Kraken vs Stars Prediction Game 3 NHL Playoffs 5/7
- Lm Tipster
- May 6, 2023, 8:42:55 AM
© Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Preview
The 2022-23 NHL playoffs have been full of surprises, and the series between the Seattle Kraken and Dallas Stars has been no exception. Both teams have shown their strengths and weaknesses in the first two games, leaving the series tied at 1-1. As the series moves to Seattle for Game 3, we take a look at each team's offense, defense, and injuries to make our prediction for this crucial game.
Kraken Offense
The Kraken have been one of the most exciting teams to watch in these playoffs. They are led by a talented group of forwards that includes Jared McCann, who has been a scoring machine with 40 goals in the regular season, and Jordan Eberle, who has been a dominant force on the power play. Both players have continued their excellent form in the playoffs, with McCann scoring the overtime winner in Game 2. The Kraken's forward depth is also impressive, with players like Jaden Schwartz and Brandon Tanev providing valuable secondary scoring.
Kraken Defense
The Kraken's defense has been solid in these playoffs, but it has not been their strong suit. They have allowed an average of 3.07 goals per game in the playoffs, which is not a great number. However, they have been able to limit the Stars' chances, and goaltender Philipp Grubauer has made some key saves when needed. Vince Dunn has been a standout on the Kraken's blue line, providing some offensive production and solid defense.
Stars Offense
The Stars are no slouches when it comes to offense, as they finished the regular season with the second-most goals in the NHL. Jason Robertson has been their standout player, leading the team in goals (46) and points (109). Roope Hintz has also been a crucial part of their attack, with 37 goals in the regular season. The Stars have been able to generate a lot of shots on goal in this series, which has led to success, and they will be looking to continue that trend in Game 3.
Stars Defense
The Stars' defense has been one of their strengths in these playoffs. They have allowed an average of just 2.62 goals per game, which is an impressive number. They have a talented group of defensemen that includes Miro Heiskanen, who is one of the best young defensemen in the NHL. They have been able to limit the Kraken's chances in this series, which has been a key to their success.
Injuries
The Kraken are relatively healthy heading into Game 3, with Jared McCann being the only player on their injury report. He is listed as day-to-day, but the Kraken will be hoping to have him back in the lineup for this crucial game.
The Stars have a major injury concern heading into Game 3, as defenseman Lian Bichsel is out with an undisclosed injury. Bichsel is one of their top defensemen and will be a big loss for the Stars' blue line.
Prediction
This has been a tightly contested series so far, but we predict that the Kraken will come out on top in Game 3. They have home-ice advantage, and their offense has been firing on all cylinders. If McCann is able to return to the lineup, it will only add to their offensive firepower.
In addition, the Kraken have the advantage of having two solid goaltenders in Jones and Grubauer. While Jones has struggled at times in the playoffs, he has shown that he can come up with big saves when needed. Grubauer, on the other hand, has been consistent all season long and will likely start in Game 3.
On the defensive side of the puck, the Kraken have been solid throughout the playoffs. They have allowed an average of just 3.07 goals per game, which is good for third-best among playoff teams. They have also done a good job of limiting the opposition's shots on goal, allowing an average of just 27 per game.
The Stars, on the other hand, have struggled on defense in the playoffs, allowing an average of 2.62 goals per game. While their offense has been able to make up for their defensive shortcomings at times, it's not something they can rely on every game.
Pick: Kraken ML +120
