In this article we will formulate a Flames vs Kraken prediction for this NHL game on Thursday, December 18th at the Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary, Alberta. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this NHL matchup.
Calgary Flames Betting Preview
The Calgary Flames are 13-17-4 this season after they lost to San Jose by a score of 6-3 in their last game. Calgary tied the game at two in the first period, but they allowed four of the last five goals for the loss. The Flames out shot San Jose by a total of 30-26, won 45.2% of the face-offs, and went 0-2 on the power play in the game. Calgary got goals from Coleman, Kadri, and Lomberg, while Wolf stopped 20 out of 25 shots, which was an .800 save percentage.
Prior to that game, Calgary defeated the Kings by a score of 2-1, but lost to the Red Wings by a score of 4-3 before that. The Flames have won four of their last six games and they are currently second to last in the Pacific standings with 30 points. Calgary has scored 2.50 goals per game and they have allowed 2.97 goals against per game, while also going 13.8% on the power play and 83.5% on the penalty kill this season. Nazem Kadri has led Calgary with seven goals and 22 assists, while Rasmus Andersson has added seven goals and 15 assists. The projected starting goalie for Calgary is Dustin Wolf, who is 10-13-2 with 2.96 goals against average and an .896 save percentage this season.
Seattle Kraken Betting Preview
The Seattle Kraken are 12-13-6 this year after they lost to Colorado by a score of 5-3 in their last game. Seattle led 3-2 after the second period, but they allowed three goals in the third for the loss. The Kraken were out shot by a total of 39-38, won 50% of the face-offs, and went 1-4 on the power play in the game. Seattle got goals from Eberle, Stephenson, and Wright, while Grubauer stopped 34 out of 38 shots, which was an .895 save percentage.
Prior to that game, Seattle lost to the Sabres by a score of 3-1 and the Mammoth by a score of 5-3. The Kraken have lost nine of their last ten games and they are currently sixth in the Pacific standings with 30 points. Seattle has scored 2.48 goals per game and they have allowed 3.07 goals against per game, while also going 19.4% on the power play and 67.8% on the penalty kill this season. Jordan Eberle has led Seattle with 10 goals and 10 assists, while Vince Dunn has added five goals and 14 assists. The projected starting goalie for Seattle is Joey Daccord, who is 8-8-4 with a 2.89 goals against average and an .893 save percentage this year.
Why the Calgary Flames will win
- The Flames have won each of their last six night games against opponents on a losing streak.
- The Kraken have lost nine of their last 10 games.
- The Flames have covered the puck line in each of their last seven home games.
- The Kraken have failed to cover the puck line in five of their last six games against Western Conference opponents.
- The Flames have won the second period in each of their last seven games as favorites when tied after the first period.
Total Goals Facts
- Each of the Flames’ last seven games against opponents on a losing streak have gone OVER the total goals line.
- Four of the last five games between teams from the same division have gone OVER the total goals line.
- Four of the Kraken’s last five road games following a home loss have gone OVER the total goals line.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 2’ market has hit in each of the Kraken’s last eight games.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1′ market has hit in each of the Flames’ last five night games against opponents on a losing streak.
Calgary Flames Player Prop Facts
- Nazem Kadri has recorded at least one point in each of the Flames’ last six games as favorites against the Kraken.
- Blake Coleman has scored a goal in each of the Flames’ last four games against Pacific Division opponents.
- Nazem Kadri has recorded at least one assist in four of the Flames’ last five home games.
Seattle Kraken Player Prop Facts
- Jared McCann has scored a goal in four of his last five appearances against Pacific Division opponents.
- Vince Dunn has recorded an assist in each of the Kraken’s last four road games against the Flames.
- Chandler Stephenson has recorded a point in each of the Kraken’s last six games.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Calgary Flames rank 32nd in the league in power play percentage this season (13.76%).
- The Calgary Flames rank 30th in the league for goals per game this season (2.50).
- The Seattle Kraken rank 32nd in the league for goals per game this season (2.48).
- The Seattle Kraken rank 32nd in the league in penalty kill percentage this season (67.82%).
Flames vs Kraken Prediction
Seattle comes into this matchup really struggling over the last three weeks and they have scored two regulation goals or fewer in three of their last five games. The Kraken are 5-6-3 on the road this year, while the Flames are 7-5-2 at home. Calgary has won three of their last five and they have played very well in their last three home games. The Flames are a very solid defensive team and even though they are scoring just 2.50 goals per game this year, it is still slightly better than Seattle’s. Take the Flames to get the win here.