The Seattle Kraken return to Climate Pledge Arena this week riding the momentum of an impressive East Coast road trip. Despite facing three higher-ranked teams, the Kraken showed resilience, winning three of their four games and proving that rankings don’t define outcomes. As they prepare for a trio of tough home matchups, Seattle is embracing the underdog role with confidence and determination.
Facing the champs
The week kicks off with a showdown against the defending Stanley Cup champions, the Florida Panthers. Florida is proving last year’s success was no fluke, sitting near the top of the NHL standings. They’re led by Sam Reinhart, who currently tops the league in goals with 19, and Matthew Tkachuk, whose 30 points underscore his status as one of the NHL’s premier playmakers.
For the Kraken, this game is a test of their mettle. Vince Dunn, the team’s defensive backbone, will play a critical role in neutralizing Florida’s high-octane attack. His ability to shut down top forwards while transitioning the puck effectively has been key to Seattle’s success since his return from injury. With Florida’s top stars in peak form, Dunn’s performance will set the tone for the Kraken’s defensive effort.
Adding to the intrigue is Brandon Montour, who will face his former team for the first time in a Kraken uniform. Montour’s familiarity with Florida’s systems and his offensive instincts from the blue line provide Seattle with an edge in this matchup. For Montour, this is more than just another game—it’s a chance to prove his value against a team he helped win a championship with last season.
A chance for redemption
On Wednesday, the Boston Bruins come to town, a team that blanked the Kraken earlier this season in a 2-0 shutout. Boston’s suffocating defense and goaltending stymied Seattle’s attack that night, but this week’s game offers a chance for redemption.
Seattle will need contributions across the lineup, but this is a game where the top lines must shine. Jared McCann, the team’s leading goal-scorer, and Matty Beniers, a former Calder Trophy winner, have the potential to deliver statement performances. A strong showing from these two could tip the scales in Seattle’s favor, especially against a Bruins team known for silencing top offensive threats.
Closing out strong
The week wraps up with a Friday night matchup against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Though Tampa may not carry the same narrative weight as the Panthers or Bruins, they remain a formidable opponent with deep playoff pedigree. For Seattle, finishing the week strong will be crucial, especially as they aim to solidify their standing in a competitive Western Conference.
In this matchup, the Kraken will need their third line of Shane Wright, Eeli Tolvanen, and Oliver Bjorkstrand to shine. This trio has been a consistent offensive force, combining skill, speed, and physicality to create opportunities and wear down opposing defenses. Against Tampa’s depth and experience, the ability of Wright, Tolvanen, and Bjorkstrand to dictate play and generate key scoring chances could be the difference-maker.
The underdog spirit
Last week’s road trip showed what this Kraken team is capable of, gritty wins against elite opponents. Now, in front of their home crowd, they have a chance to prove it wasn’t a fluke. Players like Dunn and the dynamic third line will lead the charge, supported by a roster that has consistently defied expectations.
If the Kraken have taught us anything, it’s that rankings aren’t everything. As they prepare to battle three of the league’s best, Seattle is ready to embrace the challenge and keep their momentum rolling.