Colorado Avalanche vs. Seattle Kraken Prediction: Can the Avalanche Bounce Back at Home?

Colorado Avalanche vs. Seattle Kraken Prediction: Can the Avalanche Bounce Back at Home?

The Seattle Kraken will travel to Denver to face the Colorado Avalanche tonight in an exciting matchup between two teams fighting for the postseason in the NHL. The Kraken has been impressive this season, sitting in third place in the Pacific Division with 76 points. Meanwhile, the Avalanche have had an equally impressive season with 73 points in the Central Division with two fewer games played. In this game, the odds favor the Avalanche to win, and for good reason.

Avalanche vs. Kraken Start Time, Where to Watch, and Odds

• Date: Sunday, March 5, 2023
• Start Time: 9:00 pm ET
• Where to Watch: NHLPP | ESPN+

Avalanche vs. Kraken Odds

• Puck Line: COL -1 (+120) | SEA +1 (-120)
• Total Odds: 6 (O -115, U +105)
• Moneyline Odds: COL (-160) | SEA (+140)

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Colorado Avalanche vs. Seattle Kraken Prediction

The Avalanche come into this game with an advantage on defense, power play, penalty kill, and in the net in this specific game with Martin Jones sitting. The team has one of the best power play units in the league, while the Kraken's penalty kill is ranked 29th at 73.9%. The Avalanche have also been great in back-to-backs this season, with a record of 6-2 in the second game of a back-to-back this season, and they lost 3-7 to the Stars last night.

The Avalanche's defense has carried the team all season, allowing only 2.73 goals per game. Cale Makar and Devon Toews have combined for 7.8 defensive point shares and 157 blocked shots, while Josh Manson, Bowen Byram, and Samuel Girard have combined for 5.5 defensive point shares to add depth to the unit. In contrast, the Kraken's defense has struggled, allowing 3.15 goals per game. Adam Larsson and Vince Dunn have combined for 7.0 defensive point shares, but the rest of the unit has struggled, allowing opponents to easily find open shots on the net. Martin Jones has picked it up, though, as he has been one of the best goalies in the league with a 24-10-3 record.

Moreover, the Avalanche has the edge in face-offs, with Nazem Kadri leading the way with a 58.5% win percentage. On the other hand, the Kraken has Yanni Gourde leading their face-off win percentage at only 51.6%. Winning face-offs can give a team an edge in possession, and the Avalanche's ability to win more face-offs in this game could help them maintain control of the game. The Avalanche has the advantage in net tonight, playing against their former goalie, Philipp Grubauer. Grubauer is 10-14 on the season with a .89% save percentage. The Avalanche players are also very familiar with his tendencies since they used to play with him.

The Avalanche has the edge in almost every aspect of the game in this matchup against the Kraken. The Kraken have had a good season, but the Avalanche's defense, power play, penalty kill, face-offs, and goaltending give them a considerable advantage. The odds favor the Avalanche to win this game, and I agree. It's hard to see the Kraken winning, given the Avalanche's strengths and Martin Jones not playing this game.

Colorado Avalanche vs. Seattle Kraken Pick

• Avalanche ML (-160) (Bet $160 to Collect $260) Click Here for the Best Odds Available at DraftKings