NHL Odds, Preview, Prediction: Bruins vs. Kraken

Bruins vs. Kraken Odds

On Jan. 12, the Seattle Kraken handed the Boston Bruins their first home-ice loss of the year, shutting them 3-0.

On Thursday night, the second-year expansion squad will try to sweep its season series against the NHL's top team. The Kraken are back at Climate Pledge Arena after a 4-0 loss against San Jose on Monday, while Boston is kicking off a four-game western road swing.

Here's the latest on both teams, and your best bet for the game.

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Boston Bruins

With less than one-third of the season remaining, the Bruins remain on track to edge out the 1976-77 Montreal Canadiens for the most regular-season points in NHL history — an astonishing feat in the age of parity. The Bruins went through a bit of a dip prior to the All-Star break with a season-worst 0-2-1 stretch. But they've been back on track over the past week, winning their past four games by a combined 17-5 score.

After scoring twice in Boston's 3-1 win over Ottawa on Monday, David Pastrnak is up to 41 for the season. At this point, he's the only realistic challenger to Connor McDavid for the Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy. Additionally, Pastrnak is at 77 points for the year, matching his total from last season in 16 fewer games played.

Jake DeBrusk has also provided a much-needed offensive spark since returning from his hand injury. He has two goals and three points in the past two games.

But the backbone of the Bruins' success this year has been their defense. They're allowing just 2.05 goals per game, nearly half-a-goal better than the next-best defensive team (Dallas, 2.54).

Boston's penalty kill is the best in the league (86.5%) and has gone a perfect 12-for-12 over the past four games. Linus Ullmark leads the NHL with 31.8 goals saved above expected and his backup, Jeremy Swayman, is at a very respectable 12.8.

Seattle Kraken

The Kraken have more or less secured their franchise's first playoff spot, but they've slipped in the Pacific Division standings since the All-Star break. With a 3-4-1 record since the break, Seattle sits third in the division behind Vegas and Los Angeles. The Kraken are tied in points with Edmonton (fourth place), with one game in hand.

For most of the season, the well-balanced Kraken offense has been able to score its way to wins. However, Andre Burakovsky's injury has hampered the offense as Seattle has averaged nearly one goal less per game since Burakovsky has been out.

Philipp Grubauer's recent play has been a bright spot for Seattle. Martin Jones has regressed after a hot start to the season, but Grubauer has been rock solid since the new year with a 5-2-2 record, a 1.97 goals-against average and a .926 save percentage.

Jones took the loss against his former team in San Jose on Monday — but also had the shutout in Boston last month. Still, it's more likely Grubauer will start Thursday night.

Bruins vs. Kraken Pick

The Bruins appear to be firing on all cylinders and they'll likely be seeking a measure of revenge against Seattle after that home-ice loss last month.

That could add up to a dangerous combination for the Kraken — although the home side will also be looking to show their coach that Monday's no-show in San Jose was a one-off.

Look for the Bruins to stretch their winning streak to five games, but don't expect a blowout. For the best betting value, consider the Under.

Pick: Under 6

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