Experts peg the first round series between the St. Louis Blues and the Minnesota Wild as one of the most intriguing of the eight initial playoff matchups, with both teams widely considered as "built for the playoffs," according to ESPN.

The Wild's season was vastly turned around by the acquisition of goalie Devan Dubnyk from the Arizona Coyotes back in January, and hope that his unmistakable on the team carries on in the postseason.

Since Dubnyk donned the Wild jersey, Minnesota has posted a 28-9-3 record"”the best winning percentage in the league since that period. It's also no coincidence that since Jan. 15, the Wild have likewise enjoyed a league-best goal differential of plus-47, and have allowed two goals or less in all but 10 of 39 games.

The strength in goalkeeping is in stark contrast with the situation of the Blues, who has seen early season starter Brian Elliot lose his spot to the younger Jake Allen. The question going into the series is just how long the youngster will be able to keep his starting post with the heightened playoff pressure.

According to ESPN, what could swing the series, though, is the Blues' power play. The Blues own the fourth-ranked power play, while the Wild are on the far end ranked 27th. Late in the season, Minnesota have allowed a power play goal in four of their last six games, and have managed just two wins during that stretch. In contrast, the Blues have just allowed one power play goal in their last seven games.

Another thing going for the Blues this postseason is health. Tarasenko is back along with Alexander Steen, and St. Louis coach Hitchcock has expressed confidence his squad will be ready come Game 1.

This should be a tough series all throughout, and experts see up to five games going into overtime.

The series opener is scheduled for Thursday April 16 at 9:30 pm, check out the live stream link here.