Seattle Kraken (8-11-6) vs. Montreal Canadiens (10-11-3)
Seattle Kraken vs. Montreal Canadiens 12/4/23 – The struggling Seattle Kraken (8-11-6) take on the Montreal Canadiens (10-11-3) on Monday night. This inter-conference matchup features two teams looking to gain momentum with the season nearing the halfway mark. Let’s dive into the analysis to provide our free NHL parlay picks.
The Kraken offense has been led by wingers Oliver Bjorkstrand and Eeli Tolvanen, who have combined for 36 points. However, Seattle ranks near the bottom of the league in goals per game and has struggled to put together a complete 60-minute effort. The Canadiens defense allows the sixth-most shots per game, so the Kraken need to take advantage.
Montreal’s top line of Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, and Kirby Dach have accounted for over 35% of the team’s goals this season. All three forwards shoot at over 12% and could give the Kraken defense trouble. Seattle allows 3.52 goals per game, fourth-worst in the NHL, so Montreal has a chance to get their offense going.
Seattle Kraken vs. Montreal Canadiens 12/4/23 Game Info
| When: | Monday, December 4, 2023 at 7:30 PM ET |
| Where: | Bell Centre |
| TV: | |
| Stream: | NHL.TV |
Goaltender Philipp Grubauer vs. Goaltender Jake Allen
Philipp Grubauer was brought in to provide stability between the pipes, but his first season in Seattle has been anything but stable. Through 14 starts, Grubauer has a 3.37 goals against average and a .882 save percentage – both rank near the bottom for starting goalies. The veteran has allowed three or more goals in 11 of 14 games, struggling with rebound control and staying square to the shooter. Grubauer’s inconsistencies are a major reason why the Kraken have given up the fourth-most goals in the NHL. He matches up against a fast Montreal offense that generates plenty of chances, which could mean another long night for the Seattle netminder if he fails to step up.
While Jake Allen hasn’t put up standout numbers, he has given Montreal fairly average goaltending this season. He has a .898 save percentage through 10 starts along with a 3.74 GAA. Allen has been markedly better when playing at the Bell Centre, registering two shutouts and a .924 save percentage on home ice. He delivered one of his strongest starts last time out, making 30 saves in Montreal’s overtime loss. Allen sometimes lets in soft goals, but with the Kraken offense still searching for its identity, he should make enough key stops to keep his team competitive. The veteran holds an edge over the struggling Grubauer in this goaltending matchup.
NHL Odds/Point Spread: Seattle Kraken -167, Total Odds: 6.5
The oddsmakers have made the Kraken road favorites even with their away struggles. The total is set at 6.5 goals, anticipating an up-and-down game between two teams near the bottom of their conferences. A higher-scoring over pick looks enticing.
Seattle Kraken Betting Trends
The Kraken are 1-5 straight up (SU) over their last six games, failing to win back-to-back contests in nearly a month. Seattle has lost four of its last five on the road while averaging under three goals per game away from home. The betting trends point toward the Canadiens extending the Kraken’s road woes.
Montreal Canadiens Betting Trends
The Canadiens have dropped five straight games at the Bell Centre while scoring two goals or less in four of those defeats. However, Montreal is 2-0 this season when facing the Western Conference at home. The trends signal that this could be the game the Habs get back on track.
Seattle Kraken vs. Montreal Canadiens 12/4/23 Betting Picks
Taking into account the analysis and trends, this game presents a finely balanced contest. The Kraken’s offensive edge might be slightly neutralized by the Canadiens’ home advantage and recent defensive solidity.
In terms of picks, while the Kraken are favorites, the Canadiens could very well leverage their home game to upset the odds. Prop bets on individual player performances, especially those of team leaders, could offer valuable opportunities. The over/under bet is tricky, given the conflicting trends, but leaning towards the under might be wise considering both teams’ recent scoring patterns. As always, checking a multi-handicapper website for diverse opinions can provide additional insights.
Free Pick and Prediction: Seattle Kraken 3, Montreal Canadiens 2.