Seattle Kraken vs Dallas Stars 5/2/2023 Free Picks, Analysis and Odds
West 2nd Round – Game 1
The Seattle Kraken will face off against the Dallas Stars in the second round of the West playoffs in American Airlines Center, TX on May 2, 2023, at 9:30 PM ET. Despite their unexpected victory in the first round, the Kraken’s offense needs to step up after scoring only 18 goals overall and three in the final two games. Defensemen Justin Schultz and Yanni Gourde led the scoring with three goals and eight assists each, while Jaden Schwartz contributed a goal and four assists, but the rest of the offense underperformed.
However, the Kraken’s defense was outstanding in the first round, allowing only 19 goals, including just nine in the final four matches. The top defensive pair consisted of Adam Larsson and Vince Dunn, with Carson Soucy, Jamie Oleksiak, and Justin Schultz providing depth and forcing turnovers in all three zones while obstructing shot paths. Goalie Philipp Grubauer was also exceptional in the first round, with a .926 save percentage, a 2.44 goals-against average on 231 shots, and 4.7 goals saved over average.
- The total stayed UNDER in 10 of Seattle’s last 12 games with a team in the Western Conference.
- Seattle is 8-3 SU in their last 11 games against an opponent in the Central Division.
- The Kraken is 5-1 SU in their last 6 games played on a Tuesday.
Seattle Kraken vs Dallas Stars 5/2/2023 Free Picks, Analysis and Odds
The Stars advanced to the Second Round thanks to a potent offensive display that netted them 21 goals, including eight in the last two games. The top two lines, Roope Hintz, Jason Robertson, and Tyler Seguin, teamed up for 11 goals and 14 assists, but the whole offense stepped up. In addition to the eight assists from the blue line by defenseman Ryan Suter and Miro Heiskanen, Evgenii Dadonov, Jamie Benn, and Mason Marchment chipped in with six goals and five assists.
While the offense was impressive, the Stars’ defense was the key, allowing just 14 goals in total and only three in their final three games. Esa Lindell, Colin Miller, and Jani Hakanpaa all played well, creating turnovers in the defensive zone and blocking shots. Heiskanen and Suter led the top pairing. Goaltender Jake Oettinger also shined in the First Round, making 183 saves for a 2.01 goals-against average while saving 4.2 more goals than expected.
- The Dallas Stars are 6-1 SU in their last 7 games at home.
- Dallas is 8-2 SU in their last 10 games against an opponent in the Western Conference.
- The total went OVER in 7 of Dallas’ last 10 games against an opponent in the Pacific Division.
Seattle Kraken vs Dallas Stars. The NHL pick for this game is the Seattle Kraken. It was easy to think that the Stars would take Game One at home after they ended the First Round in control. The Kraken, however, wants to build on a strong road win and dominate Game One on both sides of the ice. With Yanni Gourde, Jaden Schwartz, and the rest of the forward group pushing the puck into the offensive zone and creating open shots with quick passes, the Kraken should score often. With Vince Dunn, Adam Larsson, and the rest of the defensive unit creating turnovers in the defensive zone and limiting shots on goal, The Kraken, who gave up just 19 goals in the First Round, should contain the Stars’ offense, allowing goaltender Philipp Grubauer to make many big saves in the net. The Seattle Kraken will win with a predicted score of 5-1.
NHL Starting Time: 9:10 PM ET
Location: American Airlines Center, TX
Date: Tuesday, May 2, 2023
TV: ESPN
NHL Odds: Seattle Kraken +158
NHL Totals: 5.5
