Seattle Kraken vs Edmonton Oilers Picks and Predictions March 27th 2025

Oilers Aim to Continue Dominance Over Kraken Despite Injury Woes

The Edmonton Oilers are set to face off against the Seattle Kraken on Thursday, aiming to extend their dominance despite missing key players. With both Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid out due to injuries, the Oilers are fighting to secure a top-two finish in the Pacific Division. This matchup will mark the second game of a back-to-back series after a 4-3 loss to the Dallas Stars on Wednesday.

The Oilers, currently at 87 points (41-25-5), are just two points behind the Los Angeles Kings, fighting to secure home-ice advantage for the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs. In their recent clash with Dallas, the Oilers displayed remarkable resilience by scoring three goals in a span of nine minutes during the third period, falling just short of an incredible comeback.

Edmonton forward Connor Brown praised the team’s fighting spirit, saying, “We didn’t get deflated between periods. We came out, grinded and almost clawed our way back.” Coach Kris Knoblauch also commended the team’s character, noting how they nearly overturned a four-goal deficit without their star players.

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Injury Woes and Goalie Uncertainty

Leon Draisaitl, the NHL’s leading goal scorer with 49 goals and 101 points, hasn’t played since March 18 due to an undisclosed injury. Although he participated in some drills on Wednesday, he skipped line rushes, suggesting he might still need time to recover.

Connor McDavid, on the other hand, missed his second consecutive game with a lower-body injury. Coach Kris Knoblauch offered a bit of clarity, saying, “Leon will be back sooner than Connor. We’re looking at a week, maybe shorter, for Leon, and Connor will be longer than that.”

Stay updated with player injury reports and odds at NHL Scores and Odds.

Goaltending Dilemma

The Oilers face more challenges in net after starting goalie Stuart Skinner was forced to leave Wednesday’s game after being hit in the head by Mikko Rantanen’s knee. Calvin Pickard stepped in and made three crucial saves, keeping the team within reach of a comeback. With Skinner likely sidelined for the Seattle game, Pickard is expected to take the reins once again.

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Seattle Kraken: Battling for Pride

The Seattle Kraken find themselves far from playoff contention, sitting 17 points behind the St. Louis Blues for the final wild-card spot with only 10 games remaining. Seattle’s most recent setback was a 4-3 overtime loss to the Calgary Flames, marking their third straight defeat (0-2-1).

Despite the tough season, Kraken coach Dan Bylsma emphasized the importance of finishing strong, saying, “I like what I saw from this group. The guys are clearly wanting to make a statement here with the last 10 games of the season.”

Building a Resilient Culture

The Kraken are focusing on establishing a fighting spirit and building a culture of perseverance, regardless of their playoff chances. Forward Tye Kartye stated, “We’re just trying to instill a culture of battling and never giving up and playing for the guy beside you.”

For division odds and predictions, visit:

• Pacific Division Odds & Predictions
• Central Division Odds & Predictions
• Metropolitan Division Odds & Predictions
• Atlantic Division Odds & Predictions

Matchup Analysis and Key Players

Edmonton Oilers

• Leon Draisaitl: Potentially nearing a return, but his absence continues to impact the Oilers’ offensive dynamics.
• Connor McDavid: Still sidelined, his explosive playmaking ability is sorely missed.
• Calvin Pickard: With Skinner out, Pickard’s ability to hold down the fort will be crucial.

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Seattle Kraken

• Tye Kartye: Representing the Kraken’s never-give-up mentality, Kartye has become a reliable presence on the ice.
• Jaden Schwartz: A seasoned forward whose leadership and consistency will be vital in this matchup.
• Vince Dunn: A solid defenseman with offensive capabilities, Dunn is a critical piece in Seattle’s lineup.

Get insights on all upcoming games and team stats at NHL Teams and Stats.

Game Predictions and Betting Insights

Given the Oilers’ dominance over the Kraken—having won nine straight games since January 2023—the odds are in Edmonton’s favor. However, injuries to key players like Draisaitl and McDavid level the playing field slightly. Seattle’s motivation to finish the season on a strong note makes this game more unpredictable than usual.

To keep up with the latest odds and predictions, visit the NHL Conference Odds & Predictions and Stanley Cup Odds & Predictions.

FAQs

What is the injury status of Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid?
Draisaitl may return within a week, while McDavid’s injury could keep him out longer.

Who will start in goal for the Oilers against the Kraken?
With Stuart Skinner likely out, Calvin Pickard is expected to take over.

How many consecutive games have the Oilers won against the Kraken?
The Oilers have beaten the Kraken nine straight times since January 2023.

What is Seattle’s focus as the season winds down?
Despite being out of playoff contention, the Kraken aim to finish strong and build a resilient culture for next season.

What are the key factors that could influence the outcome of the game?
The Oilers’ ability to generate offense without their star players and Seattle’s drive to break their losing streak will play pivotal roles.

Are there any betting tips for this matchup?
Considering Edmonton’s track record against Seattle and the current injury situation, betting on a tighter game with fewer goals might be a strategic choice.

The Oilers’ resilience and depth will be tested against a Kraken team eager to make a statement. Keep an eye on the injury updates and lineup changes as game day approaches, and check out the latest odds and predictions at Scores and Stats.