Kraken vs Golden Knights: Can Seattle Conquer Vegas?

The Seattle Kraken are gearing up for a pivotal matchup against the Vegas Golden Knights, a team that has historically presented a significant challenge. As the season progresses, every game carries increased weight, and this Pacific Division clash is no exception. Let’s dive into the key factors that could determine the outcome of this exciting contest.

Keeping the Offensive Firepower Burning

The Kraken’s top line, comprised of Matty Beniers, Jordan Eberle, and Jared McCann, has been a driving force in recent games. Beniers boasts 10 goals this month, while McCann has nine and Eberle has five. Their synergy is undeniable, with McCann racking up five goals and four assists for nine points in the last five games together. Beniers has added four goals and two assists for six points, and Eberle mirrors that total with two goals and four assists. This top line’s performance is often a harbinger of success for the entire team.

The ripple effect of a strong top line is evident throughout the Kraken’s lineup. Shane Wright scored a pair of goals against Toronto, and Jaden Schwartz contributed an assist. The line featuring Wright and Kaapo Kakko has found its stride, contributing to a recent surge in offensive production. Seattle has now scored at least four goals in four of their last five games – and those games all resulted in victories.

However, a slight adjustment to the lineup is expected due to Berkly Catton’s upper-body injury. Ryan Winterton will move up to the second line, and Tye Karate will return to the fourth line.

Goaltending: A Fortress for the Kraken

The Kraken’s goaltending has been exceptional lately, with Philipp Grubauer playing at an elite level and Joey Daccord shaking off a mid-season slump. Regardless of who’s between the pipes, Seattle has been remarkably stingy, allowing only 10 goals in their last five games. Four of those goals came in a single game against Anaheim, making the overall defensive performance even more impressive.

Daccord has conceded just two goals in his last two starts, returning to the form he displayed earlier in the season. Grubauer has been equally impressive, allowing more than three goals only once in his last 11 outings, and keeping opponents to two or fewer goals in seven of those games. His ability to limit goals to one or two has been a major factor in the Kraken’s recent success, winning all six games where he allowed just one goal.

The formula is clear: solid goaltending and defense limiting opponents to three or fewer goals, combined with an offense consistently scoring three or more, will lead to continued victories.

Scouting the Opponent: The Vegas Golden Knights

The Kraken’s history against the Golden Knights has been challenging, with a record of 4-11-1. Vegas’s physicality and ability to drive the net often pose problems for Seattle. The Golden Knights boast talented players like Jack Eichel (61 points) and Mitch Marner (54 points), adding to their offensive threat.

Despite a strong start to the month with a seven-game winning streak and the acquisition of Rasmus Andersson, the Golden Knights have recently stumbled, losing five of their last six games (though picking up points in overtime and a shootout). They currently lead the NHL with 14 games extended beyond regulation.

This recent dip in form has allowed the Kraken to close the gap in the standings. A win against Vegas would bring Seattle within just three points of the division lead. Interestingly, the Kraken secured an overtime victory against the Golden Knights earlier this season, a sign that things might be changing.

Projected Lineup

Here’s the projected lineup for the Kraken (not official):

• McCann – Beniers – Eberle
• Tolvanen – Stephenson – Winterton
• Schwartz – Wright – Kakko
• Kartye – Gaudreau – Melanson
• Dunn – Larsson
• Oleksiak – Montour
• Lindgren – Evans
• Daccord (Goalie)

Stay tuned to our broadcast for a code word during the game! Enter it into our Game On! contest for a chance to win tickets to an upcoming Kraken game.

You can find more information about the Golden Knights on their official website: https://www.nhl.com/goldenknights