Winnipeg at the 1 seed and St Louis at the 8 seed more reflects performances in October and November...not the last two months. Since the 4 Nations, the Blues have recorded the NHL's best recordL, while the Jets flattened out after their blazing start, and once again find themselves in first-round playoff trouble after being outscored 12-3 over the last two games in St. Louis. Connor Hellebuyck's playoff struggles in goal are reflected in his poor 4.11 GAA the past three postseasons, and we might rather have the Blues' Jordan Binnington (who has a Stanley Cup to his credit, and also beat Hellebuyck in the 4 Nations final) in goal. The wrong team might be favored in this series! Play Blues on Money Line

I love this spot for Winnipeg. Despite being outscored 12-3 in the last two losses, Winnipeg must feel good about its chances in Game 5. The Jets are 32-7-4 at home this season and forward Gabriel Vilardi is expected to be available for the first time since March 23. I get that no one will confuse Connor Hellebuyck for Patrick Roy in the playoffs, but I expect a big effort from the Jets' goaltender after being pulled in Game 4. I think this series goes seven with the home teams winning every game. I'll back Winnipeg here and probably look to take St. Louis at home in Game 6.

Winnipeg's Connor Hellebuyck was pulled from both games in St. Louis, but the American is an obscene 29-3-3 at home this season including playoffs with a GAA well under 2.00. And the Jets should get a big offensive boost Wednesday with the return of top-line winger Gabriel Vilardi for the first time since March 23. He career highs in goals (27), assists (34) and points (61) in 71 games before doing down injured.