Seattle Kraken vs Colorado Avalanche Picks and Predictions October 22nd 2024

Finally on Track, Avs Go for Third Straight Win vs. Kraken

The Colorado Avalanche appear to have shaken off a sluggish start to the season and are aiming to extend their winning streak to three games when they face the Seattle Kraken on Tuesday. After starting the season 0-4-0, the Avalanche have found their form with back-to-back wins, including a thrilling 4-3 overtime victory against Anaheim on Friday and a solid 4-1 win over the San Jose Sharks on Sunday.

Avalanche Turning the Corner

Key to Colorado’s resurgence has been the dynamic play of Ross Colton, who has stepped up in recent games. Colton, playing on the Avs’ top line alongside Nathan MacKinnon and Mikko Rantanen, has scored twice in each of Colorado’s victories. With six goals on the season, Colton is tied for second in the NHL in goal-scoring as of Monday.

“Being able to play with Nate and Mikko has just been a pleasure,” Colton said. “That’s two of the best players in the world. For me, I’m just trying to play my game, try to get open for them. You just find the smallest bit of area on the ice and they find you.”

The chemistry between Colton and his linemates has been pivotal. His goals in the opening period of Sunday’s game, including one on the power play, set the tone for the Avalanche’s first road victory of the season. Mikko Rantanen praised Colton’s work ethic and effectiveness on the power play, noting how his contributions are lifting the team’s offensive output.

Nathan MacKinnon continues to be a force for Colorado, tallying two assists in the win over San Jose, extending his points streak to six games (two goals, nine assists). Cale Makar, another cornerstone for the Avalanche, had a goal and two assists in the victory. Makar also has a point in every game so far this season (two goals, 10 assists).

“It’s been huge to have them going because the bulk of our offense is coming from those guys,” Avalanche coach Jared Bednar said. “It’s a lot of pressure on those guys.”

Another positive for Colorado was the performance of goaltender Justus Annunen, who made 25 saves in his first start of the season. His solid play has boosted the Avalanche’s confidence in their defensive structure.

Kraken Looking to Build on Recent Success

The Seattle Kraken, meanwhile, have strung together three consecutive wins after a rough start. Most recently, Seattle handed the previously unbeaten Calgary Flames their first loss of the season with a 2-1 overtime victory on Saturday. Jordan Eberle scored the game-winner just 48 seconds into overtime, sealing an important victory for the Kraken.

Seattle’s special teams have shown improvement, particularly in their win against Calgary. Chandler Stephenson scored his first goal for the Kraken on a 5-on-3 power play, a key moment in the game. Stephenson, who joined the Kraken as a free agent in the offseason, emphasized the importance of building confidence in both special teams and overall team play.

“I think it’s just going to keep building here,” Stephenson said. “Guys feel confident with (special teams) … we can be a good (penalty kill) team and we want to be top 10 in both categories.”

Goalie Joey Daccord has been solid in net for Seattle, making 21 saves against Calgary and continuing his consistent play during the team’s recent surge.

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What to Expect

Expect Nathan MacKinnon, Mikko Rantanen, and Ross Colton to be central to the Avalanche’s efforts to extend their winning streak. Colorado will want to push the pace against a Seattle team that has tightened its defense in recent games. Their top line is firing on all cylinders.

On the opposite side, the Kraken will depend in their working on unique groups and adjusted scoring to challenge the Avs. Jordan Eberle and Chandler Stephenson will be significant for Seattle’s hostile push, while Joey Daccord should continue his strong goaltending to keep the game close.

After slow starts, both teams have found their rhythm, paving the way for an intriguing battle when they meet in Seattle. Colorado, hoping to move back up the standings, should keep up with their hostile force, while Seattle will mean to expand their series of wins and demonstrate they can rival the Western Conference’s best.