The Seattle Kraken continue their road trip with a matinee matchup against the Buffalo Sabres, a team with a slightly worse record but riding a two-game win streak. While the Kraken are eager to snap their four-game losing streak, this game presents an opportunity for more than just a win—it’s a chance to focus on development and building confidence for the young players that represent Seattle’s future.
At 17-22-3, the Kraken’s playoff hopes are all but gone, but that doesn’t mean this season lacks purpose. Players like Shane Wright, Eeli Tolvanen, and Ryker Evans have shown flashes of promise, and continuing to give them opportunities will be key as the team looks ahead. Tolvanen, in particular, has been a bright spot, scoring twice in the Kraken’s recent loss to Columbus. His signature shot and confidence are critical for Seattle’s offensive depth, and fans will be watching to see if he can build on that momentum.
Meanwhile, the Sabres (16-21-5) are fresh off back-to-back wins and will aim to keep their streak alive. Despite their record, Buffalo boasts offensive talent like Tage Thompson and Rasmus Dahlin, making them a threat if the Kraken defense falters. After Philipp Grubauer’s struggles against Columbus, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Joey Daccord get the start in net.
For Seattle, this game is less about wins and losses and more about showing improvement in all areas of the ice. Can they play a full 60-minute game? Will the younger players continue to step up and thrive in key moments? These are the questions Kraken fans will be watching closely as the team takes the ice in Buffalo.