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Anaheim Ducks vs Seattle Kraken Betting Preview
The Anaheim Ducks begin a new era Thursday night when they visit the Seattle Kraken at Climate Pledge Arena. Puck drop is set for 10:00 PM ET on ESPN+. After seven straight seasons without a playoff berth, the Ducks made one of the biggest offseason moves in recent NHL memory — hiring Joel Quenneville, the league’s second-winningest coach of all time. Across the ice, the Kraken also turn the page under new head coach Lane Lambert, looking to regain the spark from their 2022-23 playoff run.
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The Kraken enter as -128 favorites, while the Ducks sit at +108. The total is 6.0 goals, with the under slightly favored at -117.
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Line Movement and Odds
Seattle opened around -120 and has seen slight movement toward -128, reflecting early public confidence in the home team. Roughly 60% of moneyline bets and 65% of handle favor the Kraken, while sharp bettors have shown mild interest in Anaheim as a live underdog under Quenneville’s new system.
The total has held steady at 6.0, but both teams’ focus on defensive improvement and goaltending could push this toward the under.
“We can say we’re out of the rebuild now,” Ducks forward Cutter Gauthier said. “It’s time to make the playoffs — that’s the goal.”
Matchup Breakdown
Anaheim Ducks Outlook
Anaheim’s rebuild enters its competitive phase with a mix of proven veterans and emerging talent. Additions Chris Kreider and Mikael Granlund bring leadership and production, while Mason McTavish, Leo Carlsson, and Cutter Gauthier headline a youthful core poised for breakout seasons. In net, Lukas Dostal steps into the starting role after posting 1,467 saves last season, backed by veteran Petr Mrazek. Quenneville’s arrival instantly elevates expectations — his disciplined, forecheck-heavy system should improve Anaheim’s defensive metrics, which ranked 28th in goals allowed last season.
Seattle Kraken Outlook
The Kraken look to rebound after a disappointing 35-41-6 campaign that fell well short of their playoff expectations. Jared McCann (61 points) and Jaden Schwartz (26 goals) lead a balanced offense that added Mason Marchment in the offseason to strengthen secondary scoring. Between the pipes, Joey Daccord (27 wins, .909 save percentage) returns as the likely starter. New coach Lane Lambert preaches structure and possession-based hockey, which could stabilize Seattle’s inconsistent play from last year. The Kraken will rely on a collective scoring approach rather than a single superstar, with home ice providing a key boost in their opener.
Injuries and Conditions
| Anaheim Ducks | Seattle Kraken |
|---|---|
| LW Milan Lucic – Out (conditioning) | D Will Borgen – Day-to-day (upper body) |
| F Troy Terry – Probable (minor injury) | D Justin Schultz – Probable (rest) |
| G Lukas Dostal – Expected starter | G Joey Daccord – Expected starter |
| F Leo Carlsson – Probable (maintenance) | F Matty Beniers – Healthy |
| Anaheim Ducks Injury Report | Seattle Kraken Injury Report |
Weather: Indoors at Climate Pledge Arena — no weather impact.
Best Bets and Prediction
This game features two franchises in transition, each led by a new head coach emphasizing defensive structure. Expect a measured, tactical opener as both teams find rhythm. Seattle’s home-ice advantage and deeper blue line give them a slight edge, but Anaheim’s energy and Quenneville’s impact should make it close.
Pick: Kraken Moneyline (-128)
Projected Final Score: Kraken 3, Ducks 2
Lean: Under 6.0 (-117)
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| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Best Bet | Kraken ML (-128) |
| Confidence Rating | ★★★★☆ |
| Projected Score | Kraken 3, Ducks 2 |
| Total Lean | Under 6.0 (-117) |
| Market Split | 60% bets Seattle, 65% money Seattle |
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