LAS VEGAS -- Lots of hockey for Wednesday, as the league prepares for an off-day on Thanksgiving. We have 15 games on the board, including a couple of big showdowns in the Eastern Conference between the Rangers and Carolina and between Toronto and the defending champion Panthers.

I'm jumping into the Western Conference, though, as I think there is value waiting in the Pacific Northwest, as the Ducks visit Seattle to play the Kraken in a Pacific Division clash.

Let's do a deep dive into this one:

WHY DUCKS: John Gibson, and always John Gibson. He'll always be the reason Anaheim has a chance to win in my eyes. The veteran netminder is 3-0-1, after nursing an injury that delayed his season debut. He is expected to be in the net tonight, and will be out to help his squad exact revenge after the Ducks fell 3-2 to Seattle on Monday in Anaheim. By chance we see Lukas Dostal between the pipes, make note he ranks second with 119 high-danger saves, and third in saves (451) and mid-range saves (120). He also ranks tied for seventh with a .922 save percentage.

WHY KRAKEN: Since opening the season 5-8-1 and shaking off a season-high four-game losing skid, Seattle has won six of its last eight games - including 5 of 6 at home. The Kraken are 7-4-1 in Seattle this season, and will be skating with confidence after their one-goal win in Anaheim two nights back.

All betting lines are from Bet365 and are subject to change. Hockey is a difficult sport to predict so please gamble responsibly.

THE PICK: KRAKEN -1.5, +130 -- Seattle's confidence stretches beyond Monday's win over the Ducks, as it's 9-2-1 all-time against Anaheim. The Kraken have won eight consecutive games against the Ducks in exactly two years to date. Look for a big game from Chandler Stephenson, who leads active Kraken skaters in goals (9), assists (12) and points (21) in 27 career games versus Anaheim. Stephenson is long overdue for a goal, and it could come tonight in what will be a rout.

(Season Record: 5-7-0, Net: -$245, based on $100 units)