The NHL’s two youngest teams will square off in the league’s marquee event when the Seattle Kraken host the Vegas Golden Knights in the 2024 Winter Classic at T-Mobile Park on Jan. 1.
This will be the first outdoor game for the Kraken, who began play in 2021.
The Golden Knights are competing outside for a second time but the first with fans in attendance — Vegas took on the Colorado Avalanche in Stateline, Nevada, on Feb. 20, 2021. Vegas is the reigning Stanley Cup champion and will enter the Winter Classic firmly entrenched in a Pacific Division playoff spot.
Who will win in the Emerald City? Let’s take a deeper look at the 2024 Winter Classic.
Winter Classic Odds 2024
NHL odds for the Winter Classic are current as of Wednesday, Dec. 27, at 9 a.m. ET and are courtesy of Caesars Sportsbook.
- Moneyline: Golden Knights (-155) vs Kraken (+130)
- Spread: Golden Knights -1.5 (+140), Kraken +1.5 (-165)
- Total: Over 6.5 goals (+105), Under 6.5 Goals (-125)
Winter Classic Pick of the Day
Read more about our best Winter Classic bet below.
Winter Classic Prediction for Golden Knights vs Kraken
Golden Knights 3, Kraken 2
Vegas has embraced the rivalry with Seattle by dominating its junior Pacific Division challenger. The Golden Knights are 8-1 all-time against the Kraken, including their season-opening 4-1 victory at T-Mobile Arena.
That three-goal defeat has set the tone for the Kraken’s season, which has seen them struggle to build on last season’s run to the second round of the playoffs. Seattle has the 25th-best points percentage in hockey and will enter the Winter Classic outside of the Western Conference playoff field.
The Kraken have also underperformed in Seattle throughout their existence. They own a .475 home points percentage over their three seasons, which is the seventh-worst mark in the NHL over that span.
Maybe the enthusiastic Seattle fans will carry the Kraken to a rare win over their southern rivals, especially since Vegas has struggled on the road this year. Vegas won just nine of its first 18 road games.
Still, the Golden Knights should score early and hang on late for a narrow win.
Winter Classic Best Bets
Under 6.5 Goals (-125) at Caesars Sportsbook
WAGER: 1.25 units
The Golden Knights sit in the top 10 in goals-against per game and are one of a few teams surrendering fewer than three goals per outing. With Adin Hill continuing to play well in net and Vegas boasting the game’s best defense corps, Kraken goals should come at a premium.
Seattle sits in the bottom five in goals-for per game, but it has also been solid at goal suppression this season. The Kraken are in the top half of the league in goals-against per game.
Seven is a high bar to clear, especially in outdoor games, which tend to feature ice issues and uncertain conditions — even though the home of the Mariners has a roof. Take the Under between two defensive-minded clubs as our NHL Winter Classic pick of the day.
Golden Knights Win in Regulation (+110)
WAGER: 1 unit
As hard as it is to believe, these teams have never played an overtime game. There have been only four overtime games in the 14 previous Winter Classics, and just seven of the previous 38 outdoor games have gone to extra time.
I’d be open to a sprinkle on the Golden Knights covering the puck line. But betting them at plus-money to win in regulation is a no-brainer.
How to Bet the Winter Classic
Betting the Winter Classic should be as simple as betting on any NHL game. Here’s a look at the steps.
- Log into your preferred sportsbook app or website. If you don’t have a preferred sportsbook, visit our US sportsbook review page to determine which one to use
- Sign up using any available promo code to unlock the best new-player bonus
- Click “NHL" or “Ice Hockey" in the sportsbook’s sports section
- Find the Winter Classic on its schedule
- Find the market you wish to bet and add it to your bet slip
- Add the amount you wish to wager
- Press “Place Bet"
- Root for your bet to hit!
Winter Classic History
This year’s Winter Classic will be the 39th outdoor game in NHL history and the 15th Winter Classic. Here’s a look at the results of the previous 14:
- Jan. 1, 2023: Vegas Golden Knights vs Seattle Kraken at T-Mobile Park in Seattle
- Jan. 2, 2023: Boston Bruins 2, Pittsburgh Penguins 1 at Fenway Park in Boston
- Jan. 1, 2022: St. Louis Blues 6, Minnesota Wild 4 at Target Field in St. Paul, Minnesota
- 2021 Winter Classic canceled due to COVID-19 pandemic
- Jan. 1, 2020: Dallas Stars 4, Nashville Predators 2 at Cotton Bowl in Dallas
- Jan. 1, 2019: Boston Bruins 4, Chicago Blackhawks 2 at Notre Dame Stadium in Notre Dame, Indiana
- Jan. 1, 2018: New York Rangers 3, Buffalo Sabres 2 (OT) at Citi Field in Flushing, New York
- Jan. 2, 2017: St. Louis Blues 4, Chicago Blackhawks 1 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis
- Jan. 1, 2016: Montreal Canadiens 5, Boston Bruins 1 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts
- Jan. 1, 2015: Washington Capitals 3, Chicago Blackhawks 2 at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C.
- Jan. 1, 2014: Toronto Maple Leafs 3, Detroit Red Wings 2 (SO) at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan
- 2013 Winter Classic canceled due to NHL lockout
- Jan. 2, 2012: New York Rangers 3, Philadelphia Flyers 2 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia
- Jan. 1, 2011: Washington Capitals 3, Pittsburgh Penguins 1 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh
- Jan. 1, 2010: Boston Bruins 2, Philadelphia Flyers 1 (OT) at Fenway Park in Boston
- Jan. 1, 2009: Detroit Red Wings 6, Chicago Blackhawks 4 at Wrigley Field in Chicago
- Jan. 1, 2008: Pittsburgh Penguins 2, Buffalo Sabres 1 (SO) at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Buffalo
