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Kraken vs Lightning Prediction and Pick - ExpertPicks
- Seattle Kraken are picked to cover +1.5 against the Tampa Bay Lightning, who have struggled to score in bunches.
- Brandon Hagel is favored for 4+ shots, and Nikita Kucherov for 2+ points, based on recent performances.
- Despite Tampa's home record, their power play difficulties suggest a close contest.
Kraken vs Lightning Prediction
Seattle Kraken vs Tampa Bay Lightning Expert Picks
My Kraken vs Lightning prediction is a close game on Thursday, with Seattle staying within a goal and Brandon Hagel and Nikita Kucherov doing the damage for Tampa Bay.
The Seattle Kraken visit the Tampa Bay Lightning at Benchmark International Arena at 7 p.m. ET. Seattle are 4-1 on the road with 10 points from seven games, while Tampa Bay are 3-0 at home but coming off a 4-1 loss to the Rangers.
I'm taking the Kraken on the puck line because Tampa Bay are priced like a heavy favourite without the goals to back it up. The Lightning score just 2.83 a game, and Seattle have lost by two or more only twice all season.
Hagel at 4+ shots is my favourite player bet in this game. He leads Tampa Bay with 27 shots, he's had six or more in three of six games, and Seattle allow 30.6 shots a game.
Kucherov at 2+ points rounds it out. He's had multi-point nights in three of six games, and he plays almost six minutes a night on a power play that's due for a turn.
For more player bets, check out our Best NHL Props for tonight's hockey slate.
Key Stats and Trends
- Seattle are 4-1 on the road and have lost by two or more just twice.
- Tampa Bay score 2.83 goals a game, and their power play is 2 for 24.
- Hagel has 6+ shots in three of six games.
- Kucherov has 2+ points in three of six games.
Kraken Form
Seattle's record flatters them a little. They're allowing 30.6 shots a game, and Joey Daccord and Philipp Grubauer have had to be sharp to keep them winning.
Tuesday's shootout win in Philadelphia followed the same pattern. Bobby McMann scored on the power play and Ville Ottavainen made it 2-0, but the Flyers scored twice in 73 seconds in the third and Grubauer had to make 24 saves to get it to a shootout. In Washington on Sunday, Jared McCann broke a 3-3 tie with five minutes left, and Ryan Winterton added the insurance goal.
Seattle are still without Ryan Lindgren, who is out 4-6 weeks with an upper-body injury, according to NHL.com, and Jacob Melanson is out indefinitely.
Lightning Form
The power play is Tampa Bay's biggest problem. It's scored twice in 24 chances, and that's a big reason a team outshooting opponents 29.5 to 23.8 is scoring only 2.83 goals a game.
Tuesday's 4-1 loss at Madison Square Garden was decided early. Alexis Lafrenière scored twice in the first 13 minutes, and the Lightning went 0 for 4 on the power play while trying to come back. In Long Island on Saturday they blew a 3-1 lead, then Hagel scored with less than two minutes left and added an empty-netter to finish with a hat trick.
Yanni Gourde is out with a hip injury and Dennis Hildeby is day-to-day, according to ESPN's game preview, so Andrei Vasilevskiy should be in goal.
Verdict
Kraken +1.5, with Brandon Hagel to record 4+ shots on goal and Nikita Kucherov to record 2+ points. Tampa Bay should get plenty of shots, but I don't trust them to win by more than one.
Jeremy Darke
Sports Editor & Betting Analyst • Sports Writer & Expert Betting Analyst
Jeremy is a sports journalist and analyst covering major US leagues including NBA, NHL and NFL, seeking out player props and value.
From playing rugby, ice hockey, tennis and soccer in his home country of Australia to travelling the world covering US sports, he has found a niche in betting expertise.
His interest in analytics and statistics helps him find the edge while writing previews and being a regular tipster here at ExpertPicks.com.