Seattle Kraken vs Calgary Flames Picks and Predictions for Thursday, December 18, 2025
Use Code PPWC
The Seattle Kraken head north of the border on Thursday night to face the Calgary Flames in a Pacific Division matchup at the Scotiabank Saddledome. Both teams have struggled to gain traction this season, making this game an important opportunity to stabilize momentum before the holiday break. With plenty of parity on the slate, this matchup is one that bettors will want to compare closely with the rest of tonight’s free NHL picks.
Game Overview
Seattle enters the contest at 12-13-6 overall and 5-6-3 on the road, while Calgary sits at 13-17-4 with a 7-5-2 home record. The Flames are modest home favorites, priced around -162 on the moneyline, with the Kraken coming back near +142. The total is set at 5.5 goals, reflecting two offenses that have had difficulty finishing consistently.
Seattle Kraken Breakdown
The Kraken have struggled to generate offense, averaging just 2.48 goals per game while allowing 3.07 goals against. Jordan Eberle leads the team with 20 points, but Seattle lacks a true game-breaking scorer, forcing them to rely on depth and puck possession rather than explosive scoring. Injuries have also played a role, with Jared McCann, Jaden Schwartz, and Brandon Montour all sidelined, further thinning an already inconsistent lineup.
Goaltending has been mixed. Joey Daccord has handled most of the workload, posting a 2.89 GAA and .893 save percentage, while Philipp Grubauer has been serviceable when called upon. Seattle’s recent form is concerning, having lost four of their last five games, often giving up key goals at even strength.
Sign Up Get $30 Premium Picks Credit + Exclusive Offers
Subscribe Now
Calgary Flames Breakdown
Calgary has not fared much better overall, but their home play has been slightly more reliable. The Flames average 2.50 goals per game and allow 2.97, keeping most games competitive despite defensive lapses. Nazem Kadri leads the team with 29 points and continues to be the engine of the offense, while Matt Coronato provides secondary scoring.
In goal, rookie Dustin Wolf has carried the bulk of the season with a 2.96 GAA and .896 save percentage. While not elite, Calgary’s goaltending has generally been steady at home. The Flames’ special teams have also been a factor, with a strong penalty kill and opportunistic shorthanded play helping offset their lack of five-on-five scoring.
Betting Matchup and Key Angles
This game shapes up as a tight, low-scoring contest between two teams that struggle to convert chances. Seattle’s road issues and injury list put them at a disadvantage, while Calgary’s home ice and slightly better defensive profile give them a narrow edge. With both teams averaging under three goals per game, the total of 5.5 feels appropriate, and a slower-paced matchup is likely.
From a betting perspective, Calgary’s ability to control play at home against a short-handed Seattle roster stands out, while the under remains in play given the lack of offensive consistency on both sides.
Best Picks and Predictions
I’m leaning toward Calgary here based on home ice, healthier lineup, and Seattle’s recent struggles. The Flames don’t need to dominate to win this game; they simply need to avoid mistakes and let Seattle’s offensive limitations do the rest. I also like the idea of a lower-scoring outcome, as neither team has shown the ability to push games into shootout-style affairs. Betting on sports and on the Flames is easy, but even easier if you use the best sportsbooks. Make sure you know about how the fans are looking on prediction markets for the Kraken with the Novig promo code. Make sure when you place your bet on Flames vs Kraken you are using the BetMGM bonus code.
Final Score Prediction
Final Score Prediction: Calgary Flames 3, Seattle Kraken 2
Never Tried Picks and Parlays? Now Is Your Chance
- Get your first daily picks package for ONLY $1 using coupon code BUCK
- If the pick loses, we credit your account with 3 Flex Picks
- If the pick wins, we still give you 1 Flex Pick on the house
- Win or lose, you walk away ahead. One dollar. No catch.
Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win
New Users – Bet $5 Get $200 in Bet Reset Tokens for 5 Days
New DraftKings Customers: Spend $5+ Get $200 in Bonuses Instantly!
