Chicago Blackhawks (24-35-11) vs Seattle Kraken (22-41-6)
Game Info: Thursday, April 7, 2022 at 8:30 pm (United Center)
Betting Odds: Chicago Blackhawks +110 / Seattle Kraken +188 --- Over/Under: 6 Click Here for the Latest Odds
The Chicago Blackhawks host the Seattle Kraken in Thursday NHL Action.
The Seattle Kraken come into this road contest with an overall record of 22-41-6. Through 69 games, the Kraken are 8th in the Pacific Division. On the season, they have found the net 182 times, good for a rank of 28th among NHL teams. Heading into the game, Seattle is the 24th ranked defensive team, allowing opponents to score at an average rate of 3.49 goals per game. So far, the Kraken have a strength of schedule rating of 11th in the league. When diving into their opponent-adjusted scoring margin, they come into this game as the 28th ranked team in the NHL.
The Chicago Blackhawks get set to host the Seattle Kraken with an overall record of 24-35-11. This mark places them 7th in the Central division. Through 70 games, the Blackhawks have scored 188 goals, giving them an average of 2.63. This output gives them a rank of 26th among NHL teams. On defense, Chicago is the 25th ranked unit, giving up 3.5 goals per contest. So far, the Blackhawks have played the 2nd toughest schedule in the league. And, when taking into account Chicago's scoring margin relative to the quality of their competition, they come in with a power ranking of 27th in the NHL.
Through 61 games, the Seattle Kraken goal and overall scoring leader is Jared McCann with 40 points. He has reached his mark of 25 goals, on a shooting percentage of 15.4%. So far, 32.0% of his goals have come during power play time. Behind him is Yanni Gourde, who has 23 assists to go along with his 17 goals. However, when on the ice the Kraken are -11 in scoring differential. Seattle's top goalie is Philipp Grubauer, who is giving up an average of 3.19 goals per game.
Through 70 games, Chicago's leading goal scorer is Alex DeBrincat. With his 39 goals and 28 assists, he is second in overall points, coming in at 67. On the season, he is turning 17.2% of his shots into goals. In addition, the Blackhawks have benefited from the strong play of Patrick Kane, who is the team's overall leader in points. In Chicago's 70 games, he has come up with 22 goals on a shooting percentage of 8.9%. However, when on the ice, the Blackhawks are -16 in scoring differential. Chicago's top goalie is Marc-Andre Fleury, who is giving up an average of 2.95 goals per game.In his 45 games played, he has come up with a quality start just 49 percent of the time.
In Seattle's 69 games, the over has hit in over half of their games, going 40-26-3. So far, taking the over when the Kraken are playing away from home has been a good bet with an over-under record of 19-13-2. On the season 62.0% of Seattle's games have gone for at least 6 goals or more, with 43.0% of the scoring coming from the Kraken. In Chicago's 70 games, the over has hit in over half of their games, going 34-31-5. So far, the team has been less likely to go over the betting line when playing at home, going just 15-17-2. On the season, 59.0% of Chicago's games have gone for at least 6 goals or more, with 44.0% of the scoring coming from the Blackhawks. Heading into this game, both the Blackhawks and Kraken have some of the fewest high danger scoring chances in the NHL. Even though Seattle's goalies have the 2nd worst combined save percentage, I don't see Chicago being able to take advantage. I recommend taking the under.
Joe’s Pick Under 6 Goals
AUTHOR: Joe Kiemen
Follow Joe Kiemen on Twitter @PickDawgz