In a pivotal late-season NHL clash, the St. Louis Blues (43-30-7, 93 points) visit the Seattle Kraken (34-40-6, 74 points) at Climate Pledge Arena on April 12, 2025. The Blues, aiming to solidify their playoff positioning, face a Kraken team playing for pride in their penultimate game of the season.
Team Standings and Season Performance
The Blues have demonstrated resilience throughout the season, maintaining a .581 points percentage. Despite a recent 12-game winning streak being halted by consecutive losses to the Jets and Oilers, they remain a formidable force in the Western Conference. Conversely, the Kraken’s .468 points percentage reflects a challenging season, positioning them 7th in the Pacific Division and out of playoff contention.
Offensive and Defensive Comparison
Offensively, the Blues have netted 241 goals, ranking 12th in the NHL, with a +14 goal differential. Jordan Kyrou leads with 34 goals, complemented by Dylan Holloway’s 26. The Kraken have scored 236 goals but have a -15 goal differential, with Jaden Schwartz, Eeli Tolvanen, and Jared McCann each contributing over 20 goals.
Special Teams and Shooting Metrics
St. Louis boasts a 21.3% power play conversion rate and a 73.9% penalty kill. Seattle’s power play stands at 18.26%, with a slightly better penalty kill at 77.25%. In shooting efficiency, the Blues have an 11.3% shooting percentage on 2,133 shots, while the Kraken have a 10.90% conversion rate on 2,165 shots. The Blues hold a slight edge in save percentage at .897 compared to the Kraken’s .889.
Home/Away Performance
The Blues have been solid on the road, while the Kraken have struggled at home, contributing to their overall standings. Specific home and away records would provide further insight into each team’s performance in different settings.
Coaching Strategies
Blues’ coach Drew Bannister has effectively utilized his roster, emphasizing a balanced attack and adaptive in-game strategies. Kraken’s coaching staff has faced challenges in maintaining consistency, often adjusting lines to find optimal chemistry.
Head-to-Head History
This season, the Blues have dominated the Kraken, including a decisive 7-2 victory in their last meeting. Historically, St. Louis holds a favorable record against Seattle, which could influence the psychological aspect of the game.
Advanced Metrics
Analyzing Corsi and Fenwick statistics, the Blues exhibit stronger puck possession metrics, indicating better control during games. PDO values suggest that St. Louis has been more efficient in converting shots and preventing goals, reflecting their superior performance.
Puck Possession
Face-off win percentages and time of possession favor the Blues, correlating with their higher shot totals and scoring opportunities. Maintaining puck control will be crucial in dictating the game’s pace.
Rest and Schedule
Both teams have had similar rest periods leading up to this game, minimizing fatigue as a factor. However, the Blues’ recent travel schedule has been more demanding, which could impact their energy levels.
Strength of Schedule
The Blues have faced tougher opponents recently, which may have sharpened their competitive edge. The Kraken’s schedule has been less rigorous, potentially affecting their preparedness for high-caliber competition.
Public Betting Trends and Line Movement
Betting odds favor the Blues at -124, with the Kraken at +107. The puck line is set at 1.5, and the total points at 5.5. Public betting trends indicate a lean towards the Blues, reflecting confidence in their ability to cover the spread.
Situational Factors
The Blues are motivated to secure their playoff spot, while the Kraken aim to end their season on a positive note. This contrast in motivation could influence the game’s intensity and outcome.
Prediction and Betting Recommendations
Predicted Final Score: Blues 4, Kraken 2
Confidence Level: High
Recommended Bet: Blues Moneyline (-124)
Player Props: Consider betting on Jordan Kyrou to score, given his team-leading goal tally.
Key Matchups: The performance of goaltenders Jordan Binnington and Joey Daccord will be pivotal. Additionally, the ability of the Blues’ top line to penetrate the Kraken’s defense could determine the game’s outcome.
