Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports

After the Blues took game two, many believed that this series would be closer, but the Colorado Avalanche went into St. Louis and took the two games from the Blues. They flexed their muscles and showed why they were the best team in the Western Conference all season long. They are a deep team, and they have experience, all of which equals success come playoff time. The Avalanche now have a chance to close out this series and advance to the Western Conference Finals. The Blues will be looking to extend this series and send it back to St. Louis for a game six. Both teams should come in focused which will likely make for a fun, exciting game. Can the Blues extend the series? Or will the Avalanche close them out and move on?

How St. Louis can win: The Blues are reeling right now and now are forced to go on the road and keep their season alive. The dropped both games at home in this series and find themselves on the brink of elimination. If they to come out with some energy early on if they want to extend the series and not go home for the year. They were flat at the start of game four and it cost them. They need to generate scoring chances for their stars and hope they can convert. This is an experienced and proud squad, so they’ll need to dig deep and find themselves here. This core won a Stanley Cup just a few seasons back and if they want another chance at one, they’ll need to come out strong.

How Colorado can win: The Avalanche have looked impressive in this series so far and will want to finish the job off tonight. They want no part of giving the Blues any sort of confidence and the next time they want to travel to St. Louis, they want it to be next season. If they want to close this series out, they’ll need to continue doing what they’ve done. Create a ton of scoring chances for their high-powered offense and play a physical brand of hockey. The Blues have look defeated at times throughout this series and Colorado has taken advantage in scoring spurts. They have a chance to close out this series in front of their home fans and they know how important it is to close the game out now.

The Spread Via FanDuel:

Moneyline: STL: (+195) | COL: (-240)
Spread: STL: +1.5 (-120) | COL: -1.5 (+100)

Final Prediction: Avalanche 5 Blues 3

-I like the Avalanche to close out this series against the Blues and advance to the Western Conference Finals. They are the better and more well-rounded team between the squads and going back home up three games to one, they have the edge. They took both games in St. Louis and now have all the momentum heading back to the Rocky Mountains. Give me Colorado to hold serve and get the win on home ice.