Kraken vs. Avalanche predictions & odds for Game 5: NHL Playoffs, 4/26

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26 April 2023

Kraken vs. Avalanche predictions & odds for Game 5: NHL Playoffs, 4/26

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The Seattle Kraken have surprised many in the hockey world by holding their own against the reigning Stanley Cup champions, the Colorado Avalanche. After an exciting overtime victory in Seattle brought the series level at 2-2, the Kraken now head to Denver to face off against the Avalanche on Colorado’s home ice.

Our expert Kraken vs. Avalanche predictions say Thursday’s game should be another tense and thrilling encounter between two solid teams. Let’s dive into our Kraken vs. Avalanche predictions and take a look at the best Kraken vs. Avalanche odds and picks with BetMGM Sportsbook.

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As exciting as this series has been on the ice, there’s one major storyline off it that has dominated the headlines. That story is about right-winger Val Nichushkin and his absence from the Colorado team over the past two games.

Nichushkin is one of the best wingers in the NHL. He scored the Avalanches’ all-important second goal to tie the game in their 3-2 comeback victory over the Kraken in Game 2. Since then, Nichushkin has been missing from the squad for “personal reasons.” A later report included the suggestion that his absence was “related to the use of alcohol.”

Avalanche head coach Jared Bednar told media ahead of Game 4 that he had “no idea” where Nichushkin was at the time of the interview and that there was no timetable for Nichushkin’s return. Given the quick turnaround between games, it’s unlikely we’ll see Nichushkin rushed back for Game 5 in Denver.

Any Kraken vs. Avalanche predictions has to discuss the players who will be out for Game 5, so that’s where we’ll start.

In addition to Val Nichushkin, the Avs will also be without Jack Johnson and Darren Helm, with apparent lower body injuries. Most importantly, Colorado will also miss defenseman Cale Makar, after he was suspended for one game for his late hit on Seattle’s Jared McCann. Makar racked up the third most points out on the Avalanche during the season.

McCann will be out at least for Game 5 because of Makar’s hit. McCann is the only Kraken player expected to miss Game 5. He is the Kraken’s leading scorer and shot-taker, however, so he’ll be sorely missed.

The Kraken are a well-balanced team, which means there’s a chance his absence isn’t as severe as some people are predicting. The Kraken have had 11 different goal scorers score their 12 goals in this series, so they can definitely score without McCann.

Nonetheless, as impressive as Seattle’s team spirit and underdog mentality have been, we think Game 5 is where their luck runs out. Our Kraken vs. Avalanche predictions have the Avalanche winning at home, and potentially winning big.

for a new BetMGM account now, and you’ll be able to use our experts’ Kraken vs. Avalanche predictions tonight.

BetMGM Sportsbook has set the Kraken vs. Avalanche spread at 1.5 goals, with the Avs as favorites. You can back the Avalanche -1.5 at +145 odds at BetMGM Sportsbook. Our expert Kraken vs. Avalanche predictions think this is a good bet.

Even without Nichushkin and Makar, the Avalanche are good enough to beat the Kraken. They proved this over the course of the regular season and twice so far in the playoffs. Returning home fresh off a close defeat should give the Avs the motivation they need to blow this series open with a big win.

If you want to back our Kraken vs. Avalanche predictions, Avalanche -1.5 at +145 odds with BetMGM Sportsbook represents great value.

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Our expert Kraken vs. Avalanche predictions think Avalanche -1.5 (+145) is the best bet going into Game 5, but there are lots more bets available on this game at BetMGM Sportsbook.

Here are some other bets and odds we like based on our Kraken vs. Avalanche predictions:

Avalanche money line (-185)
Over 6 goals (+100)
Kraken +1.5 (-175)

Are eyes are all on tonight’s marquee matchup between the Kraken and the Avalanche, but there’s plenty of action to go around in the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Here are the scores of some of the exciting games you might’ve missed last night:

Carolina Hurricanes 2 vs. New York Islanders 3 (CAR leads 3-2)
Dallas Stars 4 vs. Minnesota Wild 0 (DAL leads 3-2)
Edmonton Oilers 6 vs. Los Angeles Kings 3 (EDM leads 3-2)

Whether you want to use our experts’ Kraken vs. Avalanche predictions or bet on another matchup for the NHL Playoffs, become a new BetMGM member to earn first-bet insurance worth up to $1,000.

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