Welcome back to NHL Predictions. Each day, Last Word on Hockey takes a look at the games that are happening and gives our predictions for each one, breaking down head-to-head matchups and other factors that may play in. In this edition, the Philadelphia Flyers head to Seattle to face the Kraken for the first of their two matchups this NHL season. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions as the 2024-25 season wears on.
NHL Predictions
Philadelphia Flyers (1-1-1) At Seattle Kraken(2-2)
Time: 10:00 PM Eastern Time (EDT)
Location: Climate Pledge Arena, Seattle, Washington
TV: NBCSP, KING5, ESPN+
2023-24 Regular Season Series: Flyers and Kraken split (1-1)
Why Philadelphia Can Take This Matchup
Since Philadelphia is coming off back-to-back losses, they are hungry to get back in the win column. Falling just short Tuesday night to the Oilers in overtime, the Flyers had a lot of positives to take away from the game. Starting goaltender Sam Ersson looked great against Edmonton, as he also did in his first start of the season. Ersson was able to collect points in both of his starts this season, winning the first game, and collecting a point in an overtime loss Tuesday.
Along with the goaltending, the offense has been pretty reliable. Last game, highly anticipated rookie, Matvei Michkov found the back of the net twice. They were his first two goals in the NHL, he also had an assist to Konecny in their loss to the Flames. Konecny also had a multi-goal game, as he netted two in that loss to Calgary. If the offence can keep getting this production from their top six, they give themselves their best chance to take this matchup.
Why Seattle Can Take This Matchup
Through four games this season, Seattle sits with two wins and two losses. If they want to win, they have to bring their offence which they have only done in two of their games. So far this season, they are 2-0 when scoring more than two goals, and 0-2 when they fail to do so. They come into this matchup with a lot of momentum, in their last outing, Seattle put up seven on Nashville. This was more than enough as they cruised past the Preds for a 7-3 victory on the road. Now they are coming back into their own building with the crowd on their back.
On the offensive end, Seattle has some real playmakers who can make you pay for mistakes. Many of them have a great ability to put the puck in the back of the net. Yanni Gourde seems to find the back of the net and finds himself on the scoresheet when facing Philadelphia. In 13 matchups against Philadelphia, Gourde has 11 points. He found the back of the net five times and assisted on six. Kraken captain Jordan Eberle also has performed well against Philadelphia during his career. He has matched up against Philly 33 times, producing 26 points (9 Goals, 17 Assists). If players in their top six, like the two listed above, show their presence on the offensive end, they give themselves their best shot.
NHL Predictions Time
Philadelphia is at the end of its opening week road trip and is looking to finish on a high note. Seattle has other plans as they look to build off of a big win last time out. It is a real toss-up between two teams who don’t see each other often, but in the end, we think Philadelphia will get back in the win column as they head home for their home opener on Saturday.
Philadelphia Flyers 5 – Seattle Kraken 4
NHL Predictions Prop Bets
If you are in the market for game props, Fanduel lists the Over 6.5 goals at +114. We think this is a quality pick at those odds, especially after Seattle put up seven themselves last game.
Main Photo: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
