Vancouver-canucks vs Seattle Kraken Picks and Predictions December 28th 2024

Vancouver-Canucks vs Seattle Kraken December 28th 2024

Betting on today’s Kraken and Canucks game? Catch the action at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, BC, as the Canucks hosts this showdown at 4:00 ET on ESPN+. The over/under for this game is set at 5.5 goals, and the Canucks are favored by -1.5 against the Kraken in a Pacific division matchup.

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Seattle vs. Vancouver Key Information

• Teams: Kraken at Canucks
• Where: Rogers Arena Vancouver
• Date: Saturday, December 28th
• Betting Odds VAN -131 | SEA +112 O/U 5.5

The Kraken Can Win If…

Seattle fell to 15-19-2 after a 2-0 road loss to the Bruins. The Kraken entered as underdogs on the puck line, and the total was set at 6 goals, but the teams combined for just 2.

Both goals came in the first period, with the Bruins scoring at 16:37 and 10:03. Seattle’s offense struggled, managing only 23 shots on goal.

Seattle’s offense was held scoreless in their 2-0 loss to Boston. The Kraken managed 23 shots on goal but couldn’t find the back of the net. They also recorded 19 giveaways.

After being shut out, the Kraken’s record now stands at 15-19-2. This was the second time this season that Seattle failed to score in a game.

Defensively, Seattle will look to build on their performance from their last game, where they held Boston scoreless after the first period. Joey Daccord finished with 31 saves and a 93.9% save percentage. The Kraken’s defense also tallied 4 takeaways and 18 hits.

• The Kraken have gone 0-3 over their last three regular season games. In these matchups, they ended with an puck line record of 0-3 and an over-under mark of 2-1.
• Over their last ten regular season games, the Kraken have gone 3-7 straight up. The team’s record vs the puck line was just 5-5, in addition to an over-under mark of 5-5.

The Canucks Can Win If…

With a 3-2 road win over the Sharks, the Canucks improved to 17-10-7. Vancouver was favored on the puck line, but didn’t cover. The total was set at 6.5 goals, and the combined 5 goals fell short of that mark.

The Sharks scored first, but Pius Suter tied it up in the second period. Jake DeBrusk gave the Canucks the lead in the third, only for the Sharks to tie it again. Suter scored the game-winner with just 26 seconds left.

Pius Suter led the way for the Canucks with two goals, bringing his season total to four. He scored at 14:41 in the second period and netted the game-winner with just 26 seconds left. Jake DeBrusk added his first goal of the season at 4:22 in the third period.

Vancouver fired 27 shots on goal but failed to convert on the power play. The Canucks had 25 giveaways and were held scoreless in the first period before Suter’s first goal tied the game at 1-1.

Defensively, the Canucks will look to tighten things up after allowing the first goal just 2:37 into the second period and another late in the third at 18:43. Kevin Lankinen made 21 saves with a 91.3% save percentage, and the defense recorded 5 takeaways and 24 hits.

• Vancouver has put together a record of 1-2 in their last three games (regular season). Across these games, their puck line record was just 0-3, while posting an over-under record of 2-1.
• The Canucks have gone 4-6 over their last ten regular season games. Across these games, their puck line record was just 4-6, while posting an over-under record of 5-4-1.

The Lean

For a moneyline pick, I’m taking the Canucks to pick up on a win over the Kraken at home. With the moneyline sitting at -131, I’ll be locking in a bet on the Canucks straight-up.

For a puck line prediction, our preference is the Canucks to secure a win and cover. Anticipate the Canucks to win this one by multiple goals over the Kraken.

For those looking at the over/under line set at 5.5 goals, our expectation is that this game will surpass that mark, and we suggest making a bet on the over.

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Break Arrives at Perfect Time for Kraken, Who Face Canucks Next

The Seattle Kraken are at a pivotal moment in their season. Entering the NHL’s holiday break on a five-game losing streak, the team has been tied with San Jose for the league’s longest active skid. With the second half of the season looming, Seattle’s next challenge is a critical one: a Saturday afternoon clash against the Vancouver Canucks, marking the first of four meetings with their regional rival.

Seattle Kraken: Searching for Answers

For the Kraken, the holiday break couldn’t have come at a better time. The team has been struggling to find its rhythm, and first-year head coach Dan Bylsma is urging his players to focus on growth, not excuses.

“A lot’s been said,” Bylsma explained. “There’s a lot of searching from the group, from the guys, going on. We didn’t want to use the last two games as throwaways and just get to the break. We wanted some growth as a team.”

Despite a 5-2 loss to the Colorado Avalanche last Sunday, Bylsma found positives in the effort. Now, he hopes the four-day break will offer players a chance to reset physically and mentally. “The break is something we have to use effectively, both mentally [and physically], to get away from the game for a bit, come back after Christmas, and be ready to go,” he said.

Kaapo Kakko: A New Face Looking to Adjust

Seattle’s recent acquisition of Kaapo Kakko, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2019 NHL Draft, could be a game-changer for the team. Kakko, who joined the Kraken from the New York Rangers on December 18 in exchange for defenseman Will Borgen and draft picks, has already made an impact, scoring a goal in Colorado.

“It’s been a whirlwind—three games in four days,” Kakko said. “For me and the team, this break is much needed. I’m especially looking forward to practices to better understand how we’re going to play.”

While Kakko has been relying on video sessions and guidance from the coaching staff, he’s eager for the hands-on learning experience that practice provides. His integration into the Kraken system will be crucial as Seattle looks to bounce back.

Vancouver Canucks: Riding Momentum

The Canucks, meanwhile, managed to enter the break on a high note. They snapped a three-game losing streak with a 4-3 win over San Jose on Monday, a victory that boosted the team’s morale.

“I’m glad we got the two points,” said Quinn Hughes, who contributed two assists to extend his team-leading total to 42 points (eight goals, 34 assists). “The break comes at a fortunate time. It’s a chance to recover, regroup, and come back stronger.”

Hughes’ leadership has been pivotal, but the Canucks also saw signs of life from Elias Pettersson, who scored two goals within 44 seconds late in the second period to break a six-game pointless streak. However, Pettersson left the game early in the third due to an injury.

“He got banged up,” Canucks coach Rick Tocchet explained. “I think it happened in the second period. He tried one shift, but we have the break, and I don’t think it’s too bad.” Tocchet was optimistic about Pettersson’s resurgence, noting, “Hopefully, that kick-starts him. His celebration showed his excitement, and I think the fans loved it too.”

Teammates Rally Around Pettersson

Pettersson’s teammates were equally encouraged by his performance. “He’s too good to stay quiet for long,” Hughes said. “I’m glad he was able to break out and, like all of us, take these next couple of days to regroup and get ready to go.”

Key Storylines for the Matchup

As the Kraken and Canucks face off, several factors will shape the outcome:

• Seattle’s Cohesion: The Kraken’s ability to integrate Kakko and implement lessons from their recent losses will determine if they can reverse their skid.
• Vancouver’s Resilience: With Pettersson’s status uncertain, the Canucks must lean on Hughes and others to maintain momentum.
• Holiday Break Impact: Both teams will look to capitalize on the rest and recovery afforded by the four-day pause.

Conclusion

For Seattle, Saturday’s game represents an opportunity to reset the narrative of their season. For Vancouver, it’s a chance to solidify recent progress and build momentum for the stretch ahead. Both teams have the talent to turn things around, but execution will be key as they return to the ice.

As the unofficial second half of the NHL season begins, this Pacific Northwest rivalry promises intensity, high stakes, and the chance for redemption.