New Jersey Devils vs Seattle Kraken Picks and Predictions December 6th 2024

Dunn Returns Strong as Kraken Prepare for Devils Clash

The Seattle Kraken have welcomed back Vince Dunn with open arms, and the star defenseman is already proving why he’s such a crucial part of the team. After missing six weeks with an upper-body injury, Dunn wasted no time making an impact.

In just his second game back, Dunn tallied a goal and two assists to help the Kraken secure a decisive 5-2 victory over the New York Islanders on Thursday. As the Kraken continue their four-game road trip, they’ll face a tough test Friday against the high-scoring New Jersey Devils in Newark, N.J.

“Honestly, the points were great tonight,” Dunn said following the win over the Islanders. “Missing a long time, it’s hard to get your legs going and your puck touches at first. But with the team playing so well, it just makes everything so much easier for me.”

Dunn, who has only played seven games this season, is averaging a point per game with two goals and five assists.

Seattle’s Dynamic Play with Dunn Back

Vince Dunn’s presence has been a game-changer for Seattle, as his poise and smart decision-making with the puck bring a new level of control to the team’s gameplay.

“You just get to play with the puck a lot more (with Dunn in the lineup),” Kraken coach Dan Bylsma said. “He has a ton of poise with the puck and usually makes a great and smart play.”

Dunn’s performance on Thursday was pivotal, assisting on Seattle’s first two goals and scoring one of his own early in the second period. His slap shot in the first period set up Oliver Bjorkstrand’s power-play goal, highlighting Dunn’s ability to read the game and create scoring opportunities.

“It’s smart for the defensemen to look for sticks,” Bjorkstrand noted. “And (Dunn) obviously is a really good player. It’s just a heads-up play by him.”

Tye Kartye, Shane Wright, and Jaden Schwartz also contributed goals, while Adam Larsson racked up three assists. Goaltender Joey Daccord stood tall with 27 saves, ensuring a dominant win.

Devils Riding High on Offense and Defense

The New Jersey Devils enter the matchup with momentum following a 5-1 victory over the New York Rangers on Monday. Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt were the stars, combining for seven points, while goaltender Jacob Markstrom delivered a stellar 38-save performance.

“‘Marky’ was our best player tonight,” Hughes said. “The (penalty kill) did a really good job, and there were a lot of shot blocks by our whole team.”

Bratt, set to play his 500th NHL game on Friday, contributed a goal and three assists in the Rangers’ win. The Devils’ offense has been electric, scoring five goals in three of their last five games.

Defensive Standouts

While the Devils’ offense has shined, their defense has been equally impressive. Against the Rangers, they blocked 27 shots, including 10 on penalty kills. Coach Sheldon Keefe praised the team’s grit and sacrifice.

“When it was time to dig in and stand in front of shots, I thought the guys did a tremendous job,” Keefe said. “There’s a number of guys that took their wounds. They stood their ground.”

Dougie Hamilton, Luke Hughes, and others have anchored a blue line that complements the Devils’ potent offense.

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Key Matchup to Watch

The Kraken will need to maintain their high level of play against a Devils team firing on all cylinders. Vince Dunn’s ability to control the pace and create opportunities will be vital, as will Seattle’s power-play efficiency.

For the Devils, the offensive duo of Jack Hughes and Jesper Bratt, combined with their shot-blocking and defensive resilience, could overwhelm Seattle if the Kraken aren’t disciplined in their zone.

As the Kraken and Devils square off, fans can expect a fast-paced, high-intensity game that showcases skill, strategy, and determination from both sides.