The Seattle Kraken are set to host the Colorado Avalanche tonight at Climate Pledge Arena, closing out their homestand. The puck drops at 10:00 p.m. EST.
The Avalanche enter the game with a strong 23-2-7 record, demonstrating their dominance in the NHL this season. They have won their last two games and have earned points in four of their last five, averaging five goals per game while allowing 2.4. Colorado's success can be attributed to their strong offensive metrics; they rank first in expected goal share, expected goals for per 60 minutes, and expected goals against per 60 minutes. Nathan MacKinnon leads the Avalanche with 26 goals and 29 assists. Martin Necas has also been a key contributor with 14 goals and 29 assists. Goalie Mackenzie Blackwood has a 9-1-1 record with a 2.19 goals-against average and a .920 save percentage.
The Kraken, on the other hand, are looking to rebound from a recent slump. They currently hold a 12-12-6 record and have gone 1-4-0 in their last five games, averaging 2.2 goals per game while allowing 3.6. Seattle has struggled recently, going 2-7-1 over its past 10 games. Jordan Eberle leads the Kraken with nine goals and ten assists.
Projected lineups indicate that Eeli Tolvanen, Matty Beniers, and Jordan Eberle will lead the Kraken's first line, while Artturi Lehkonen, Nathan MacKinnon, and Martin Necas will spearhead the Avalanche's attack.
The Avalanche are heavily favored to win, with oddsmakers giving them a 76% chance of victory. Colorado is a -305 favorite on the moneyline, while Seattle is a +245 underdog. The puck line is set at -1.5 in favor of the Avalanche. The over/under is set at 5.5.
One player to watch is the Avalanche's Joel Kiviranta, who had five goals in three games against the Kraken last season, including a hat trick in their final meeting. Matty Beniers recorded a goal and two assists against the Avalanche in three games last season.
After tonight's game, the Kraken will embark on a four-game road trip, starting in Calgary against the Flames on Thursday, December 18.
