The Seattle Kraken (25-31-4) kick off their two game homestand tonight against the Vancouver Canucks (27-21-11) in what could be yet another dramatic matchup between these two division rivals. The first two meetings this season both required extra hockey, and if history is any indication, we might be in for another nail-biter.
Their first clash back in December was an instant classic, with the Kraken mounting an improbable late-game comeback. Down 4-1 with just over five minutes left, Seattle stormed back with goals from Jaden Schwartz (twice) and Vince Dunn before Dunn capped off his heroics with the game-winner in overtime. The rematch a week later followed a similar script, with Dunn tying the game in the final minute before Vancouver had the last laugh in the shootout.
Can Seattle disrupt Vancouver’s playoff push?
While the Kraken are out of the playoff picture at this point, the Canucks find themselves clinging to the final wild card spot in the Western Conference. That gives Seattle a prime opportunity to play spoiler and make life difficult for their division rivals. If the first two meetings were any indication, expect another intense, hard-fought battle.
Joey Daccord is expected to be back in net tonight, looking to shake off a rough outing in St. Louis where he was pulled after giving up five goals midway through the second period. Daccord has been the backbone of this Kraken team for much of the season, and every goaltender has an off night. The hope is that he rebounds with a performance more in line with what we’ve come to expect from him.
The top line of Schwartz, Matty Beniers, and Kaapo Kakko has been one of Seattle’s biggest bright spots over the past month, consistently generating scoring chances and driving play at even strength. With Vancouver fighting for every point in the playoff race, the Kraken will need their top contributors to step up if they want to secure the season series win.
Puck drops at 7 PM PT at Climate Pledge Arena.