Expert prediction
NHL Playoffs Game 1: Kraken vs Stars Prediction, Odds, and Picks (May 2)
Pick rationale
Analysis & key factors
- Seattle Kraken caused a huge shock in the opening round by eliminating the defending champions
- Dallas Stars has home advantage for the opening game in this second round clash
The action heats up in the NHL playoffs this week, as the second round games begin to get underway. The Seattle Kraken caused a massive shock in the opening round, as they managed to overcome the Colorado Avalanche. But, can they pick up a second straight big success when they clash with the Dallas Stars?
How To Watch
- When: Tuesday, May 2, 2023, at 9:30 P.M. ET
- Where: American Airlines Center, Dallas
- How To Watch: NHL TV
Odds
| Kraken | Stars |
|---|---|
Team News
The Seattle Kraken made franchise history in the opening round, as they won their first playoff series. However, their ambitions will now be much higher than that, as they could take a step toward a first Stanley Cup finals appearance this season in Dallas. The Kraken were excellent on Sunday evening, as they managed to secure a 2-1 win in game seven against the Avalanche.
Seattle scored twice in the second period to put themselves on course for a victory, with both efforts being scored by Oliver Bjorkstrand. It was a strong defensive display to see out the victory in the final period, and enormous confidence would have been taken ahead of this second round showdown against the Stars.
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However, the Dallas Stars will be favored in the betting to reach the next round. The Stars will have the crucial home advantage for games one and two, and they could build up a sizable advantage before the series moves to Seattle for games three and four.
The Stars were excellent in their opening round series against the Minnesota Wild, as they landed victories in all three of their home games, before sealing success in the series with a victory on the road in game six. Their experience could be a key factor in this season, and they have looked strong at both ends of the ice to this point.
Picks
The Kraken caused a huge shock in the opening round of the playoffs, but this will once again be another tough assignment. We expect the Stars to take game one in the series.
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