Tuesday night kicks off the homestand against the Utah Hockey Club—formerly known as the Arizona Coyotes. Though they’re hardly new to the NHL, they’re still finding their footing in a new city, and it’s showing in some interesting ways. Despite their relocation to Salt Lake City, Utah actually plays better on the road, almost like a team that hasn’t felt truly at home for the past few years. With a record of 16-13-6—including an impressive 11-6-2 away mark—they’ve proven they’re no pushovers, especially when traveling.
Seattle, still riding high from a thrilling 5-4 overtime win in Vancouver, can’t afford any slip-ups. The Kraken will need every ounce of that late-game grit against Utah, who often finds a way to stay competitive till the final horn. The tone Seattle sets early could make all the difference. If the Kraken’s offense comes out firing, it might shake the visitors’ rhythm. But if they get bogged down in a tight defensive battle, Utah’s scrappy style could tilt momentum in their favor.
Thursday night grudge match
Turn the page to Thursday, and it’s the Vancouver Canucks who’ll invade Seattle looking for some revenge after last week’s heartbreaking OT loss on their home ice. One thing’s for sure: matchups between the Kraken and Canucks always seem to get chippy. If you’re a fan of old-school, physical hockey, this is the one to circle on your calendar.
The storyline here goes beyond bragging rights. Vancouver’s players felt they let one slip away in front of their home crowd and will be itching to strike back. Don’t be surprised if tempers flare early, leading to big hits and maybe even a fight or two in the first period. From Seattle’s perspective, the key is to stay disciplined and not get dragged into too many penalties. Give the Canucks too many power-play opportunities, and it could spell trouble. On the other hand, if the Kraken maintain composure and lean on their confident penalty kill, they can keep momentum on their side.
Vince Dunn completes the comeback! Kraken win! pic.twitter.com/jqMMeWsWmW
— Emerald City Hockey (@EmeraldCityHky) December 28, 2024
Edmonton awaits on Saturday
Seattle’s week wraps up with a showdown against the Edmonton Oilers—a team the Kraken haven’t had much luck against historically. The all-time record stands at 2-8-1, which doesn’t exactly inspire confidence. But every game is a fresh opportunity, and the Kraken need to prove they can topple a perennial Western Conference contender. Containing Edmonton’s top guns is always easier said than done, so expect Seattle’s blueline to be put to the test.
This matchup could also be a chance to establish a new narrative. If the Kraken manage to impose their pace early on, they might be able to force Edmonton into mistakes. But if the Oilers seize control in the neutral zone, Seattle could be chasing the game all night. This one might come down to who wants it more in the final minutes.
Spotlight on Daccord’s health
One of the biggest question marks heading into the homestand is the status of goaltender Joey Daccord. He’s been Seattle’s best netminder so far—sporting a 12-9-2 record, a 2.51 GAA, and a .912 save percentage. However, after tweaking something against the Colorado Avalanche, he missed the previous game in Vancouver and likely won’t be available against Utah. Fans will see a heavy dose of Philipp Grubauer in net, and if Daccord’s injury lingers, don’t rule out an appearance by AHL call-up Ales Stezka. Getting quality starts from whoever’s in the crease is crucial if the Kraken want to emerge from this week with multiple wins.
Young Guns: Beniers, Wright, and Kakko
On the offensive end, there are a few players worth your attention. Matty Beniers finally snapped his 19-game scoreless streak in that OT thriller against Vancouver. The question now is whether he can build on that momentum or if the slump will return. Seeing Beniers rediscover his scoring touch would be a massive boost.
Shane Wright, meanwhile, was on fire with six goals in eight games after a brief stretch as a healthy scratch. He’s cooled off lately—no goals in his last eight—but his five assists during that span show he’s still contributing. Look for him to get some chances to bury one this week, and if he finds the back of the net, it could spark another hot streak.
Lastly, keep your eyes on recent addition Kaapo Kakko, who’s been earning more minutes—jumping from 13 to 18 a game over the last four outings. It’s a sign the coaching staff sees him as a critical piece on the top line. Kakko has tremendous upside, and if he continues this upward trend, he could emerge as one of the most exciting young forwards on Seattle’s roster.
Final Thoughts
With three straight home games on tap, the Kraken have a golden opportunity to collect points and build momentum. Utah may have a new home base, but they’re determined to prove they can still thrive away from the desert. Meanwhile, Vancouver wants payback, and Edmonton remains a daunting adversary. Throw in the uncertainty in net, the development of young stars, and the always-fervent Seattle crowd, and you’ve got a week of must-watch hockey. Keep your voice loud and the atmosphere electric, and let’s see if the Kraken can deliver on home ice.