NHL Odds, Preview, Prediction: Kraken vs Flyers (Saturday, February 10)
Via Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images. Pictured: Travis Sanheim #6 of the Philadelphia Flyers looks on against the Buffalo Sabres at the Wells Fargo Center on November 01, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Kraken vs. Flyers Odds
| Kraken Odds | +100 |
| Flyers Odds | -120 |
| Over / Under | 5.5 -110 / -110 |
Here's everything you need to know about the Seattle Kraken vs. Philadelphia Flyers on Saturday, February 10 – our expert NHL prediction and pick.
The Philadelphia Flyers enter Saturday's tilt against the Seattle Kraken having rattled off two impressive victories since returning from the NHL All-Star break.
Meanwhile, for the Kraken, Saturday marks their first game since the hiatus. It'll be their first outing since losing to the lowly San Jose Sharks on Jan. 30.
Let's dig into the NHL odds and make a Kraken vs. Flyers prediction and pick.
Despite their recent struggles, the Kraken return from the All-Star break just two points out of a playoff spot. Thanks to an 11-0-2 stretch from mid-December to mid-January, Seattle's six losses in its final eight games ahead of the break have not proved overly costly.
The Kraken's underlying numbers are impressive, and they suggest Seattle should be able to get back on track coming off the hiatus. Led by their defense, the Kraken's 2.17 xGA/60 at 5-on-5 is tied for first in the NHL. Their 52.62 xGF% at even strength ranks eighth. Goaltender Joey Daccord has also been excellent, as he boasts a 2.32 GAA, .921 SV% and 15.66 GSAx, which ranks seventh among netminders.
While the Kraken have done a great job limiting opponents' chances and have generally controlled play, they haven't been able to translate that into enough scoring opportunities. Seattle ranks 23rd in xGF/60 at 5-on-5 and 27th in goals per game. Its leading scorer, Oliver Bjorkstrand, has just 40 points through 50 games.
Even amid the Kraken's slide in their final eight games before the break, they largely dictated play at even strength, posting a 55.18 xGF%. The issue, though, was that they couldn't convert, scoring only 2.23 goals per game.
Perhaps some time off was just what Seattle needed to break its offensive slump, but the Kraken's first crack will come against an opponent with similar strengths.
Has there been a more pleasant surprise this season than the Flyers?
Expected to be one of the NHL's lottery teams, Philadelphia holds the third spot in the Metropolitan Division through 52 games. John Tortorella's squad just continues to grind out victories, and they now look like a legitimate threat to make the playoffs.
Still, the Flyers are a bit hard to get a read on, as they have been extremely streaky of late. Philadelphia's final 10 games leading up to the All-Star break featured five straight wins followed by five consecutive losses. Since the hiatus, the Flyers have won both of their first two games, decidedly outplaying Cup-contending opponents in the Florida Panthers and Winnipeg Jets.
Defense is undoubtedly Philadelphia's strength. On the season, the Flyers' 2.41 xGA/60 at 5-on-5 ranks eighth in the NHL. Their penalty kill is the league's second-best. And goaltender Samuel Ersson has emerged as a legitimate starter with a 2.47 GAA, .903 SV% and 7.51 GSAx.
At times, the Flyers' lack of offense can cause them to get caved in on defense, but in the two wins since the break they have allowed 50 total shots and just two total goals.
The question for Philadelphia going forward will be whether it can muster up enough offensive production. Scoring only 2.87 goals per game, the Flyers rank 25th in the NHL. Their power play is also the league's second-worst unit. The underlying numbers paint a slightly better picture, as Philadelphia's 2.56 xGF/60 at 5-on-5 ranks 17th.
Regardless, the Flyers will likely need more from their forwards for this storybook season to continue.
Kraken vs. Flyers
Betting Pick & Prediction
With the Kraken on more than 10 days' rest and the Flyers having played on Thursday, this has the look of a potentially volatile matchup. Regardless, I'm taking Philadelphia in this one.
The Flyers look to have turned a corner since their five-game skid, and I believe they're in for a big second half. Not to mention, Seattle should be a bit rusty in its first game back.
I'll back the home team, who is only a slight favorite, in what I expect to be a tightly contested, low-scoring battle between two evenly matched clubs.
Pick: Flyers ML (-108 at FanDuel | Play to -120)
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