In this article, we will formulate a Lightning vs Kraken Prediction for this NHL game on Sunday, February 23rd at the Scotiabank Arena. Let’s take a look at a Tampa Bay Lightning vs Seattle Kraken pick.
Bad Break for Lightning
The break came at the wrong time for the Lightning as they had won four games in a row. Two games ago against the Detroit Red Wings, the Lightning secured a 6-3 record, and in the last game against the Montreal Canadiens, they won 5-3. Andrei Vasilevsky was in goal and saved 32 of the 35 shots he faced. The Lightning had only 20 shots on goal, which makes the five goals even more impressive.
The Lightning stats have been impressive this season, and the record could be even better. The Lightning are averaging 3.56 goals, while their defense is giving up 2.76 goals per game. One of the reasons they have found so much success has been high-quality shot selection. One of the big questions for Lightning is about the status of Nikita Kucherov, who is dealing with an upper-body injury. If he can’t go, it’s a big loss. He is the leading point-getter right now, putting up 82 points.
Why the Lightning Will Beat the Kraken
- The Kraken have lost each of their last eight night games on the second leg of a back-to-back.
- The Lightning have won each of their last five home games against Pacific Division opponents.
- The Kraken have failed to cover the puck line in each of their last six Sunday night games.
- The Lightning have covered the puck line in each of their last three games.
- The Lightning have won the third period in seven of their last eight games against Pacific Division opponents at Amalie Arena when trailing after the second period.
Kraken on Tired Legs
The Kraken are on tired legs, but they should still have confidence after their game on Saturday. The Kraken gave up one goal against the Florida Panthers to pick up the win. Joey Daccord was in goal, and he made some big saves, finishing with 26 of 27 shots stopped. Jared McCann scored a goal. The Kraken have won two games in a row, and each of the games had strong goaltending. In this game, the story will need to be the same. With Daccord starting on Sunday, the Kraken could turn to Ales Stezka here. If they don’t feel he’s ready, though, Seattle could start Daccord for his second straight game.
The Kraken are averaging 2.95 goals while the defense is giving up 3.16 goals. One big problem for the Kraken could be tired legs. They are 3-13 in their last 16 games playing on zero days rest. Yanni Gourde is still dealing with a lower-body injury and is out for this game.
Total Goal Facts
- Each of the Kraken’s last four road games have gone UNDER the total goals line.
- Each of the Lightning’s last four games against opponents who are on the second leg of a back-to-back have gone OVER the total goals line.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 2’ market has hit in 16 of the Lightning’s last 17 games at Amalie Arena.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 1’ market has hit in four of the Kraken’s last five games against opponents on a winning streak.
Lightning vs Kraken Prediction
I love the Lighting here for a couple of reasons. First, the Kraken have been awful on tired legs. 3-16 in their last 16 games played on zero days rest? They are in some major trouble here. The Kraken will either be starting Daccord, who will be making his second start in as many nights, or Stezka, who the team is high on but doesn’t have the NHL experience. Flip over to the Lightning, who are the better team on paper and well rested, with this being the first game back from the break. The goaltending will end up falling Seattle, and Tampa Bay will come out on top. Back the Lightning on the puck line.