The Seattle Kraken are set to face the Dallas Stars tonight at the American Airlines Center at 7:00 PM EST, concluding a back-to-back road trip. Both teams are coming off of victories on Saturday and are aiming for a strong performance. The game will be available on ESPN+.
Team Records and Standings
The Kraken hold a record of 7-3-4 and are looking to solidify their position in the Pacific Division. The Stars currently stand at 8-4-3, aiming to climb the ranks in the Central Division.
Recent Performance
Seattle edged out the St. Louis Blues in overtime with a score of 4-3 in their most recent game. Chandler Stephenson was among the goal scorers in that victory. Dallas also secured a win, triumphing over the Nashville Predators 5-4. The Stars had to rally in the third period to seal the win.
Statistical Overview
The Kraken are averaging 2.71 goals per game, ranking 26th in the NHL. Defensively, they are allowing 2.93 goals per game. Their power play operates at 20.0%, while their penalty kill struggles at 69.4%. Jordan Eberle leads the Kraken with 5 goals and is tied for the team lead in scoring with 10 points. Matt Murray is expected to start in goal for Seattle. He has a 3.24 goals-against average and a .889 save percentage in his one start this season.
The Stars are scoring an average of 2.86 goals per game. They are giving up 3.21 goals per game. Dallas boasts a strong power play, converting on 32.7% of their opportunities, which ranks 3rd in the league. Their penalty kill is less effective, at 70.83%. Mikko Rantanen leads the Stars with 8 goals and 13 assists. Casey DeSmith is the likely starter in goal for Dallas, with a 3.15 goals-against average and a .876 save percentage.
Key Players to Watch
For the Kraken, Jordan Eberle is a key offensive threat, with a history of scoring goals with multiple franchises. For the Stars, keep an eye on Roope Hintz, who has a strong track record against the Kraken, and Wyatt Johnston, who is on a three-game point streak against Seattle. Jason Robertson is another player to watch, as he looks to increase his goal count.
Betting Odds and Predictions
The oddsmakers favor the Dallas Stars in this matchup. A money line bet on the Kraken is listed at +180, while the Stars are at -222. The over/under for total goals is set at 6.5. Some analysts predict that the Stars will win and cover the -1.5 puck line. Others suggest that the Kraken could keep the game close and cover the +1.5 puck line.
Historical Performance
The Stars have dominated the Kraken in their previous encounters, holding a 10-1-1 all-time record against Seattle, including a 5-0-1 record at home. Dallas has won the last six consecutive games against the Kraken.
