At the onset of their series, the Colorado Avalanche were heavy favorites over the Seattle Kraken. And there were plenty of understandable reasons for that status with the Stanley Cup betting odds. Colorado is the defending Stanley Cup champion. The Avalanche remains one of the NHL’s most potent and talented teams. By contrast, the Kraken is a second-year expansion team. Seattle wins with pluck and tenacity. The Kraken lacks the talent of the Avs. But Seattle has given Colorado an unexpected battle. Colorado has the advantage, but it’s been hard-earned.
2023 Stanley Cup Playoff First Round Playoff Series Colorado Avalanche vs. Seattle Kraken
| Date and Time: | Wednesday, April 26, 2023, 9:30 P.M. ET. |
|---|---|
| Location: | Ball Arena, Denver, CO. |
| TV Coverage: | ESPN |
| Team | Spread | Total | ML | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kraken | +1½ (-150) | 6 (-105) | +175 |  |
| Avalanche | -1½ (+130) | 6 (-115) | -210 | |
| ||||
Kraken vs. Avalanche Series Schedule
Avalanche lead series, 2-1
- Game 1: Kraken 3, Avalanche 1
- Game 2: Avalanche 3, Kraken 2
- Game 3: Avalanche 6, Kraken 4
- Mon., April 24: Avalanche at Kraken, 10 p.m. ET, TBS
- Wed., April 26: Kraken at Avalanche, 9:30 p.m. ET; ESPN
- *Fri., April 28: Avalanche at Kraken, TBD
- *Sun., April 30: Kraken at Avalanche, TBD
*If Necessary
Kraken vs. Avalanche SBG Odds Overview
Certainly, the smart money is on Colorado to advance out of this series. But on a game-by-game basis, the Avalanche remains overpriced. Cause by the Colorado branding as defending champions loaded with scoring ability. Casual offshore betting money remains overwhelmingly in favor of the Avalanche. It is true that Seattle is fighting hard and stole game one. But Wise Guys and Squares realize that Seattle is outclassed in this series.
So with Colorado established as the favorite, the question comes down to price and value. The Avalanche can win this series even if they lose a game. And any Colorado loss to the Kraken will damage bankrolls badly.
Seattle Kraken Team Overview
The Seattle Kraken are 46-28-8 straight up and 36-40 under the total. Late on, Seattle has covered one out of their last five games. While the Kraken has gone under the total in five of its previous six matchups.
Seattle has NHL metrics of 5th for goals scored and 21s for power play efficiency. Compared to defense, the Kraken has NHL metrics of 14th for goals against and 21st for penalty killing.
First among Seattle scorers is Justin Schultz with one goal, three assists, four points, and a +1. Goaltender Philipp Grubauer has a .917 save percentage and 3.07 goals-against average. His record is 1-2 with 0 shutouts.
Colorado Avalanche Team Overview
The Colorado Avalanche are 51-24-7 straight up and 34-42-6 over/under the total. Late on, Colorado has covered eight out of their last ten games. While the Avs have gone under the total in three of its previous ten matchups.
Colorado has NHL metrics of 11th for goals scored and 6th for power play efficiency. In comparison, on defense, the Avalanche have NHL metrics of 9th for goals against and 16th for penalty killing.
First among Colorado scorers is Mikko Rantanen, with three goals, one assist, four points, and a +1. Goaltender Alexandar Georgiev has a .898 save percentage and 3.03 goals-against average. His record is 2-1 with no shutouts.
Kraken vs. Avalanche SBG Free Picks
On this occasion, Seattle is a great story. And the Kraken team has earned respect with the NHL Playoff betting odds. Still, Colorado is the vastly superior team that will wear down Seattle over a long series.
Kraken vs. Avalanche SBG Best Bet: Colorado Avalanche.