This is a 10* CENTRAL DIV. GOY on the Blues PUCKLINE.

At this time of year, we just have to look at the standings to judge motivation levels.

Which will admittedly be high for both of these division rivals on Thursday night.

That said, in a contest that I see being decided late, or even in extra time, I'm going to suggest laying the price for the extra 1.5 goals of insurance.

You may want to sprinkle a little on the moneyline as well here, as I love the way this one sets up from the Blues situationally speaking.

St. Louis sits in ninth spot with 84 points, three points behind the Kings for eighth spot and six points behind the Predators for seventh.

St. Louis is 40-31. It's coming off a 3-2 OT win here at home over Edmonton. The Blues didn't need the 1.5 goals vs. the Oilers, but they sure very well could here vs. the Predators in my estimation.

They also play with revenge after the club's most recent matchup, a 5-2 win for Nashville in St. Louis in mid-February.

The Preds come in playing terribly as well, off three straight losses, getting outscored 18-8 in the process. And with two tough upcoming games a the Islanders and Devils on back-to-back nights after this, this is also a look-ahead spot for the home side.

I say St. Louis has a legit shot at winning outright, but feel much more comfortable in fact laying the price for the visitors on the puckline option.

The play is the BLUES.

Good luck, NP