver’s J.T. Miller, pointless in the opener, and St. Louis’ Zack Bolduc, who missed 3 high-danger chances vs. Calgary.
Injuries impact both sides: Vancouver’s Conor Garland (questionable, lower-body) could weaken their second line, with Jonathan Lekkerimäki a possible call-up. St. Louis scratches Mathieu Joseph (day-to-day, undisclosed), elevating Oskar Sundqvist. Line adjustments see the Blues pairing Kyrou with Thomas to target Hughes, while Vancouver slots DeBrusk with Miller to counter Faulk’s physicality.
Picks and Prediction
Expect a low-scoring affair dominated by goaltending, with Binnington and Lankinen both capable of stealing the show. The Blues’ defensive structure and faceoff edge give them a slight advantage, but Vancouver’s home-ice speed could force overtime. Analytics favor St. Louis’ 2.0 xGA vs. Vancouver’s 3.1, pointing to a tight game.
Pick: Under 5.5 Goals (-110) / Blues Moneyline (+136)
Never Tried Picks and Parlays? Now Is Your Chance
- Get your first daily picks package for ONLY $1 using coupon code BUCK
- If the pick loses, we credit your account with 3 Flex Picks
- If the pick wins, we still give you 1 Flex Pick on the house
- Win or lose, you walk away ahead. One dollar. No catch.
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
New Users – Bet $5 Get $200 in Bet Reset Tokens for 5 Days
New DraftKings Customers: Spend $5+ Get $200 in Bonuses Instantly!
