Kraken vs Stars Game 2: NHL Odds, Preview, Prediction

Kraken vs. Stars Odds · Game 2

The Dallas Stars are looking to avenge their series-opening loss to the Seattle Kraken in Game 2 of the NHL Western Conference Semifinals.

In Game 1, Seattle built a 4-2 first-period cushion, then held on to win 5-4 in overtime on the strength of a Yanni Gourde snipe. Now, the Kraken can back the Stars into an unwelcome corner, taking the first two games on the road before heading back to the Emerald City for Games 3 and 4.

The Stars can't afford to give up any chances, while Seattle should revert to its defensive shell to try and limit the hosts.

Seattle Kraken

Defense has been the top priority for the Kraken this season. The NHL's newest franchise ended the regular season ranking top-10 in scoring and high-danger chances allowed. Seattle allowed the fifth-fewest scoring and ninth-fewest high-danger opportunities, averaging 21.3 and 8.9, respectively.

More importantly, the Kraken have maintained that standard throughout the postseason. Opponents have been held to nine or fewer quality chances and 25 or fewer scoring chances in five of eight playoff games.

As expected, more robust defensive efforts correlate with fewer goals against. When opponents attempt nine or fewer quality chances, the Kraken have allowed one or fewer goals at five-on-five in three of five outings. Likewise, opponents have scored three or more when the Kraken allow more than nine.

Although they have the scoring depth to skate with any team, we're expecting the Kraken to play with more defensive structure rather than trading blows with a higher-seeded squad on the road.

Lastly, Philipp Grubauer has served as a formidable last line of defense. The Kraken's net-minder has posted a 92.1% save percentage or better in five of his eight playoff starts, posting a cumulative 92.1% save percentage across the postseason.

Moreover, Grubauer is poised for a bounce-back effort after a disappointing showing in Game 1, in which he stooped just 88.6% of shots. A tidier defensive effort should help him progress back to normal ranges.

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Dallas Stars

Still, the Stars can beat the Kraken at their own game. Dallas put together one of the best defensive teams in the league, surpassing Seattle's benchmarks in virtually every category.

Not only did the Stars allow fewer scoring and high-danger chances, but it also resulted in fewer goals and high-danger tallies against. Like their second-round opponents, the Stars have reserved their stoutest defensive efforts for the playoffs.

Dallas has allowed eight or fewer quality chances and 19 or fewer scoring opportunities in four of seven outings. Altogether, the Stars allow a paltry average of 8.1 and 21.9, respectively.

Further, those stats look even more impressive when adjusted for overtime. Dallas has needed added time in two games, including a double-overtime loss to the Minnesota Wild in Game 1 of the last round, meaning their 60-minute averages drop to 7.4 high-danger and 19.7 scoring chances.

Two of Dallas' three losses have come in games when they allow 10 or more quality opportunities. As such, we're anticipating the Stars to get back to their typical structure in Game 2. Their opportunistic offense will be ready to strike, but the primary focus should be protecting their own end.

Kraken vs. Stars Pick

Both teams exceeded expected output in the series opener. Nine total goals were scored at five-on-five, despite both teams being projected to score three or fewer.

Opportunities will be at a premium on Thursday night, as the Stars and Kraken play to their strengths, and scoring should regress with it. Consequently, we're betting Game 2 stays under the total in a tightly contested battle.

Pick: Under 5.5 (-122 or better)

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