Predators vs Kraken Odds, Picks, and Predictions Tonight: Beniers Lights the Lamp

We have a Western Conference tilt for TNT’s nightcap, with the Pacific Division’s Seattle Kraken hosting the Central Division’s Nashville Predators. Last season, Seattle won two of the three meetings between these two clubs.

Will Seattle take care of business once again, or can Nashville grab a victory on the road? Find out in our free NHL betting picks and predictions for Predators vs Kraken on Tuesday, November 8.

Predators vs Kraken best odds

Predators vs Kraken picks and predictions

These two teams enter this contest in opposite forms as Seattle has won six of its last eight games while Nashville has won three of its last eight. The Kraken have done a great job offensively, scoring at least three goals in each of their last nine games, while the Preds have allowed three or more goals in eight of their last 10.

At 5v5, Nashville ranks just 18th in the league in expected goals against per 60 minutes (xGA/60). Backing up this below-average defense is goaltender Juuse Saros, who is projected to start between the pipes on Tuesday.

Let me start by saying that Saros is unequivocally an elite goaltender and will figure things out as the season progresses. However, he has started the season in unusually below-average form and is 3-5-1 with a .904 SV% and 3.12 GAA through nine starts.

His metrics also suggest that positive regression may be further down the road, ranking just 22nd among starting goaltenders in goals saved above expected per 60 minutes (GSAx/60) at 5v5. While he should figure things out soon, it may not be against the strong Seattle offense.

While there are many reasons to back the Kraken as a whole, we are specifically going to target their young star forward, Matty Beniers, to find the back of the net in this contest. Through 13 games this season, the centerman boasts five goals.

Centering the first line between Jaden Schwartz and Jordan Eberle, these three forwards lead the forward lines with a 56% xGF%. Additionally, Beniers skates with the first power play unit.

This season, Seattle ranks seventh in the league in PP percentage while the Preds rank 25th in penalty minutes. Whether at 5v5 or on special teams, I like Beniers to score a goal at this price.

My best bet: Matty Beniers anytime goalscorer (+265 at FanDuel)

Predators vs Kraken moneyline analysis

I would lean toward the Kraken moneyline in this matchup, although I do not trust their goaltending. Projected to take the crease for Seattle is Martin Jones.

Through nine appearances this season, he possesses a .901 SV%. While he has an underwhelming save percentage, it is his track record against the Predators that is the biggest cause for concern.

Across 16 career starts against Nashville, Jones is 5-9-2 with a .883 SV% and 3.29 GAA. However, Jones is coming off three straight strong starts and could keep the momentum going against an under-performing Predators offense.

Either way, I would rather just back Beniers at plus money than lay juice on Seattle’s moneyline.

Predators vs Kraken Over/Under analysis

I would lean towards the Over in this contest because of how well this new-look Kraken offense has been to start the year, but there are a couple of concerns with going that route. First of all, Seattle’s defense is one of the most underrated in the league, ranking seventh in xGA/60 at 5v5.

Jamie Oleksiak and Adam Larsson have been excellent in their own zone and have helped suppress high-danger scoring chances at an elite level. Another concern is Martin Jones’ last three starts between the pipes as he has stifled Pittsburgh twice and shut out Minnesota.

Lastly, Saros will positively regress at some point. While I do not believe it will be in this matchup, it is certainly possible because he is absolutely capable of playing better than he has to start the season.

Predators vs Kraken betting trend to know

The Seattle Kraken have scored three or more goals in each of their last nine games. Find more NHL betting trends for Predators vs Kraken.

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