In a clash of titans, the Seattle Kraken (0-2-0, 0 points) are set to face the St. Louis Blues (0-0-1, 1 point). Both teams are coming off losses and are hungry for a win. The Kraken were shut out 3-0 by the Nashville Predators, while the Blues lost 2-1 in a shootout against the Dallas Stars. This matchup promises to be exciting, offering a golden opportunity for both teams to get their seasons back on track.
Kraken in Choppy Waters: A Deep Dive into Seattle’s Early Struggles
The Seattle Kraken are navigating through a challenging start to their inaugural season. With a 0-2-0 record, the team is still in search of its first win, a milestone that has eluded them despite strong goaltending from Philipp Grubauer. Grubauer has posted a goals-against average of 2.55 and a save percentage of .918. These numbers are commendable, but they highlight a glaring issue: Grubauer is shouldering too much of the burden.
The Kraken’s offense has been notably absent, scoring just once through their first two games. This lack of production puts immense pressure on the defense and goaltending must be nearly perfect, a challenging feat in the competitive landscape of the NHL. The team’s power play (0.00%) has been absent but the penalty kill unit (100.0%) is perfect. Jared McCann has scored Seattle’s only goal of the season and Jordan Eberle has the only assist for the Kraken.
Another point of focus is the team’s performance in high-leverage situations. In their recent 3-0 loss to the Predators, the Kraken failed to convert on key scoring chances, leaving them vulnerable to counter-attacks. This lack of clutch performance is something that needs immediate attention, especially as they prepare to face a Blues team that has shown resilience in tight games.
Seattle Kraken Team Facts
- The home team has won seven of the Kraken’s last eight games.
- The home team has covered the puck line in four of the Kraken’s last five games.
- The home team has won the third period in six of the Kraken’s last seven games.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3’ market has hit in each of the Kraken’s last eight games against Central Division opponents.
Blues Singing the Blues: St. Louis’ Quest for Consistency
The St. Louis Blues are coming off a 2-1 shootout loss to the Dallas Stars, a game that could have easily tilted in their favor. Goalie Jordan Binnington put on a clinic, making 33 saves in regulation and overtime. His goals-against average stands at an impressive 0.93, and his save percentage is a remarkable .971. While these stats are a testament to Binnington’s prowess between the pipes, they also underscore a pressing issue: the Blues’ offense needs to step up.
St. Louis has struggled to put the puck in the net through the first game with just one goal. Tyler Tucker had the only goal for the Blues, while Sammy Blais and Jakub Vrana each assisted on Tucker’s goal. St. Louis fell behind in their only game thus far early in the second period, but bounced back quickly to tie the Stars two minutes later and no other goals were scored the rest of the way until the shootout.
While it’s a positive that the Blues managed to find the back of the net, scoring just one goal does not win too many games in the NHL. The team needs more contributions from its top lines, especially when facing opponents like the Kraken, who are desperate for a win and will likely play an aggressive game. The Blues’ special teams are another area that warrants attention. While the penalty kill (100.0%) has been perfect thus far through one game. the power play (0.00%) struggled.
St. Louis Blues Team Facts
- The Blues have won seven of their last eight night games at Enterprise Center following a shootout loss.
- The Blues have covered the puck line in each of their last seven night games at Enterprise Center following a shootout loss.
- The ‘Over 1.5 Goals Period 3′ market has hit in each of the Blues’ last 18 games against Pacific Division opponents.
- The Blues have lost the third period in five of their last six home games against Pacific Division opponents.
David’s Pick – St. Louis Blues (-110)
The Kraken are winless through two games and their lack of offensive production is a significant concern. On the other hand, the Blues have the home-ice advantage and a goalie in top form. While both teams are looking to rebound, the Blues seem better equipped to do so. Grubauer’s performance for the Kraken has been commendable, but he’ll need more support from his team to secure a win. The Blues’ played well enough to win in their first game, falling in a shootout, and will have home-ice advantage, making them the safer bet in this matchup. Binnington’s stats are impressive, and if the Blues can ramp up their offensive production, they could turn this game into a one-sided affair. Therefore, I expect the Blues to capitalize on the Kraken’s struggles and skate away with a win.
