Fresh off a tough loss in Detroit, the Seattle Kraken (18-23-3) continue their lengthy road trip tonight against Sidney Crosby (48 points) and the Pittsburgh Penguins (18-19-8). Both teams have just one win in their last five games, making this showdown a critical opportunity for either side to regain some momentum.
For the Penguins, Crosby remains the heartbeat of their offense, setting the pace and creating chances for teammates. Pittsburgh may be hovering below .500, but with elite talent like Crosby, they pose a threat every time he takes the ice. Seattle’s defense will need to be sharp from the get-go, especially after surrendering multiple quick goals in recent outings.
On the Kraken’s side, the focus has shifted from playoff contention—where Seattle holds a meager 0.8% chance—to player development. Young forwards Matty Beniers and Kaapo Kakko appear to be finding their offensive rhythm, showcasing chemistry that points to a bright future. Meanwhile, Shane Wright is consistently playing well when he’s on the ice, yet his average time on ice remains stuck at just over 13 minutes. With the playoffs essentially out of reach, many fans are clamoring for head coach Dan Bylsma to give Wright more shifts and let him further develop alongside the team’s other emerging talents.
A victory over Pittsburgh tonight could help the Kraken build confidence, but more importantly, it offers a chance to fine-tune the lineup and give their brightest young players the minutes they need to grow. If Seattle hopes to snap its slump and set the stage for better results down the road, unleashing Beniers, Kakko, and Wright might be the spark they need. Keep an eye on how Bylsma deploys his lines as the Kraken look to upset the Penguins and foster the promise of their future stars.