The Seattle Kraken (0-1-0) face the Nashville Predators (0-0-0) Thursday at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. Puck drop is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Kraken vs. Predators odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.
The Kraken made their highly-anticipated debut, and they played the Vegas Golden Knights tough in their place, falling just 4-3. Seattle battled back from a two-goal deficit to tie the game 3-3 before falling by the wayside.
The Predators won its regular-season opener against the Columbus Blue Jackets 3-1 last season, and Nashville has won three straight openers.
Kraken at Predators odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:30 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Kraken +105 (bet $100 to win $105) | Predators -130 (bet $130 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Kraken +1.5 (-250) | Predators -1.5 (+180)
- Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: -120 | U: -105)
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Kraken at Predators projected goalies
Philipp Grubauer (0-1-0, 4.09 GAA, .867 SV%) vs. Juuse Saros (21-11-1, 2.28 GAA, .927 SV%, 3 SO in 2020-21)
Grubauer turned aside 26 of the 30 shots he faced in the team’s opener in Vegas. He hasn’t faced the Predators since Feb. 23, 2019, a 38-save shutout in a 5-0 win in the Music City.
Saros was money at Bridgestone Arena last season, going 15-3-0 with a 1.86 GAA and .941 SV% with all three of his shutouts coming at home.
Kraken at Predators odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Predators 4, Kraken 2
Money line
The PREDATORS (-130) are a tremendous value at home against the expansion Kraken (+105). Yes, the latter played Vegas very tough, but a cross-country trip to another hostile environment won’t result in a historic first win.
Against the spread
The PREDATORS -1.5 (+180) are a strong value at home. The Kraken looked like they could be a rather pesky team this season playing VGK tough. They are defense first but not a terribly large team. I expect the Predators, who have been starting well, to have another very successful home opener against the smallish visitors.
Over/Under
OVER 5.5 (-120) is the lean here. Hey, we have a trend with the new Seattle team. They’re 1-0 all-time in Over results on the road. Ha.
For the Preds, although it goes back a while, the Over is 6-1 in the past seven against Pacific Division teams. The Over is also 5-2-2 in the past nine as a favorite for Nashville.
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