By: Kim Smith Published 01/31/2026, 05:05 AM ET 
The Seattle Kraken travel to Las Vegas to face the Vegas Golden Knights on Saturday, January 31, 2026, in a Western Conference matchup at T-Mobile Arena. Puck drop is scheduled for 10:00 PM ET, and the game will be broadcast on ESPN+. Vegas enters the contest as the home favorite with the Golden Knights listed at -218 on the moneyline, while Seattle comes back as a +170 underdog. The total for this matchup is set at 6.5 goals, with the over priced at +110 and the under at -130. The puck line lists Seattle at +1.5 (-148) and Vegas at -1.5 (+124). Be sure to check out our free NHL picks for more daily NHL betting insights and expert predictions.
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Terms & Conditions Kraken Carrying Confidence Into Difficult Road Spot
Seattle enters this matchup with a 25-19-9 overall record and has been competitive away from home this season, posting an 11-10-4 road mark. The Kraken have played some of their best hockey in recent weeks and come into this game with momentum. Over their last five games, Seattle has recently won over Toronto, Washington, New Jersey, and the Islanders, with their lone loss coming against Anaheim. That stretch reflects a team playing with confidence and getting contributions throughout the lineup.
From a statistical standpoint, Seattle averages 2.87 goals per game while allowing 2.89, often playing in tight, one-goal contests. The Kraken generate 25.4 shots per game but allow 29.2, which can put pressure on their defensive zone coverage and goaltending. Their power play has been effective, converting at 22.2% with 34 power play goals on the season.
Defensively, Seattle has struggled on the penalty kill, operating at just 71.8% while allowing 42 power play goals. That weakness is particularly concerning against a Vegas team with strong special teams. However, the Kraken have not allowed a shorthanded goal this season and have scored one of their own, showing some discipline despite the low kill percentage. Staying out of the box will be critical if Seattle wants to remain competitive in this matchup.
Golden Knights Trying to Regain Consistency at Home
Vegas enters Saturday’s matchup with a 25-14-14 overall record and has been solid at home, posting a 12-7-7 record at T-Mobile Arena. However, the Golden Knights come into this game following a rough stretch, having dropped four of their last five contests. During that span, Vegas has recently lost to Dallas, Montreal, Ottawa, and Boston, with their lone win coming on the road against Toronto. That stretch has raised some concerns, but the Golden Knights remain a dangerous team, especially on home ice.
Offensively, Vegas averages 3.32 goals per game while allowing 3.08, making them one of the more balanced teams in the conference. The Golden Knights generate 28.9 shots per game and allow just 24.9, reflecting strong puck possession and defensive structure. Their power play has been a major strength, converting at 25.3% with 40 power play goals on the season.
Defensively, Vegas’ penalty kill sits at a strong 81.5%, and the Golden Knights have yet to allow a shorthanded goal. They have also scored two shorthanded goals of their own, showing aggressiveness when killing penalties. Against a Seattle team that has struggled on the penalty kill, Vegas’ special teams advantage could play a major role in the outcome of this game.
Seattle Kraken vs Vegas Golden Knights PickSeattle Kraken vs Vegas Golden Knights Pick Vegas Golden Knights -1.5 (+124)
Vegas is in a prime bounce-back spot at home, and their special teams edge gives them a clear advantage in this matchup. Seattle has been playing well, but their penalty kill issues are a major concern against one of the league’s better power-play units. If Vegas capitalizes on special teams opportunities and controls possession as expected, the Golden Knights should be able to win by multiple goals.
Seattle Kraken vs Vegas Golden Knights Total Pick
I’m leaning toward the under in this matchup because Seattle prefers to play tight, structured games and limits high-danger chances when at their best. While Vegas can score, they have not been as explosive in recent games. If Seattle keeps this game at five-on-five and avoids extended penalty trouble, the total is more likely to stay under.
Final Score Prediction: Vegas Golden Knights 4, Seattle Kraken 2
This prediction was written before the completion of game play on Friday.
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