Welcome back to the return of 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. Today we’re looking at the Calgary Flames vs Seattle Kraken. Be sure to check out more NHL predictions in the coming days as the 2024-25 season continues.
NHL Predictions
Calgary Flames (4-0-0) vs Seattle Kraken (3-2-0)
Time: 8 p.m. Mountain Standard Time (MST)
TV: KHN; KONG; Sportsnet, CBC; ESPN+
Coming into the season these two teams had different expectations. Calgary is in the midst of a rebuild. Although players and coaches are always competing to win, the focus of this year is developing young players and acquiring assets that can help this team be competitive down the road. Seattle is coming off a disappointing last year. They were hoping to build off a year that saw them win their first ever playoff series in 2022-2023, but instead missed the playoffs. Seattle has their sights on the playoffs this season and should be fighting for a wild card spot by season’s end. Let’s look into how both teams stack up in their first head-to-head matchup this season.
2023-24 season series: Calgary won (2-1).
Flames Look to Continue Hot Start
The Flames are perfect so far through four games this season. They’ve outscored their opponents 19-10 and have had just about everything going right to start. Superstar Jonathan Huberdeau is coming off two rough seasons since joining the Flames, but he currently leads the team with 6 points in 4 games and is on pace to get back to the productive player the Flames thought they traded for in 2022. Free agent signing Anthony Mantha has fit in well picking up points in his first three games as a Flame. Calgary has also seen positive signs from its youngsters. Connor Zary appears to have taken another step forward after a good rookie season last year, and highly anticipated prospect Matthew Coronato is coming off his best game as a pro where he scored two goals for the Flames in a 3-1 win over Chicago.
One of the biggest question marks of the season for Calgary was in goal. Through four games both Daniel Vladar and Dustin Wolf have posted two wins each, and aside from a tough first period in the first game where Vladar was hung out to dry, both goaltenders have looked solid. Aside from a few injuries, this has been a near perfect start to the year for Calgary. They will look to continue their winning ways in Seattle.
Kraken Trending In the Right Direction
Seattle started the year up and down, alternating wins and losses to a 2-2 record. However, in their last two games, they’ve looked to be a formidable team. The Kraken’s offence has been producing, with 20 goals for, second most in the league. They are being led by veterans Jordan Eberle and Jared McCann. Fourth overall pick Shane Wright looks to have finally arrived, playing a Seattle top line aside Eberle and McCann. Seattle is playing with some confidence and is improving under new head coach Dan Byslma through their first 5 games. Seattle will need to tighten up defensively if they want to become a legitimate contender as they have allowed the 20th most goals against to start the season.
Prediction
These two teams have a lot of similarities. Neither team possesses an elite superstar and they rely on a strong team effort from all 4 lines. They both have some uncertainty in goal and can be susceptible to giving up too many chances against. Both teams post winning records and are coming into the game feeling good about themselves.
Although Seattle is trending in the right direction, it will be tough to bet against Calgary. The Flames have looked too good to start the season, and although many people expect a drop-off, we’ll believe it once we see it.
Prediction: Flames win 5-2
Prop Bets of the Night
The over/under for this matchup is set at 6 on Bet365. With both teams in the top ten in goals this season we’re leaning toward the over.
On the Calgary side we like taking Jonathan Huberdeau to stay hot and record over 0.5 points at +171. On the Seattle side look for Jordan Eberle to go over 1.5 shots on goal at +150. We also like Jared McCann to pick up an assist at +270.
Main photo by: Sergei Belski-Imagn Images
Please play responsibly, check for your local rules and age restrictions, some jurisdictions require ages 21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
