Seattle Kraken vs Vancouver Canucks Predictions, Odds, Picks

• Two back half dark horses do battle
• Seattle is in major need of an adrenaline
• Canucks must stay hot

Seattle Kraken vs Vancouver Canucks Odds

In any other year, this would be a battle that helps build the inevitable rivalry. However, due to covid, rescheduling and arena capacity restrictions, this one is kind of just another game on the schedule for these two – in terms of a rivalry anyhow. The Kraken enter this contest in major need of a shot in the arm while the Canucks are just trying to game their top end form. The good news is both these teams have major potential to turn things around on the back nine of the season in 2022.

Our Pick

Everyone loves a good expansion story, but this game belongs to the Canucks. From the looks of it, they’ll still have some fans in attendance. Not a full barn, but enough to give them a real home ice advantage.

Vancouver to win 3-2 and stay hot under their new head coach Bruce Boudreau.

The Calgary Flames actually leaving Calgary is still a bit of a long shot. Should that happen though, given the recent arena talk breakdown news, the Pacific Division will need all the rivalries it can get. This one, geographically, is a no brainer and given their places in the standings as well this game actually has some meaning. The Kraken and Canucks are both near the bottom of the pack fighting an uphill battle. This could be a huge game for each of these squads looking to wrap the year with as many W’s as possible.

Kraken Need to Build a Wall

The Kraken defense has lacked heavily all year, not only giving up the most goals against in the league thus far, but they don’t have a defenseman in their own top seven scorers. You have to scroll down eight spots to find Vince Dunn who’s posted a measly nine assists and 12 points. This team needs help on the blueline in a bad way. However, helping their defensemen play better offensively is too tall a task at this point, so protecting their own cage should be the place to start.

With that in mind, Seattle has to keep this a low scoring affair by keeping their forwards accountable on the back end. No massive breakouts. No trying to squeeze a man loose. The Kraken need to play tighter than a noose and hope for some lucky bounces. If they can keep their crease safe they can then look at taking a few chances. They currently boast the league’s fourth-worst goal differential because they keep trying to jump out of the defensive zone early. They need to protect their own end before they worry about the Canucks’.

Vancouver Can’t Lose Their Momentum

This covid stop couldn’t have come at a worse time for Vancouver. They’ve won their last six straight under their new head coach and president and look like a brand new team. They look rejuvenated. They finally look as good on the ice as they do on paper. They need to find a way to pretend that last week didn’t happen and they’re heading into this game like it’s just simply the next game up and not their first game back.

If the Canucks can stay the course and keep their hot play coming up front they should have this one in the bag. The other big bonus for Vancouver has been the hot play of goaltender Thatcher Demko. Demko was named the NHL’s first star of the week for December 6-12 and has looked like an all-star since the coaching change kicked in. However, with this sudden stoppage, it’ll be interesting to see how he responds when the Kraken come to town.

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