[mm-video type=playlist id=01fb7dafw2b08817yr player_id=none image=https://sportsbookwire.usatoday.com/wp-content/plugins/mm-video/images/playlist-icon.png]
The Seattle Kraken (14-27-4) travel to meet the New York Islanders (16-16-6) Wednesday at UBS Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. ET. Below, we look at the Kraken vs. Islanders odds and lines, and make our expert NHL picks, predictions and bets.
The Kraken put up a strong fight in Boston Tuesday, but fell 3-2 against the heavily favored Bruins. The Kraken have dropped two in a row after opening the road trip with a 2-1 win at Pittsburgh in overtime.
The Islanders also played last night, pounding the Ottawa Senators by a 4-1 count. Despite the win, New York is still just 2-3 across the past five games, all at home.
Kraken at Islanders odds, spread and lines
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 7:50 a.m. ET.
- Money line: Kraken +133 (bet $100 to win $133) | Islanders -165 (bet $165 to win $100)
- Against the spread (ATS): Kraken +1.5 (-190) | Islanders -1.5 (+145)
- Over/Under (O/U): 5.5 (O: -108 | U: -112)
Watch: ESPN+ has become a must-have for hockey fans. Get access to more than 1,000 out-of-market NHL games, 75 weekly national games, and more all season. Sign up for ESPN+ now!
Kraken at Islanders projected goalies
Philipp Grubauer (11-17-4, 3.20 GAA, .885 SV%) vs. Semyon Varlamov (3-8-1, 2.61 GAA, .915 SV%)
Grubauer was playing at a Vezina level last season, but it’s a long fall from the mountaintop in Colorado to an expansion team in Seattle. He has still won four of his past six starts, showing signs of life lately.
Varlamov has dropped three of his past four starts, falling well behind Ilya Sorokin on the team’s depth chart. But the backup will get the nod after Sorokin posted the victory in the front end of the back-to-back.
Varlamov is looking for his first win against a Western Conference team this season, going 0-4-1 with a 2.81 GAA and .907 SV% in his previous action.
Kraken vs. Islanders odds, lines, picks and predictions
Prediction
Kraken 3, Islanders 2
Money line
The KRAKEN (+133) are worth a roll of the dice as live ‘dogs, as Varlamov just cannot get out of his own way lately. And after a slow start to the season, Grubauer has started to regain some of his form lately. Both teams are likely to be tired after a back-to-back situation for each side, so expect a lot of sloppy hockey.
Against the spread
The Kraken +1.5 (-190) will cost you nearly two times your potential return on the puck line. That’s too expensive if you want a little insurance and don’t trust them. Just play the money line straight up as it’s a much better value.
PASS.
Over/Under
UNDER 5.5 (-112) is worth a small-unit play, mainly because of the back-to-back situation for both teams, particularly Seattle. In fact, the Under is 4-1 in the past five games for the Kraken when playing on no rest. The Under is also 8-2 across the past 10 games for Seattle.
If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, access all of our content at SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Please gamble responsibly.
Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
Gannett may earn revenue from Tipico for audience referrals to betting services. Tipico has no influence over nor are any such revenues in any way dependent on or linked to the newsrooms or news coverage. See Tipico.com for Terms and Conditions. 21+ only. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (NJ), 1-800-522-4700 (CO), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA).
[lawrence-newsletter]
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1622]