Stars vs Kraken Game 4 | NHL Odds, Preview, Prediction

Stars vs. Kraken Odds

Playing in front of their home fans, the Seattle Kraken made mincemeat out of the Dallas Stars in a 7-2 mauling in Game 3.

Seattle was in total control; MoneyPuck said it had the Kraken close to 60% on their “Deserve-To-Win O’Meter.” The Stars had some positive spurts, but whatever they threw at the Kraken, Seattle eventually stopped en route to taking a 2-1 series lead in this NHL playoff series.

Here’s a look at odds, as well as my betting predictions for Stars vs. Kraken Game 4.

Dallar Stars

The Stars’ best players need to show up.

Seattle has done an incredible job of shutting down Jason Robertson and Roope Hintz, though Joe Pavelski has made a triumphant return to the postseason with five goals in three games. Tyler Seguin has also shown up when needed, but he was held without a shot on Sunday.

While the Stars' production has faded, the charts still favor them. Out of all eight teams remaining in the playoffs, they are at the top in expected goals with a 56.43 xGF% and a 31.4% power play.

Sunday’s game seemed like an aberration for the defensive side. It started with Miro Heiskanen taking a puck to the face — everything fell apart from there. Throughout the playoffs, Dallas has played like one of the best teams with a 2.24 xGA/60 (second best) and an 82% PK.

Jake Oettinger had a very poor performance. Out of 17 shots, he only saved 12 until he got pulled in the third period for Scott Wedgewood. I expect Oettinger to bounce back as he usually does. Historically in the playoffs, he plays to a .933 SV%, so I’m not concerned.

Seattle Kraken

What's been special about the Kraken during their postseason run is that they've gotten contributions from everyone.

From Yanni Gourde all the way to undrafted rookie Tye Kartye. The Kraken have also gotten great play from defenseman Justin Schultz and veterans Jordan Eberle and Jaden Schwartz. I’m curious when Jared McCann returns — he recently practiced with the team for the first time since sustaining an injury on April 24.

Surprisingly, Seattle has not been generating significant opportunities on the offensive end. Just like the Stars' defensive showing was an aberration, we haven’t seen dominance like Sunday from the Kraken. They’re playing to a 43.57 xGF%, as well as a 14.8% power play.

The Kraken’s penalty kill has been stifling all postseason, playing to a second-best 88.5% PK. On 5-on-5, they're just OK, playing to a 2.81 xGA/60.

Philipp Grubauer’s resurgence has been a welcome sight to Kraken fans. He’s been one of the top goalies during the playoffs, playing to a .918 SV% and a +3.3 GSAx. It seems like no light is too bright for the German netminder.

Stars vs. Kraken Pick

Coming into the playoffs, I thought the Stars had a legitimate chance at winning it all. While that may still hold true, I'm stunned to see how Seattle's held them at bay. However, what I’ve noticed about the Stars is their ability to bounce back when the going gets tough.

In Round 1, Dallas fell to the Wild 5-1 in Game 3 and then came back with a vengeance. The Stars ended up winning three straight and outscored Minnesota 11-3 in the process. I can see a similar trend happening in this series.

Grubauer is playing lights out, but he’s had a history of not being very reliable.

I’m expecting the Stars to tie the series, and as a bonus, I predict Jason Robertson will get a goal.

Robertson has placed in the top five in scoring chances, expected goals and high-danger chances in the playoffs. With his talent and the season he's had, it’s about time the 40-plus goal scorer breaks out.

Picks: Dallas Stars ML (-138) | Jason Robertson to score a goal (+130)

Bet Dallas Instantly at FanDuel Using QuickSlip!