Nashville Predators vs Seattle Kraken Pick and Prediction for Thursday January 1 2025
Use Code WWWC Get ready for a Western Conference New Year’s Day clash in this Nashville Predators vs. Seattle Kraken prediction from Climate Pledge Arena on Thursday at 10:00pm ET. Nashville (18-17-4, 8-8-2 Away) enters the night on a roll, having won five of their last six games, including a historic 4-2 win over Vegas last night.
Seattle (16-14-7, 8-7-4 Home) looks to defend home ice after a heartbreaking 3-2 shootout loss to Vancouver on Monday. This is the first meeting of the season between these two clubs. The Kraken are a slight -115 moneyline favorite at home, and the total is set at 5.5. Check out more free NHL picks at Winners and Whiners.
Stamkos hits milestone for surging Preds
Nashville is the talk of the league following their New Year's Eve matinee in Las Vegas. The Predators secured a 4-2 comeback victory, but the story of the night was Steven Stamkos scoring his 600th career NHL goal. Stamkos has been on fire, recording six game-winning goals in December alone, tying an NHL record for the most in a single month. The Predators have climbed within one point of a wildcard spot as the calendar flips to 2026.
Ryan O’Reilly continues to lead the team in total points with 34, serving as the reliable anchor for a top line that includes Stamkos and Filip Forsberg. The addition of veteran defenseman Nicolas Hague, who joined via trade earlier this season, has bolstered a blue line that already featured captain Roman Josi. Josi is logging nearly 25 minutes a night and remains a primary playmaker for a power play that is finally clicking at 18.8%.
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In net, Juuse Saros is expected to start after a solid performance in Vegas. Saros carries a 2.93 GAA and a .898 save percentage, but his numbers have improved significantly during Nashville’s 7-3-0 run over their last 10 games. The Predators' defense has become more disciplined during this stretch, which will be vital against a Seattle team that thrives on puck possession.
The Predators' biggest challenge tonight will be fatigue, as they are playing the second half of a back-to-back with travel from Nevada. However, the momentum from Stamkos' milestone and their recent surge has given this veteran-heavy roster a second wind. If they can maintain their 81.8% penalty kill efficiency, they should be able to neutralize Seattle's man-advantage.
Kraken looking to find consistency
Seattle enters 2026 looking to find the offensive consistency that plagued them in late December. Despite their 16-14-7 record, they remain firmly in the playoff hunt in the Pacific Division. The Kraken have relied heavily on a balanced attack, led by veteran Jordan Eberle, who has 14 goals and 25 points. Eberle’s leadership has been crucial as the team navigates injuries to top-six forwards like Jaden Schwartz.
The Kraken blue line has seen some significant changes recently. With Brandon Montour sidelined until late January, Ryker Evans has seen an increased role alongside Adam Larsson. The addition of Ryan Lindgren earlier this season has provided a much-needed physical edge to the top four. Seattle ranks 10th in the league in goals allowed (2.89 per game), proving that their defensive structure remains their greatest strength under the current system.
Joey Daccord is the projected starter in goal tonight. Daccord has been steady with a 2.77 GAA and a .904 save percentage, though he is coming off a tough shootout loss where the offense failed to provide much support. With backup Philipp Grubauer also playing well (2.44 GAA), the Kraken have one of the more reliable goaltending tandems in the Western Conference.
The key for Seattle tonight will be exploiting Nashville’s tired legs. The Kraken rank high in shots allowed (29.2 per game), meaning they do a good job of keeping the play in the offensive zone. If they can force the Predators into long shifts and capitalize on a penalty kill that has struggled at times (71.7%), they can dictate the pace of this matinee.
Spread pick for Predators vs. Kraken
- Predators +1.5 (-258)
Nashville is playing with too much confidence to ignore right now. Even on a back-to-back, the Predators have proven they can hang with elite competition, as evidenced by their win over Vegas yesterday. Steven Stamkos and Ryan O'Reilly are playing some of their best hockey of the season, and Juuse Saros is starting to look like a Vezina candidate again. Seattle's offense can be stagnant at times, making it likely this game stays within a single goal.
Total pick for Predators vs. Kraken
- Over 5.5 (-115)
While both teams have capable goaltending, the offensive stars are currently aligned. Stamkos is chasing history, and Eberle has been find the scoresheet consistently for Seattle. Nashville’s games have trended toward the over lately, with 34 total goals scored in their last 10 contests. Given the fatigue factor for Nashville's defense and Seattle's ability to generate high-volume shots at home, we should see at least six goals tonight.
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