Canucks vs. Kraken Odds
| Canucks Odds | -135 |
| Kraken Odds | +115 |
| Over / Under | 6 -120o / +100u |
Here's everything you need to know about the Vancouver Canucks vs. Seattle Kraken on Thursday, February – our expert NHL prediction and pick.
Thursday’s matchup between the Vancouver Canucks and Seattle Kraken is a Pacific Division rivalry with both teams bringing unique strengths and weaknesses to the ice. Following the Canucks' three-game losing streak and the Kraken's quest for consistency, this game presents a fascinating study in contrasting team dynamics.
Let's dive into our Canucks vs. Kraken prediction and pick.
Vancouver Canucks
The Canucks currently sit atop the NHL standings, thanks in large part to a balanced attack and solid goaltending.
Offensively, despite ranking 22nd in Corsi, Vancouver ranks 13th in expected goals (xG) and eighth in high-danger chances. This discrepancy indicates a team that, while not dominating in shot attempts, capitalizes on the opportunities it creates, particularly in critical areas of the ice.
Defensively, the Canucks stand out even more, with their advanced metrics reflecting a robust unit. They rank eighth in Corsi Against and 13th in xG Against, showcasing their ability to limit opponents' offensive plays. However, rankings 18th in high-danger chances suggests some vulnerability to quality scoring opportunities.
Starting goaltender Thatcher Demko's stellar performance this season — fourth in save percentage above expected and second in goals saved above expected — has been a key factor in Vancouver's defensive resilience.
Seattle Kraken
The Kraken's season has seen flashes of potential but also periods of struggle – which is a disappointment after last seasons’ remarkable run.
Offensively, Seattle ranks 12th in Corsi, which points to a team capable of generating shot attempts. But their 20th rank in xG and 18th in high-danger chances reveal difficulties in translating those attempts into high-quality scoring chances.
This gap between effort and effectiveness has been a recurring theme, underscoring the need for more precision in the offensive zone.
On the defensive side, the Kraken have fared better, with a solid 14th-place standing in Corsi Against and an impressive eighth in xG Against, indicating an ability to limit opponents' scoring opportunities. Moreover, Seattle ranks seventh rank in high-danger chances on the defensive end.
However, tonight’s starting goaltender Philipp Grubauer has struggled mightily this season. Grubauer ranks well below the league average in save percentage (73rd) and goals saved above expected (78th), hampering Seattle's otherwise respectable defensive efforts.
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Canucks vs. Kraken
Betting Pick & Prediction
Given the recent three-game slump for Vancouver and Seattle’s season-long disappointment, opting for the Canucks moneyline at -130 at bet365 looks to be the best strategy for this matchup.
Vancouver's efficiency in generating and converting high-danger chances, combined with Demko's exceptional goaltending, provides the Canucks with a clear edge over a Kraken team that has struggled to find the back of the net consistently and has faced challenges in goal.
I’m expecting Vancouver to bounce back after its losing streak and will be taking the Canucks moneyline in what I expect to be a 4-2 game in Seattle.
Pick: Canucks ML (-130)
