Via NHL.com
The defending champion Colorado Avalanche start their title defense tonight as they are all set to take on the Seattle Kraken in game one of the series. Puck-drop is scheduled for 10:00 p.m. EST from Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado.
It’s the postseason debut for the Seattle Kraken franchise which is both exciting and impressive from a team that was formed just over a year ago. However, the Vegas Golden Knights changed expectations for expansion teams after their run to the Stanley Cup Finals in their first year. But this season has been a massive success for the Kraken and they have been one of the better stories in sports all year long. Yet, despite their youth in the playoffs, this Kraken team will be ready to go. They played the Avalanche tough all year, going 1-1-1 in the three matchups. All games were decided by one goal so Seattle won’t be scared of the defending champions. The Kraken are strong offensively but have struggled at times on defense. They will need that side of the ice to be strong as they face a tough Colorado attack.
The Avalanche clinched the top seed in the Central Division for the third straight year after a very up and down season. They started off extremely slow but found their rhythm and looked like the defending champions as the season came to a close. They are as dangerous as any team and they view Seattle as a worthy opponent but one that’s just in the way of their ultimate goal. Colorado is efficient on offense and good enough on defense to make life tough on opponents. They will need to be balanced on both sides as they face a tough Kraken squad here.
Game Prediction: Colorado Avalanche 3, Seattle Kraken 2
I like the Avalanche to take game one but similar to their regular season results, it will be a one goal win here today.
Odds Presented By Betfred Sportsbook
Spread – Seattle Kraken +1.5 (-160) / Colorado Avalanche -1.5 (-135)
Moneyline – Seattle Kraken +160 / Colorado Avalanche -190
Total – 6.0 – Over (-110) / Under (-110)
Make sure you give Betfred Sportsbook a follow on Twitter (@BetfredSports) and download the Betfred Sportsbook App. Also make sure to follow at (@TWSN___) and the WrightBet at (@wrightbet513).
