Get ready for what promises to be a thrilling showdown tonight at Climate Pledge Arena as the Seattle Kraken (17-19-2) welcome the Vancouver Canucks (17-11-8). Seattle is riding a two-game win streak, thanks in large part to last week’s incredible comeback in Vancouver. In that matchup, the Kraken found themselves down 1–4 with five minutes to go in the third period—but never gave up. They scored three goals in a furious final stretch to force overtime, eventually skating away with a stunning 5–4 OT victory.
While the Kraken have kept their momentum rolling, the Canucks have dropped their last two, including that heartbreaker to Seattle and another tough result in Calgary. You can bet Vancouver has revenge on its mind. For the bulk of their last meeting, the Canucks controlled the pace and looked poised to cruise, only to watch the Kraken turn the tide in the final moments. Expect Vancouver to come out fast and physical, eager to prove they can lock down a lead this time.
On the Seattle side, several players have been stepping up in a big way. Jaden Schwartz is on a tear, piling up five points (three goals, two assists) in the last two games. Meanwhile, Matty Beniers is looking like he’s found his groove again. After enduring a lengthy 19-game scoreless drought, the talented forward has lit the lamp in back-to-back contests. Also keep an eye on the recently added Kaapo Kakko, who tallied two assists in the last outing against the Utah Hockey Club.
Between the pipes, Philipp Grubauer is expected to get the nod for Seattle again with Joey Daccord still nursing an injury. Grubauer faced Vancouver in the previous matchup, making some crucial saves to keep the Kraken within striking distance. On the other side, Thatcher Demko will likely be back in net for the Canucks, hoping for a little more help from his defense than he got late in that last meeting.
Puck drops at 7 p.m. PST—so grab your jersey, fill up on that arena popcorn, and get ready to cheer on the boys in Deep Sea Blue. This Pacific Northwest rivalry is heating up, and you won’t want to miss a second of the action!