Avalanche vs Kraken Game 5 Prediction NHL Playoffs 4/26

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Game Preview: Kraken vs Avalanche (Apr 26, 2023) Pregame

The NHL Playoffs continue with the Seattle Kraken and the Colorado Avalanche facing-off in a pivotal Game 5 matchup. Both teams are tied 2-2 in the first round of the playoffs, making this a must-win game for both sides. Many NHL picks experts and nhl picks computer predictions have favorited the Avalanche in this match-up, as they hold the advantage in both overall record and home games. However, the Kraken have shown resilience on the road this season and come into this game with a strong offensive attack. If you're looking for some nhl today experts picks, this game promises to be a close and exciting matchup. You may want to consider nhl picks and parlays or nhl experts picks today for some guidance on the best nhl bets today. The Kraken will need to bring their A-game to beat the Avalanche, and nhl picks with spread suggest this will be a tight and hard-fought contest. Nevertheless, nhl predictions today have shown that anything can happen in the playoffs, making for an unpredictable and thrilling game. Be sure to tune in to see who comes out on top in this critical Game 5 showdown between the Kraken and Avalanche.

Kraken: Offensive Analysis

The Kraken have proven themselves to be a capable offensive team throughout the regular season and the playoffs. With a record of 46-28-8 overall and a 27-12-4 record in road games, the Kraken have shown that they can score and win games on the road. In their last 10 games, the Kraken have averaged 3.4 goals per game and have scored at least one power-play goal in 20-8-3 games. Matthew Beniers has been a key player for the Kraken in their offensive success, scoring four goals and adding one assist over the past 10 games. Vince Dunn has also been a leader for the team in terms of scoring, with 14 goals and 50 assists. These players, along with other offensive threats on the Kraken's roster, provide depth and diversity in their attack. The Kraken's offensive strategy will need to evolve as they face the tough challenge of the Avalanche in this playoff series. With the series tied 2-2, every game counts and the Kraken will need to be aggressive and opportunistic in their scoring chances. However, they will also need to be disciplined, as the Avalanche are 22-10-2 when they serve fewer penalty minutes than their opponent. In terms of best NHL bets today and NHL picks experts, the Kraken may not be a top choice for some predictors given their status as a relatively new team. However, their offensive proficiency and ability to win on the road make them a formidable opponent for any team in the NHL. As the Kraken continue their playoff run, they will need to rely on their offense to secure crucial victories against strong opponents like the Avalanche.

Kraken: Defensive Analysis

As the Seattle Kraken head into their pivotal Game 5 matchup against the Colorado Avalanche, their defense will be a key factor in determining the outcome of the game. The Kraken will need to be at their best defensively to slow down a high-powered Avalanche offense that has averaged 3.6 goals over their last 10 games. One of the Kraken's strongest defensive assets is their penalty kill. They have been successful on 81.4% of their penalty kill opportunities this season and will need to continue that success against the Avalanche, who have the best power play in the NHL with a success rate just over 26%. Kraken's goaltender, Philipp Grubauer, will also play a crucial role in the team's defensive efforts. Grubauer has been outstanding this season, posting a 2.23 goals against average and a .922 save percentage. He will need to continue his stellar play if the Kraken hope to slow down the Avalanche's potent attack. Defenseman Vince Dunn will also have a significant impact on the Kraken's defense. Dunn has played an important role in the team's success this season, recording 14 goals and 50 assists. His offensive contributions have been valuable, but it's his defensive play that will be crucial in Game 5. Another key defensive factor for the Kraken is their ability to limit the Avalanche's high-danger scoring chances. In their 3-2 overtime win over the Avalanche in the previous matchup, the Kraken only allowed five high-danger scoring chances, which is well below Colorado's season average. They will need to replicate that success to limit the threat of Rantanen and MacKinnon. In conclusion, the Kraken's defense will play a critical role in determining the outcome of Game 5. Their penalty kill and defensive structure will be tested against a high-powered Avalanche attack, and goaltender Philipp Grubauer will need to be excellent to keep the Kraken in the game. If the Kraken can limit Colorado's high-danger scoring chances and play solid defensively, they will have a chance to steal Game 5 on the road.

Avalanche: Offense Analysis

The Colorado Avalanche's offense has been on display this playoffs, and they will look to continue their strong showing against the Seattle Kraken in tonight's game. According to NHL picks experts and computer predictions, the Avalanche are favored to win with a -219 moneyline. Leading the way for Colorado's offense is Mikko Rantanen, who has 55 goals and 50 assists in the regular season. In the past 10 games alone, Nathan MacKinnon has notched eight goals and seven assists. With these two at the forefront, the Avalanche has averaged 3.6 goals and 6.1 assists in their last 10 games. On the other hand, the Kraken's offense has been inconsistent and has failed to match up to the Avalanche. Vince Dunn is their top performer on offense with 14 goals and 50 assists in the regular season, and rookie Matthew Beniers has scored four goals and one assist in the last 10 games. However, they have only averaged 3.4 goals in their last 10 matchups. When looking at nhl picks and parlay predictions, it's clear that the Avalanche's offense poses a significant challenge for the Kraken, who have gone 20-8-3 in games they score at least one power-play goal. Additionally, with a -219 moneyline, it's clear that the experts agree the Avalanche will come out on top in this game. In conclusion, Colorado's offense is a force to be reckoned with, and the Kraken's will have a tough time matching its firepower. Expect the Avalanche to come out strong and put on an offensive showcase in tonight's game, achieving a convincing victory and likely nhl picks and parlays success.

Avalanche: Defensive Analysis

The Avalanche defense will have their work cut out for them in the fifth game of the series against the Kraken. However, with their league-leading defense, they have a good chance to come out on top. NHL picks experts and computer predictions give the Avalanche the edge with a -219 betting line. The Avalanche also have a strong home record of 23-14-6 and have shown they can perform well under pressure with a 2-2 series tie. The top performers on defense for the Avalanche have been Cale Makar and Devon Toews. Makar leads the team with 35 assists and has been a key contributor in both the offense and defense. Toews has 23 assists and a +/- rating of +23, demonstrating his strong defensive skills. The Avalanche will need to focus on limiting the Kraken's scoring opportunities, especially on the power play. The Kraken have a 20-8-3 record when they score at least one power-play goal, so the Avalanche will need to limit their penalties to ensure they don't give the Kraken an advantage. 

Injury Report

As the Colorado Avalanche and Seattle Kraken prepare for their eighth matchup of the season on Wednesday, both teams have a few key injuries to address. For the Avalanche, defenseman Jack Johnson, forward Darren Helm, and forward Valeri Nichushkin are all listed as day-to-day with lower body and undisclosed injuries, respectively. Goaltender Pavel Francouz remains out with a lower-body injury, and captain Gabriel Landeskog is still out with a knee injury. Meanwhile, the Kraken will be without forward Joonas Donskoi, who is out with an upper-body injury. Forward John Hayden is out for the remainder of the season with a lower-body injury, and forward Andre Burakovsky will also miss Wednesday's game with a lower-body injury. These injuries could have an impact on the game, particularly for the Kraken, who will be missing three key forwards. However, both teams have depth at the position and will likely adjust their lineups accordingly. 

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