Game Preview: Seattle Kraken vs. Ottawa Senators

Following a 4-1 defeat to the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Seattle Kraken are aiming to bounce back in tonight’s matchup against the Ottawa Senators. As the third game in Seattle’s five-game road trip, tonight’s contest gives the Kraken a chance to reset and build a winning record as they head into the final two games of the road trip.

Montour’s Return Could Help Stabilize Defense

One of the biggest hits last game was the absence of standout defenseman Brandon Montour, but he’s expected back in the lineup tonight. The Kraken had noticeable defensive lapses against Toronto, with William Nylander capitalizing on two missed coverage opportunities. With Montour’s return, Seattle’s blue line should get a major boost in stability, which will be critical against Ottawa’s dangerous forwards like Tim Stützle and Brady Tkachuk. Seattle will need to be disciplined, as Stützle and Tkachuk won’t hesitate to turn defensive mistakes into goals.

Jared McCann’s Strong Record Against Ottawa

Offensively, Jared McCann has been a standout in past matchups with the Senators, tallying five goals in his last six games against Ottawa. Currently sitting second in team goals, McCann has a chance tonight to reclaim the top spot and generate some needed offense for Seattle. His experience against Ottawa’s defense could be a game-changer, as the Kraken look to create more consistent scoring opportunities on the road.

Goaltending Decisions Loom Large

Seattle’s goalie situation remains a point of interest, especially with Joey Daccord having started the last four games. While Daccord’s efforts have been strong, he’s faced a challenging 1-3 record, and tonight could see Philipp Grubauer return to the crease. Grubauer, who has been waiting in the wings, might get the call as the Kraken look to steady their defense and gain some rhythm in net. With tonight being the first game of a back-to-back (with Boston on the schedule tomorrow), it would make sense for Grubauer to start tonight, giving Daccord a shot against the Bruins.

Game Time

The puck drops tonight at 4:00 p.m. PT, and Kraken fans are eager to see if their team can rally and deliver a more cohesive performance on both ends of the ice. A win tonight would be pivotal for Seattle, building momentum for the rest of this challenging road trip.