Bruins vs. Kraken prediction: how we’re betting Boston’s attempt at a 5th straight win

Seattle Kraken defenseman Jamie Oleksiak (24) reacts after scoring a goal against the Detroit Red Wings during the second period of an NHL hockey game Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023, in Seattle. AP

We have a Bruins vs. Kraken prediction, and Boston still boasts the best team in hockey. 

The Bruins have won four straight and now have a seven-point advantage over Carolina for the top seed in the Eastern Conference. They’re also a whopping 13 points ahead of Toronto in the Atlantic Division. 

However, I wouldn’t underestimate Seattle. The Kraken are slumping but still boast a top-half hockey team, and Dave Hakstol is a hockey coach I deeply respect. 

Read on for the odds and my prediction for this edition of Bruins vs. Kraken. 

Bruins vs. Kraken odds

Moneyline: Bruins (-176) vs. Kraken (+146)

Spread: Bruins -1.5 (+138) vs. Kraken +1.5 (-170) 

Total: Over 6 (-106) | Under 6 (-115)

Bruins vs. Kraken prediction Seattle Kraken ML (+140) at FanDuel Sportsbook

Every hockey team loses games. Despite how dominant the Bruins are night-to-night, they won’t win their final 26 games in a row. 

And if there’s a situation for the Bruins to drop one, Thursday night looks good. 

The Bruins had a comfy two-game homestand against the Islanders and Senators, which they swept by a combined score of 9-3. However, the B’s now travel cross-country for a four-game West Coast swing. 

Playing in Seattle as an East Coast team is always tough, no matter how dominant that team may be. And the Bruins don’t even have a game to settle into West Coast time, instead playing in Seattle first before heading to Vancouver. 

Meanwhile, the Kraken seem undervalued as moderate home underdogs. Per Money Puck’s statistical power ratings, Seattle boasts hockey’s 12th-best team. 

Specifically, the Kraken have depth, solid defense and an above-average goaltender. The Kraken are tied for the league’s most double-digit goal scorers and are 14th in Expected Goals Allowed.

Goalie Philipp Grubauer ranks 20th among goalies with at least 20 games played in Goals Saved Above Expected, per Money Puck. 

These are the characteristics of a team you want to back as underdogs. The Kraken can hang in games with defense and goaltending and win with quality third and fourth lines. 

And it’s a good spot for the Kraken. Seattle will be fired up and looking to bounce back after a 4-0 road loss to the Sharks, while Grubauer will be rested and back in goal after Martin Jones started that game. 

Meanwhile, the Bruins will likely start Jeremy Swayman after back-to-back starts by Linus Ullmark. While both goalies are excellent, it’s not hyperbole to say Swayman is a step down from likely Vezina winner Ullman. 

Seattle went to Boston earlier this year and won 3-0. Given the situational spot for both squads, I’m willing to bet the Kraken can pull off another upset, this time as solid home underdogs at FanDuel Sportsbook. 

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