Fresh off back-to-back wins, the Seattle Kraken (21-24-3) face their toughest challenge yet as they host the NHL’s top team, the Washington Capitals (32-10-5). Riding a five-game winning streak, Washington has soared to the league’s best record—a surprise run fueled by the timeless scoring prowess of Alex Ovechkin. The legendary winger is just 21 goals shy of the all-time record, and he leads the Capitals yet again this season with 21 goals.
Meanwhile, the Kraken have found their offensive stride in recent outings, lighting the lamp in bunches after hitting a rough patch in Detroit. Joey Daccord’s calm presence between the pipes seems to have reinvigorated the team’s confidence. With Daccord expected in net tonight, Seattle will look to stay aggressive—even if they fall behind early—knowing their goaltender can bail them out in key moments.
One player to watch is Jared McCann, who tallied a goal and two assists in the Kraken’s last game against Buffalo. If Seattle hopes to keep pace with Washington’s high-powered attack, they’ll need contributions from McCann and the rest of the forward corps. Offensive catalysts like Matty Beniers, Kaapo Kakko, and Jaden Schwartz will also look to maintain their recent chemistry in the Kraken’s top lines.
As the All-Star break approaches, both teams are eyeing different goals. The Capitals will seek to bolster their roster for a deep playoff run, while the Kraken—on the outside of the playoff picture—could be preparing for moves that reshape the lineup. Fan favorites like Brandon Tanev may be on the move if Seattle chooses to make trades ahead of the deadline, so tonight’s contest is a prime opportunity for fans to savor the current roster.
Puck drops at 7:00 PM PT at Climate Pledge Arena. Can the Kraken’s newfound scoring touch and Daccord’s steady goaltending hand the Capitals their first loss in six games? Or will Ovechkin edge closer to history while extending Washington’s league-best record? Tune in to find out.