November ended poorly for the Seattle Kraken. A four-game road trip through California, intended to build momentum, instead exposed their defensive weaknesses. The Kraken managed just one win, falling to the struggling Anaheim Ducks and San Jose Sharks. These losses highlighted inconsistent special teams play and defensive lapses that must be addressed moving forward.
Now, the Kraken are heading into December facing a grueling schedule. With road trips to the East Coast and tough home games against Stanley Cup contenders, this month will test their resilience and readiness to compete at a higher level.
East Coast gauntlet
The Kraken begin December with a matchup against the Carolina Hurricanes, one of the league’s top teams. The Hurricanes, who hold the NHL’s fourth-best record, handed Seattle a decisive 4-1 loss earlier this season. Carolina enters this game looking to rebound from consecutive losses, while the Kraken aim to pull off an upset on the road.
The road trip continues with games against the New York Islanders, New Jersey Devils, and New York Rangers. Seattle edged out the Islanders in a close 3-2 victory earlier this season but failed to score the next night in a 2-0 loss to the Rangers. Meanwhile, the Devils will be a new test for the Kraken. As one of the most well-rounded teams in hockey, New Jersey will challenge Seattle to tighten their defensive play and find consistency in their offensive production.
A “lighter” home stretch
The Kraken return to Climate Pledge Arena for a four-game homestand against the Florida Panthers, Boston Bruins, Tampa Bay Lightning, and Ottawa Senators. This stretch offers a mix of opportunity and difficulty.
While Ottawa has struggled with consistency, they previously shut out Seattle, and the Kraken must find a way to avoid another frustrating result. Meanwhile, the Boston Bruins and Florida Panthers remain two of the league’s most formidable opponents. The Lightning’s offensive firepower will also demand the Kraken’s best defensive effort. Seattle’s ability to generate offense will be key as they look to secure wins and make a statement on home ice.
Tough road ahead
The month’s final road trip takes the Kraken to face the Chicago Blackhawks, Vegas Golden Knights, Colorado Avalanche, and Vancouver Canucks. Each of these games presents a unique challenge. Vegas, Colorado, and Vancouver are among the NHL’s highest-scoring teams, and the Kraken will need stellar goaltending to keep pace.
Even Chicago, led by phenom Connor Bedard, is capable of making life difficult for the Kraken. This trip will be a major test of Seattle’s defensive structure and depth.
December concludes with a home game against the Utah Hockey Club. This game offers Seattle a chance to end the month on a high note and potentially build momentum heading into January.
A defining month for the Seattle Kraken
December will reveal the Seattle Kraken’s true standing in the NHL. Are they a team destined to linger near the bottom of the standings, or can they rise to the challenge and prove they belong among the league’s elite?
Consistency will be the key. If the Kraken can shore up their defensive play and capitalize on special teams opportunities, they have a chance to secure statement wins and turn their season around. With matchups against some of the NHL’s best teams, this month will be a proving ground for Seattle—and a chance to show the league they are more than just the new kids on the block.