The back-to-back defending Stanley Cup champions in the Tampa Bay Lightning will head to the Pacific North West tonight to take on the new kids on the block in the Seattle Kraken. Despite all the hype that Seattle got because they're the new team and have cool uniforms, they ended up being what everyone thought Vegas was going to be when they came into the league: a start at the bottom and build your way up mentality. The Lightning, on the other hand, are looking for a three-peat this season as they are once again near the top of the eastern conference, ready to start playoffs at any moment. It’s time to continue our NHL odds series with a Lightning-Kraken prediction and pick.

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Here are the Lightning-Kraken NHL Odds, Courtesy of FanDuel

NHL Odds: Lightning-Kraken Odds

Tampa Bay Lightning: -1.5 (-110) (-295 ML)

Seattle Kraken: +1.5 (-110) (+235 ML)

Over: 6 (-110)

Under: 6 (-110)

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Why The Lightning Can Cover The Spread/Win

The Tampa Bay Lightning have had a great offense up to this point in the season, scoring 3.36 goals per game. But it's not just their offense, their defense has really stepped up as well, allowing only 2.83 goals per game. With that said, the Lightning just broke their three-game losing streak with a win over the Canucks on Sunday. Superstar goaltender, Andrei Vasilevskiy got the win last time out, and going up against the Kraken is a perfect opportunity to allow him to get some rest. With that, while it's not official yet, I can assume backup Brian Elliot would get the start tonight for Tampa. Elliot is allowing 2.51 goals per game with a .912 save percentage. No matter who starts in net, the Lightning should be able to clean house with the Kraken, but shouldn't totally underestimate them.

Why The Kraken Can Cover The Spread/Win

I'm not really sure if it's possible for the Seattle Kraken to have a “rebuild” season if this is their first one. But if it is a thing, this would be it as they're only scoring 2.57 goals per game and allowing 3.59 goals per game, including 13 goals allowed in their last three games. The Kraken are respectfully last in the Pacific Divsion, which is where they'll be for seasons to come if they don't do something to get this franchise off the ground running. Philipp Grubauer has been a true disappointment for Seattle this season as he'll likely get another start here tonight. He's averaging an .888 save percentage while allowing 3.21 goals against per game. He'll try to at least help cover the spread tonight as they face one of the toughest opponents in the league tonight.

Final Lightning-Kraken Prediction & Pick

This game should be a no-brainer so I'll keep it short. The Lightning are going to head out there and probably underestimate the Kraken until they realize to just get the job done and get out of there. With that, give me the Lightning on the puck line tonight.

Final Lightning-Kraken Prediction and Pick: Lightning -1.5 (-110)