Nothing quite like some Pacific Division action in the NHL. Both the Seattle Kraken and the Vegas Golden Knights have done well to ingratiate themselves into the westernmost division of the sport since their inception. And by ingratiate themselves, I mean sow hate and create rivalries. That includes the rivalry between these two.
The Knights have the edge at -175 on the moneyline on DraftKings Sportsbook, while the Kraken are listed at +145. The total is set at 6.5 goals. Let’s get into a preview, prediction and pick for this matchup between the Kraken and Knights.
Kraken vs. Knights preview, prediction
The Kraken had a litany of issues last season. Chief amongst them, the defense didn’t hold up, and they lacked true top-end scoring talent. The hope is that more consistency on the blue line will help them and that Matty Beniers will step into his immense potential. After winning the Calder Trophy as a 20-year-old, he hasn’t jumped forward in his past two seasons. For Seattle to get anywhere this season, that leap has to come.
Meanwhile, Vegas continues to chug along. One of the powers in the West, its core remains steady, and the offense is high-powered. Now it’s added Mitch Marner into the mix, and he already looks like a great fit. The former Toronto Maple Leafs star has recorded two assists in his first two games. It’s a lot for Seattle’s defense to solve.
Kraken vs. Knights pick, best bet
Seattle’s defense has been strong for years. Led by blueliner Vince Dunn, the Kraken do a great job at containing top-level scorers. But, ultimately, Vegas just has too much scoring depth. Even if you manage to contain its top line, the depth pieces can kill you. I like Vegas to run away with this one on the road.
