Expert prediction
NHL Playoffs Game 2: Kraken vs Avalanche Prediction, Odds, and Picks (Apr 20)
Pick rationale
Analysis & key factors
- Seattle Kraken won their first playoff game in franchise history earlier this week
- Colorado Avalanche looking for instant response
A crucial game in this opening round series between the Seattle Kraken and Colorado Avalanche is set for Thursday. The Avalanche was beaten in the opening game between the sides, and they will be looking to level the series this week before it moves to Seattle.
How To Watch
- When: Thursday, April 20, 2023, at 9:30 p.m ET
- Where: Ball Arena, Colorado
- How To Watch: NHL TV
Odds
| Kraken | Avalanche |
|---|---|
Team News
The Colorado Avalanche and their grip on the Stanley Cup could be loosened on Thursday, as a 2-0 series disadvantage could be crucial ahead of games in Seattle. Colorado was outclassed in their opening game, as they conceded in each of the second and third periods to drop to a 3-1 loss.
The only goal for the Avalanche was scored in the opening period by Mikko Rantanen, and a much better display will be needed against the Kraken on Thursday. Furthermore, there was a clear lack of quality in the final third in that game, and there will be hope that Cale Makar can add some spark to that area in game two.
READ MORE: F1 Picks: Azerbaijan Grand Prix Predictions, Preview, and Odds (Apr 30)
It was a coming-of-age performance for the Kraken in game one of this series, and they showed that they have exactly what it takes to perform at this deep end of the season. Many saw their win in game one as one of the big shocks in the playoffs, but there had been glimpses of this performance throughout the regulation season.
Defensively, they were excellent in game one, with Vince Dunn and Adam Larsson combining for seven blocked shots. At the opposite end, the goals were scored by Alexander Wennberg, Eeli Tolvanen, and Morgan Greekie. However, backing up their performance in game one on Thursday will be their biggest challenge.
Picks
There’s little doubt that the Avalanche is the best team in the Western Conference, and they have often been able to deliver performances when the pressure has been on them. Therefore, we expect the home side to take game two, but this series is a long way from being over.
Moneyline
Spread
NHL
More Predictions
NHL Predictions Today: Best Bets and Picks for Friday, Nov 6
Free NHL Pick: Minnesota Wild Moneyline (-255) Best Value Pick: Calgary Flames Moneyline (-120) Puck Line Pick: Minnesota Wild -1.5 (+105) NHL Parlay: Sabres, Wild, Flames (+305) Bet Today’s NHL Games at BetUS After having a winning best bet and a correct value play on Thursday, our attention turns to Friday’s slate of games in […]
NHL Betting Picks: Best Bets For All Games on Oct 27, 2026
Seven games make up the NHL regular season schedule on Oct 27. We landed our best pick and best value selection on Oct 25, and we will be aiming to maintain our red-hot form with the games on Tuesday. Standout clashes include the Carolina Hurricanes hosting the Boston Bruins, while the Florida Panthers travel to […]
NHL Picks and Parlays Today: Best Bets For All Games on Oct 26, 2026
Three games make up the NHL regular season schedule on Oct 26. We landed our best pick and best value selection on Oct 25. The New York Rangers will be in action on Monday when they host the Los Angeles Kings, while the Toronto Maple Leafs and Detroit Red Wings travel to the Calgary Flames […]
NHL Picks and Parlays Today: Best Bets For All Games on Oct 25, 2026
Four games make up the NHL regular season schedule on Oct 25, with the Chicago Blackhawks hosting the Florida Panthers and the Dallas Stars welcoming the New York Islanders to the American Airlines Center. You can find our NHL picks and parlays for the slate of NHL games this Sunday here. NHL Picks and Parlays: […]
NHL Predictions for Today: Best Bets for All Games on Oct 24, 2026
A busy Saturday evening of NHL regular season action is set for Oct 24, as we chase another winning night of picks after correctly predicting nine of our eleven selections on Oct 22. Our NHL predictions for today can be found below, including our standout best pick and a potential value angle that could earn […]