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The Calgary Flames host the Seattle Kraken for a season opener on Thursday, Oct. 1 at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN+.
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As the action begins for the start of the NHL season, here's who we predict will bring home the win in Thursday's action.
Kraken vs. Flames Predictions for Thursday
Our computer projection model for this game expects a final tally of Flames 3, Kraken 2.
- Moneyline Pick: Flames (-112)
- Total Pick: No Pick - Predicted Margin Negligible
- Spread Pick: Flames (+1.5)
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Flames Splits and Trends
- The Flames were 7-9-16 in overtime games on their way to a 34-39-9 overall record last season.
- Calgary was 10-6-6 (26 points) in its 22 games decided by one goal.
- Looking at the 21 times last season the Flames finished a game with only one goal, they had a 1-18-2 record, picking up four points.
- Calgary scored exactly two goals in 19 games last season (8-9-2 record, 18 points).
- The Flames scored three or more goals in 37 games (25-8-4, 54 points).
- In the 20 games when Calgary recorded a lone power-play goal, it went 9-7-4 to register 22 points.
- In the 30 games when it outshot its opponent, Calgary was 11-16-3 (25 points).
- The Flames' opponent had more shots in 50 games last season. The Flames finished 22-22-6 in those matchups (50 points).
Kraken Splits and Trends
- The Kraken had a record of 34-37-11 last season and were 8-11-19 in overtime contests.
- Seattle picked up 27 points (11-5-5) in its 21 games decided by one goal.
- Last season the Kraken recorded only one goal in 11 games, and they finished 0-10-1.
- Seattle accumulated nine points (2-16-5) when scoring two goals last season.
- The Kraken scored three or more goals 44 times, accumulating 68 points (32-8-4).
- Seattle scored a lone power-play goal in 32 games last season and recorded 39 points.
- When it outshot its opponent last season, Seattle posted a record of 6-13-3 (15 points).
- The Kraken were outshot by their opponents in 55 games last season, going 26-23-6 to record 58 points.
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Team Stats Comparison (2025-26)
| Flames Rank | Flames AVG | Kraken AVG | Kraken Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 32nd | 2.54 | Goals Scored | 2.73 | 28th |
| 21st | 3.12 | Goals Allowed | 3.13 | 23rd |
| 11th | 28.1 | Shots | 25.5 | 27th |
| 30th | 29.8 | Shots Allowed | 29.3 | 24th |
| 31st | 16.16% | Power Play % | 19.00% | 21st |
| 12th | 80.41% | Penalty Kill % | 72.22% | 31st |
Kraken vs. Flames Game Time and TV Channel
- When: Thursday, October 1, 2026 at 9 p.m. ET
- TV Channel: ESPN+
- Live Stream: Watch this game on ESPN+
- Where: Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary, Alberta
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