The NHL Regular Season is kicking off with an exciting game between the Seattle Kraken and the Calgary Flames. This matchup takes place at the Scotiabank Saddledome on Thursday, October 1, 2026, with a start time of 9:00 PM. Fans can catch the action on ESPN+.
Seattle comes into this game under the guidance of Head Coach Lane Lambert. The Kraken had a strong preseason with a 3-1 record, including a win against the Flames. Key players like Brandon Montour and Philipp Grubauer are expected to be instrumental for Seattle's success.
Meanwhile, Calgary, led by Head Coach Ryan Huska, will look to improve from their preseason record of 1-3. Despite a recent loss to the Edmonton Oilers, the Flames will rely on talents like Matt Coronato and Dustin Wolf to secure a win at home. Calgary enters the game as the slight favorite with odds of -111 on the moneyline.
Flames vs Kraken At a Glance
- Game Venue: Scotiabank Saddledome
- Game Date & Time: Thursday, October 1, 2026 at 9:00 PM
- Broadcast Information: Available on ESPN+
- Current Odds: Calgary Flames are slight favorites with a MoneyLine of -111
- Seattle's Preseason Record: 3-1, including a recent win against Calgary
- Calgary's Preseason Record: 1-3, with a losing streak of 2 games
Calgary Flames Ready to Ignite Against the Seattle Kraken
Seattle Kraken Overview
The Seattle Kraken come into this preseason game after a competitive stint last season. Their ability to challenge top teams has been noted, and they are looking to maintain this momentum. The Kraken's roster features a mix of seasoned veterans and promising young talent.
Seattle's strategy relies heavily on a structured defensive approach, making it difficult for opponents to find scoring opportunities. This system has been complemented by a forward group capable of capitalizing on counter-attacks. As they face the Flames, they will aim to balance these strengths to achieve success.
Key Players to Watch
Forward Matty Beniers remains a critical player for Seattle, known for his offensive prowess and playmaking ability. His vision on the ice allows him to create scoring chances for himself and his teammates.
On defense, Adam Larsson provides stability and experience, anchoring the blue line. His physical presence and defensive skills are crucial in shutting down opposing offenses.
In goal, Philipp Grubauer is expected to be a key figure, providing reliability between the pipes. His experience and positioning make him a tough opponent for any team.
Seattle Kraken Betting Trends
- SU Last 3: 1-2 (33.3%)
- SU Last 5: 2-3 (40.0%)
- SU Last 10: 5-5 (50.0%)
- Puckline Last 3: 1-2 (33.3%)
- Puckline Last 5: 3-2 (60.0%)
- Puckline Last 10: 5-5 (50.0%)
- O/U Last 3: 2-1 (66.7%)
- O/U Last 5: 3-2 (60.0%)
- O/U Last 10: 6-4 (60.0%)
The Kraken's Quest: Seattle's Season Opener
Team Overview
The Seattle Kraken are preparing to kick off their season, with the team looking to improve upon their previous performances. With a mix of experienced players and promising newcomers, the Kraken are aiming for a strong start.
In their last preseason outing, Seattle showed offensive capabilities, scoring 14 goals and recording 24 assists. Their power play was effective, netting five goals, but there is room for improvement in their defensive game.
Key Players to Watch
Logan Morrison is a center to keep an eye on, having already notched two goals and an assist in the preseason. His ability to find the back of the net and contribute in crucial moments makes him a valuable asset.
On defense, Brandon Montour has been a standout performer. With two goals and an assist, Montour's contributions are crucial in maintaining a balanced attack from the blue line.
Recent Performances
The Kraken recently faced the Calgary Flames and secured a narrow 4-3 victory. In that game, Matty Beniers played a significant role with two assists, showcasing his playmaking skills.
Against the Vancouver Canucks, Seattle fell short in a close 4-3 game. Despite the loss, Brandon Montour's goal and assist highlighted his ability to make an impact offensively.
Goaltending Insights
Philipp Grubauer has been solid in net, with 32 saves on 35 shots in a win against the Flames. His performances will be key for the Kraken as they aim for consistency in the crease.
Joey Daccord, despite facing challenges, has shown flashes of potential with 26 saves in a recent outing. His continued development will be vital for Seattle's goaltending depth.
Betting Trends
- SU Last 3: 0-3 (0.0%)
- SU Last 5: 1-4 (20.0%)
- SU Last 10: 1-9 (10.0%)
- SU All Games: 26-37 (41.3%)
- SU as Favorite: 6-5 (54.5%)
- SU as Underdog: 20-32 (38.5%)
Flames vs Kraken Prediction: Over 5.5
The Seattle Kraken's preseason statistics show a strong offensive performance with 14 goals over four games, averaging 3.5 goals per game. Their recent preseason victory against the Calgary Flames, ending with a 4-3 score, also went over the total of 5.5 goals. This indicates a tendency towards high-scoring games, especially when facing Calgary.
The Calgary Flames, despite a lackluster preseason, have also demonstrated the ability to participate in higher-scoring contests. In their previous matchup against the Kraken, both teams contributed to a seven-goal thriller. The Flames' defense allowed 11 goals over four preseason games, highlighting vulnerabilities that could lead to another high-scoring game.
Both teams enter the regular season opener with a history of games surpassing the set total of 5.5 goals. The head-to-head statistics from recent matchups also support the potential for an offensive showdown, with a majority of their contests going over this line. Given these trends, the expectation is for this encounter to continue in a similar scoring fashion.
With both teams showing a propensity for high-scoring affairs in their preseason outings and previous encounters, the prediction leans towards the over. The projected final score supports this view, with the Seattle Kraken expected to narrowly edge out the Calgary Flames in a 4-3 victory.
- Flames vs Kraken Prediction: Over 5.5
- Flames vs Kraken Score: Kraken 4 - Flames 3
Disclaimer: Knup Predictions are for entertainment and informational purposes only. Must be 21+ where applicable. Please gamble responsibly. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
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