Rangers vs. Kraken NHL Picks: Blueshirts Invade Seattle

Sportsbook Review

Last Updated: October 31, 2021 4:00 AM EDT • 1 min 64 sec read. Twitter link Google News Link

DALLAS, TEXAS - MARCH 10: Igor Shesterkin #31 of the New York Rangers in goal against the Dallas Stars during the first period at American Airlines Center on March 10, 2020 in Dallas, Texas. Ronald Martinez/Getty Images/AFP

The New York Rangers will travel to the Pacific Northwest and take on an expansion Seattle Kraken team that just might be finding its footing after struggling in the early going. Find out why we're backing the road team in our Rangers versus Kraken picks.

The Rangers will hope to replicate their performance from Friday night when their defense smothered the Columbus Blue Jackets while the offense forced the pace and tempo of the game throughout. The result was a 4-0 blanking of the Blue Jackets. Not to be overlooked was the outstanding performance of New York's goalie Igor Shesterkin, who stopped all 31 shots he faced.

The Kraken has gotten on track after dropping five of their first six contests. They had a sparkling performance on Thursday night when they defeated the talented Minnesota Wild 4-1.

Here are my picks and predictions for Sunday’s NHL matchup between the Rangers and the Kraken (odds via DraftKings Sportsbook; pick confidence based on a 1-to-5 star scale).

Rangers vs. Kraken Game Info

Date/Time: Sunday, October 31, 2021, 9 p.m. ETTV: NHL NETLocation: Climate Pledge Arena, Seattle, WA

Rangers vs. Kraken Odds Analysis

This game opened as a -105 pick’em but that has started to shift to where the Rangers are now favored by as much as -115. Hardly a seismic change but a small indication of where the money is headed in this matchup.

The total in this matchup has not moved, currently a 6 (-110) across the board.

Rangers vs. Kraken Betting Picks

Rangers (-105) ??Under 6 (-110) ????

Rangers vs. Kraken Predictions

Rangers (-105) ??

It’s hard to have more than a few units worth of confidence in the Rangers as their offense has slumbered throughout much of the season. They are averaging only 2.38 goals per game, which ranks them a disappointing 26th in that category. Their power-play unit is connecting just 17.2 percent of the time, placing them in the middle of the pack. There's nothing special about the Rangers offense thus far but their defense has played well and their goaltending is outstanding with Shesterkin net.

New York's defense will win the day as Seattle's offense has been only marginally better. The Kraken did what they had to do on Tuesday night and took advantage of a dreadful Canadiens team, spanking Montreal 5-1 before putting forth a superior effort against Minnesota.

However, I'm not sure the Kraken can win with any regularity against teams that are prepared. I see New York as too physical which will lead to a time of possession advantage in Seattle's end. The Rangers are also 4-1 on the road this season which is another reason I see them prevailing here.

Under 6 (-110) ????

Neither team boasts a prolific offense but both have the luxury of elite goalies on their roster. Shesterkin is sensational while the Kraken made a wise move in the offseason and acquired the services of former Colorado goaltender Philipp Grubauer, who can steal a game all by himself if needed.

In other words, superior goaltending against a middling offense makes the Under 6 (-110) the pick in this game. Go low in this one.