Seattle Kraken (10-14-9) vs. Anaheim Ducks (12-19-0)
Kraken vs. Ducks 12/23/23 – As the NHL regular season advances, attention turns towards an anticipated matchup between Seattle Kraken and Anaheim Ducks at Honda Center on Saturday. Fans and analysts alike are looking forward to this game for NHL free predictions; each side looking for ways to strengthen their standings on the ice.
The Seattle Kraken, despite their less-than-stellar overall record, possess an effective offense. Oliver Bjorkstrand leads their offensive line with 26 points including 10 goals; Vince Dunn and Eeli Tolvanen have also contributed significantly by amassing 46 total points between them; their ability to penetrate defenses and create scoring chances will be key against an opponent like Anaheim Ducks who has shown resilience throughout this season.
On the other side, Anaheim Ducks’ offense has shown flashes of brilliance thanks to Frank Vatrano and Mason McTavish. Vatrano leads with 14 goals while McTavish and Troy Terry provide depth to their attack; combined they total 41 points this season! These offensive players must use this advantage against an unpredictable Kraken defensive unit which has had moments of vulnerability this year.
Kraken vs. Ducks 12/23/23 Game Info
| When: | Saturday, December 23, 2023 at 8:00 PM ET |
| Where: | Honda Center |
| TV: | ESPN+ |
| Stream: | NHL.TV |
Goaltender Joey Daccord vs. Goaltender John Gibson
Joey Daccord has struggled to find consistency in his first full NHL season. Through 19 starts, Daccord has managed just five wins while registering a mediocre 0.905 save percentage. While he has shown flashes of brilliance, making highlight-reel saves on occasion, he has also allowed his fair share of soft goals. Daccord’s rebound control remains a work in progress, as he struggles to smother pucks at times. Daccord tends to overcommit laterally on cross-ice passes and end up out of position.
John Gibson entered this season with high expectations after three straight All-Star campaigns. However, he has taken a major step back, winning just six of his first 21 starts while registering a replacement-level 0.906 save percentage. Once considered Anaheim’s franchise cornerstone in net, Gibson has lost the ability to single-handedly mask the Ducks’ defensive deficiencies this season. His lateral movement appears slower, causing him issues on cross-ice one-timers that previously posed little threat. Gibson’s confidence looks shaken, as he has already been pulled twice after giving up three-plus goals in the first period.
NHL Odds/Point Spread: TBD, Total Odds: TBD
The betting odds for this game are yet to be determined, but they will offer valuable insights into the expected performance of both teams. Bettors will be closely analyzing these odds to gauge the perceived strengths and weaknesses of each team.
Seattle Kraken Betting Trends
The Kraken are 0-5 in their last five overall, while going 1-4 against the spread (ATS) over that span. Seattle has performed well on the road, with an 11-5 ATS record away from home. The under has hit in four of their last five contests. The Kraken offense drying up recently, but their season-long metrics suggest positive regression is forthcoming.
Anaheim Ducks Betting Trends
Anaheim is 3-2 straight up and ATS in its prior five outings. The Ducks hold a 10-6 road ATS record this campaign. The over has hit in just one of the Ducks’ previous five matchups. While Anaheim captured three of its last five, those wins came against struggling clubs in Philadelphia, San Jose, and Arizona.
Seattle Kraken vs. Anaheim Ducks 12/23/23 Betting Picks
Given the current data and performance trends, this game is shaping up to be a closely contested battle. Both teams have shown strengths and weaknesses throughout the season, making it a challenging game to predict. However, based on the offensive capabilities and recent form, the Ducks might have a slight edge.
In terms of premium analysis picks, considering the Ducks’ slightly better recent performance and the Kraken’s struggles, Anaheim might be the safer pick. Prop bets on individual player performances, especially on the Ducks’ leading scorers, could be intriguing. The over/under will largely depend on the goaltenders’ form on the day, but with both teams having potent offenses, a higher-scoring game could be on the cards.
Free Pick and Prediction: Anaheim Ducks 4, Seattle Kraken 3