Kraken vs Golden Knights Picks and Prediction – 3/22/2024

Tonight's match-up at the T-Mobile Arena pits the Seattle Kraken against the Vegas Golden Knights in a Pacific Division clash. The Kraken, standing 6th in the Pacific, bring a record of 28-27-12 into this game, looking to build on a mixed season of results. On the other side, the Golden Knights, 4th in the Pacific, boast a stronger 36-25-7 record. Both teams aim to solidify possible playoff positions in this crucial encounter. Hit the ice running with our NHL picks.

The Seattle Kraken are navigating through turbulent waters this season. With a record that mirrors a struggle for consistency, they've shown flashes of brilliance but often failed to sustain momentum. Recent performances, such as the 6-2 defeat to Buffalo, underscore the volatility in the Kraken’s play, reflecting a team searching for its identity. The Kraken's offensive stats, with a 2.7 goals per game placing them 28th in the league, suggest an attack that's struggled to find the back of the net consistently. 

Defensively, they've been slightly better, allowing 2.9 goals per game, ranking 9th, showcasing a toughness that's kept them in many contests. Team leaders like Jared McCann, with 53 points, are crucial to sparking Seattle's offense, while goaltenders Joey Daccord and Philipp Grubauer bear the responsibility of fortifying the back end, evidenced by Daccord's .917 save percentage.

Vegas, on the other hand, appears more settled. Coming off a 5-3 loss to Tampa Bay, they're looking to rebound quickly. With an offense that averages 3.2 goals per game, ranked 14th, the Golden Knights possess the firepower to challenge any defense, backed by Jonathan Marchessault's team-leading 59 points. 

The Golden Knights' defensive game, allowing 3.0 goals per game and ranked 11th, isn't far behind, suggesting a balanced team that can win through either attack or defense. This balance is further reflected in special teams, with a power play operating at 19.0% efficiency. However, injuries to key players like Alex Pietrangelo and Mark Stone could impact depth.