NHL odds, preview, prediction: Kraken vs. Bruins for Thursday, Feb. 15

Kraken vs. Bruins Odds

Thursday, Feb. 15, 7 p.m. ET, ESPN+

Odds via bet365. Get up-to-the-minute NHL odds here.

Seattle Kraken

We easily hit the under in Seattle's game against the New York Islanders on Tuesday and there's no reason not to go back to the well again in this matchup. There have been five or fewer total goals scored in each of the Kraken's past four games and that trend is likely to continue for multiple reasons.

First, the offense has gone extremely stale, scoring just five goals over those four games. This season, Seattle ranks in the bottom nine of the league in goals scored per game, shots on goal per game and shooting percentage.

Based on its underlying metrics, positive regression is unlikely as it also ranks 23rd in expected goals for per 60 minutes (xGF/60) at 5-on-5. With that said, this current stretch of low-scoring games also exists because of the Kraken's solid defensive play.

The Kraken rank 10th or better in goals allowed per game, shots on goal allowed per game and penalty minutes taken per game. Their defensive metrics are actually even stronger as they rank second in expected goals against per 60 minutes (xGA/60) at 5-on-5.

Finally, goaltender Joey Daccord is expected to start between the pipes Thursday. He's been tremendous this season, posting a .921 SV% and a 2.36 GAA through 36 appearances.

Boston Bruins

Across the ice, goaltender Jeremy Swayman is expected to get the nod for Boston. Through 29 appearances, Swayman is 16-5-7 with a .922 SV% and a 2.35 GAA.

Entering this game in particularly good form, he has allowed two or fewer goals in five of his past six starts. Over that stretch, Swayman is 4-2 with a stellar .938 SV% and a 1.84 GAA.

There were five or fewer total goals scored in five of those six outings. Additionally, the Bruins' blue line doesn't give Swayman too many difficult chances to stop as they rank in the top half of the league in xGA/60 at 5-on-5.

The offense has also gone cold, averaging just 2.75 goals scored per game over their past eight contests.

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Kraken vs. Bruins

Betting Pick & Prediction

There's a lot to like about the under in this contest, which is why it is as low as 5.5. With that said, we are catching a good price on this under (-106) at FanDuel.

Both goaltenders have played well this season and are even more dialed in recently. Additionally, both defenses prevent high-danger scoring chances at a high-clip.

Boston's offense can certainly put up points, but it has gone cold recently. On the other hand, I would be shocked if Seattle got much going either against Swayman and the Bruins' blue line.

Pick: Under 5.5 (-106 at FanDuel | Play to -110)