Colorado Avalanche vs Seattle Kraken 4/22/2023 Expert Picks, Previews and Analysis
West 1st Round – Game 3, Series tied 1-1
As the first round of the 2023 Stanley Cup playoffs continues, the Colorado Avalanche (51-24-7) and the Seattle Kraken (46-28-8) are set to face off in Game 3 of their Western Conference series on Saturday, April 22. After splitting the first two games at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado, the Avalanche now head to Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, Washington, as the favored team with a -153 moneyline, while the Kraken are listed as underdogs at +138, with a total of 5.5 goals expected in the game.
In Game 2, the Avalanche overcame a two-goal deficit to secure a 3-2 victory. After suffering a 3-1 defeat in Game 1 on home ice, Colorado found themselves down 2-0 at the end of the first period in Game 2. However, they mounted a comeback with goals from Artturi Lehkonen and Valeri Nichushkin in the second period to tie the game at 2-2. Ultimately, Devon Toews scored the game-winning goal with just seven minutes left to play in the third period, giving the Avalanche the victory.
In terms of statistics, the Avalanche outshot the Kraken 41-29 in Game 2, but both teams had similar results on the power play, going 0-for-2. Goaltender Alexandar Georgiev, who was praised by Avalanche coach Jared Bednar for his exceptional performance, made 27 saves on the night. In the regular season, Georgiev had an impressive record of 40-16-6 with a 2.53 goals-against average (GAA), .919 save percentage, and five shutouts. His performance helped the Avalanche rank ninth in the league in goals against (2.72 per game) and 17th in penalty-killing percentage (79.0%).
- Colorado is 13-3 SU in their last 16 games with an opponent in the Western Conference.
- The Avalanche is 6-2 SU in their last 8 games against an opponent in the Pacific Division.
- The total went OVER in 6 of Colorado’s last 9 games when playing as the favorite.
Colorado Avalanche vs Seattle Kraken 4/22/2023 Expert Picks, Previews and Analysis
The Seattle Kraken had a prime chance to put the Colorado Avalanche in a vulnerable two-game deficit in their playoff series. In Game 1, the Kraken wasted no time, scoring their first postseason goal just three minutes and 26 seconds into the game, and securing an impressive 3-1 victory as significant underdogs at +175 on the road. However, in Game 2, despite holding a 2-0 lead, the Kraken couldn’t sustain their advantage and ultimately lost 3-2.
“We have to manage the game better, be more strategic, and stick to our strengths,” said Seattle forward Yanni Gourde after the Game 2 loss. “When we play our game and stay true to our style, we are a successful team. We don’t need to chase the game or change our approach. We just need to go back to what works for us, and we’ll be okay.”
The missed opportunity in Game 2 may serve as a valuable lesson for the Kraken as they seek to bounce back in the series against the reigning champions, the Avalanche. With a potential for success when playing to their strengths, the Kraken will aim to regroup, regain their form, and make a strong comeback in the upcoming games.
- The total stayed UNDER in 4 of Seattle’s last 6 games at home.
- The total remained UNDER in 6 of Seattle’s last 7 games against an opponent in the Western Conference.
- The Seattle Kraken is 5-1 SU in their last 6 games against an opponent in the Central Division.
Colorado Rockies vs Seattle Kraken. The NHL pick for this game is the Colorado Rockies. Another mismatch in the offing as the Kraken may have gotten the jump and the win in game one. In Game two, Colorado started slow but looked to be their normal selves in the second period. The Avalanche will win game three on the road this Saturday predicted at 5-1.
NHL Starting Time: 10:00 PM (EDT)
Location: Pledge Arena in Seattle, WA
Date: Saturday, April 22, 2023
TV: TBS
NHL Odds: Colorado Rockies -155
NHL Totals: 6.0
