These teams have not been rivals, but they enter this game with some bad blood carried over from last week.

Neither team is expected by the hockey world to make much noise this year. But they don’t care. There is belief in all 32 locker rooms, especially in game number one of the campaign. This is as fresh and healthy as these teams will be all year, and they will come out ready to play.

Kraken vs. Flames NHL Betting Odds

The Kraken are very narrow favourites on the NHL odds board in this one as it is nearly a pick ’em. The game total is set at 5.5 goals, and is nearly a coin flip. The fact that neither team is a runaway is no surprise given their recent head-to-head history.

In the last 10 games played between these teams, the Kraken have won six of those, ultimately with a 6-2-2 record to the Flames’ 4-4-2 record. It’s a similar story on the game totals as the over under is 5-5-0.

Seattle Kraken

The Kraken have been an interesting franchise in their now six-season history. After a tough opening campaign, they then made a run to the second round of the playoffs in 2023 after beating the reigning Stanley Cup Champion Avalanche. Since then, this team has not sniffed the playoffs.

It was a bit of a tough spring and summer too as they made serious bids for Artemi Panarin and Jason Robertson, but both players refused to accept a trade and sign in Seattle. This team appears caught in the middle. But they have a decent mix of veterans and potentially high-ceiling youth. They could really use a strong start and should play as such.

Calgary Flames

The Flames are in a similar position where they are not expected to be much of a contender this year despite a decent looking roster. That may have more to do with the Western Conference being so deep. Nonetheless, there are things to like about this roster.

If they can stay healthy, Calgary will be a tough team to play against. They retooled in the offseason by fortifying their back end with acquisitions of Jake Middleton and Šimon Nemec. Those guys complement solid veterans on the roster, and some young players that Calgary is betting on. This is another team hungry for a good year and should come out buzzing on Thursday.

NHL Prediction: Who Will Win Kraken vs. Flames?

There is a slim margin of error between these teams. At least there has been in years prior, and until we know more this season, neither team looks to have separated much.

What could be a big intangible in Calgary’s favour is this will be the last home opening game in the final season in their affectionate barn, the Scotiabank Saddledome.

The makeup of the Flames is one that will be tough to play against. For teams that beat Calgary, the Flames will have made them earn it. On Thursday, they will have the home faithful propelling them in a potentially emotional game. This has the makings of a narrow 3-2 Flames victory.

KRAKEN

Away

2

FLAMES

Home

3

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