Tip: Can Dallas halt Seattle Kraken's momentum?

Joe Pavelski delivered an incredible performance by scoring four goals in the opening game against the Seattle Kraken. However, it wasn't enough for Dallas to secure a win. After a 4-4 tie in regulation, Yanni Gourde stepped up in overtime and secured the victory for Seattle.

Kraken with momentum are hard to stop

If you watched Game 1, you were probably perplexed by what was happening on the ice. The first period alone saw six goals, easily hitting the over. It was astonishing how both teams, particularly the Kraken, were lighting up the scoreboard. Dallas opened the scoring early and felt optimistic about their chances. However, the Kraken quickly responded and equalized ten minutes later. The Stars regained control less than a minute later, but then the Kraken went on a goal-scoring rampage, netting three goals in just one minute. At the end of the first period, the score was 4-2 in favor of Seattle. The second period was scoreless, and the Stars managed to tie the game before ultimately losing in overtime. When the Kraken have momentum, they are incredibly difficult to stop.

I don't expect to witness as many high-scoring plays in this game as we did in the first one; it seems highly unlikely. I find it absurd that Joe Pavelski managed to score four goals for his team and yet still lose. That was a fantastic performance in the playoffs that went completely to waste. For Dallas to win, they must focus on defense. After a disastrous first period, they managed to keep the Kraken from scoring for almost an entire hour. Falling behind 2-0 and forfeiting home ice advantage is not ideal, but the Kraken are an excellent road team and might be able to pull off an upset.

Many different goal scorers

Although Seattle is a relatively new team, they managed to win the longest playoff game in franchise history against Dallas, with Yanni Gourde scoring the game-winning goal in overtime. Seattle's success in the playoffs thus far can be attributed to their ability to score from multiple sources, including unexpected ones, as well as the improved performance of Jaden Schwartz. Despite not being an outstanding goalie, Philipp Grubauer has done enough to keep the Kraken competitive.

If Dallas hopes to even the series, they will need to improve their play in Game 2. Jake Oettinger, who is typically a top-tier goalie, was uncharacteristically unstable in Game 1. Roope Hintz and Jason Robertson, who performed well in the previous round, will also need to step up and assist Pavelski. Dallas, who lost the opening game of the first round earlier in the playoffs, has demonstrated resilience and the ability to bounce back.

Conclusion and prediction

In my opinion, the Kraken are still being underestimated. Even though Dallas is playing a "must-win" game, Seattle deserves to be favored more than a +188 underdog on the road. (I understand that it's not technically a must-win game, but it should certainly feel like one for Dallas.) I predict that the game will be played at a slower pace, so I like the under. However, I think the odds we are getting on the Seattle Kraken are too tempting not to place a bet on them. Since I believe it will be a low-scoring match, I will bet on the Kraken +1.0 at -125. This means we will get our money back if Dallas wins by one goal, and the bet will be successful if the match ends in a draw or if Seattle wins. I am placing my bet at Unibet.