Penguins vs. Kraken Prediction and Odds: Seattle Surging After Slow Start

The Seattle Kraken are playing very good hockey the last few weeks after a slow start to their first season as a franchise. It took a few months, but this team looks like they are finally settling into their new system and starting to show positive results.

The Kraken still rank seventh in the Pacific Division with a 9-13-2 record. However, Seattle is 5-1-1 in their last seven games with a winning margin of eight in that span. They are no longer the worst team in the Division and are within striking distance of the last playoff spot.

Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Penguins are also getting back on track after snapping a three-game losing streak. They beat the Canucks 4-1 on the road over the weekend to move their record to 11-8-5.  They struggled to deal with several injuries early on in the year and are just starting to get healthy. There were games where this team was without Sidney Crosby, Evangi Malkin, and Kris Letang at the same time. Malkin still has yet to return but the Penguins are almost back to full strength. 

Here are the odds for tonight’s matchup, courtesy of WynnBET Sportsbook.

Penguins vs. Kraken Odds and Total

Moneyline:

• Penguins -125
• Kraken +112

Puck line:

• Penguins -1.5 (+180)
• Kraken +1.5 (-210)

Total:

• 6.0 (Over -105/Under -115)

Penguins vs. Kraken Prediction and Pick

While the Penguins looked sharp in their win over the Canucks, it should be noted that Vancouver is a pretty inconsistent group. So, while a win is a win, I am not wholly convinced they are back on the right track just yet. 

The real hero of this group has been goalie Tristan Jarry who leads the NHL in minutes played by a goalie and has all 11 wins of the Penguins season. Casey DeSmith, his backup, is 0-3-1. 

On the flip side of things, Kraken goalie Phillip Graubauer is having a very difficult year. He has an awful .891 save percentage this year and an NHL worst in goals saved above average. However, much like the rest of the team, Grubauer has turned it on recently. He is 3-1-1 in his last five games with a save percentage of .924.

This whole Kraken team is clicking right now and I like the plus-money odds at home against a team deep in a road trip. 

Pick: Seattle Kraken +110 to win