Stars vs Kraken Pick, Odds: Game 3 Betting Prediction

Stars vs. Kraken Odds

With two games in the books, the NHL playoff second-round series between the Dallas Stars and Seattle Kraken is still there for the taking.

However, these teams might not be as evenly matched as they appear. Let's dig into the matchup and preview Stars vs. Kraken Game 3, and then find a betting angle.

Dallas Stars

Joe Pavelski has been stunning in the second round. He's provided five goals over the first two contests, but is far from the only Stars forward having a good time. Max Domi has collected four assists and Wyatt Johnston, Tyler Seguin and Jamie Benn have each registered at least two points in the series.

Dallas really needs to get Jason Robertson going. After contributing 46 goals and 109 points in the regular season, as well as two markers and seven points in the opening round, Robertson has been held off the scoresheet in this series. To make matters a little more concerning, the 23-year-old was also limited to just one shot Thursday (he averaged 3.82 shots per game in the regular season).

Two scoreless appearances is just a minor slump, but minor slumps from big names get amplified in the playoffs. It is likely just be a matter of time before Dallas will be in a situation where the star forward needs to step up.

A lot is also riding on Jake Oettinger's shoulders. Seattle lit him up in Game 1 (five goals on 44 shots), but Oettinger bounced back in Game 2 en route to a 4-2 victory. He's one of the top goaltenders in the league, so it's reasonable to believe he'll be effective more often than not, but given that Seattle is a deep offensive team — the Kraken tied for fourth offensively with an average of 3.52 goals per game in the regular season — it's equally fair to say Seattle will frequently be putting Oettinger to the test.

Seattle Kraken

However, Dallas isn't the team with the major goaltending question. Philipp Grubauer looked bad in the regular season, posting a 2.85 GAA and an .895 save percentage in 39 contests, but up against his former squad, the Colorado Avalanche, in the first round, the 31-year-old found himself. He had a 2.44 GAA and a .926 save percentage in the seven-game series. If Grubauer hadn't stepped up when he did, Seattle wouldn't be playing Dallas right now.

That makes Grubauer's struggles in this series all the more troubling. Dallas has scored eight goals on 72 shots in this series. After two rough performances, the Kraken might consider starting Martin Jones, but it's not like he's a desirable option either. Jones finished the 2022-23 campaign with a 2.99 GAA and an .886 save percentage.

In other words, if Grubauer doesn't bounce back, Seattle's path to victory is narrow. The Kraken have to get to Oettinger like they did in Game 1, which is far easier said than done. At least Seattle has a wealth of offensive options to fall back on.

There are 15 Kraken players who have already found the back of the net in the 2023 playoffs — Dallas has 11 — and seven of those Kraken have provided at least two goals. None of those 15 are Jared McCann, who had 40 goals and 70 points in the regular season, but hasn't played in Seattle's past four contests because of an injury.

McCann has resumed skating, so there's a chance he'll be a factor in this series. However, Seattle's probably going to have to get through Sunday's contest without him.

Stars vs. Kraken Pick

Although the series is even and moving to Seattle, the oddsmakers are treating the Kraken as significant underdogs for Game 3, which is completely fair. These teams measure up pretty evenly offensively, but unless Grubauer heats up again, Dallas has a significant edge in net.

If the moneyline odds were even, I'd happily select Dallas, but as it is, the possible payout isn't quite enough for my liking. Instead, I'm going to recommend Dallas on the 60-Minute Moneyline. The difference is you'll lose the bet if the game goes into overtime, but the increased potential return more than justifies the added risk in my mind.

If you want to avoid betting on Dallas, an interesting alternative play would be to bet over 5.5 goals. These are two high-end offensive teams and given that Grubauer is a question mark, it's reasonable to believe the over will cash.

Pick: Dallas Stars 60-Minute Moneyline 3-Way (+105) | Play to -105