Kraken vs Stars: A Highly Anticipated NHL Matchup

Get ready for an electrifying contest as the Seattle Kraken take on the Dallas Stars! This game promises a thrilling display of skill and strategy. Here’s everything you need to know about how to watch, listen, and follow the action live.

Game Details

• When: Wednesday, February 25 at 7:00 p.m.
• Where: American Airlines Center
• TV: Victory+
• Radio: The Ticket 96.7-FM, 1310-AM
• Live Stats: NHL Game Center
• Tickets: Single-game / Groups / Rentals
• Parking: AAC Parking Options
• Bag Policy: Frequently Asked Questions

Player Spotlight: Robertson’s Stellar Performance

Dallas Stars forward Jason Robertson has been on fire, racking up eight points (3 goals, 5 assists) in his last six games. He’s also recorded multi-point efforts in four of his last eight appearances, totaling 10 points (5 goals, 5 assists) during that span. Robertson recently scored his 200th career goal, becoming the first player from the 2017 NHL draft to reach this milestone. This season, he boasts 66 points (32 goals, 34 assists), ranking second on the team and 11th in the NHL. Against Seattle, Robertson has consistently delivered, amassing 13 points (5 goals, 8 assists) in 14 games.

Kraken’s Stephenson: A Rising Star

Seattle forward Chandler Stephenson is also making waves, with seven points (7 assists) in his last six games. He has a total of 36 points (13 goals, 23 assists) this season, ranking third in team scoring. Stephenson leads the Kraken in takeaways (22) and is tied for second in power-play scoring (6 goals, 8 assists). He also leads the team in road scoring with 19 points (8 goals, 11 assists). In 20 games against Dallas, Stephenson has notched 6 points (3 goals, 3 assists).

Stars’ Resurgence Under Gulutzan

The Dallas Stars, currently 34-14-9, have shown significant improvement under new coach Glen Gulutzan. After a challenging period after Christmas, the team found its stride, winning six straight games leading into the Olympic Break. This turnaround was marked by improved puck possession, outshooting opponents 27.9-21.0 during that stretch. Their goals against decreased from 2.78 to 2.63, and their scoring increased from 3.27 to 3.63. Gulutzan emphasizes the importance of the “one percent” difference – small habits that can elevate performance.

“I think it was evident to everybody who watched it, but it had to be most evident to the players because they’re the ones who live it,” Gulutzan said. “So now you have to make it a habit.”

Key Contributors Fueling the Stars’ Success

Matt Duchene and Jamie Benn have formed a potent scoring duo, with Duchene recording 6 goals and 3 assists, and Benn adding 2 goals and 6 assists in the past six games. Despite a recent injury to Rantanen, the Stars are confident in their ability to maintain momentum.

“When he talks about the one percent, I think we’re really starting to get an idea of what that really means,” Duchene said. “We see what it looks like with it and we see what it looks like without it. It’s just little habits and it makes the game easier. We won some tight games because of it.”

Goaltending and Defensive Strength

Casey DeSmith is currently ranked 6th among goalies with 10 or more starts, boasting a 2.37 goals-against average. He is expected to start Wednesday in place of Jake Oettinger, who is returning from the Olympics. DeSmith has an 11-4-5 record and a .911 save percentage. Lian Bichsel, second on the Stars with 85 hits, is also expected to return from injury.

Looking Ahead

With a compressed schedule, the trade deadline approaching, and fierce competition in the Central Division, the Stars are focused on maintaining their strong performance. Gulutzan believes the team’s recent struggles were a valuable learning experience, fostering resilience and a commitment to continuous improvement.

“For me in this last little run, it’s laying down the foundation of what a playoff game looks like,” Gulutzan said. “It’s about some of the macro stuff and then the mentality stuff. Nothing guarantees winning in this league, but if you want to give yourself the best chance, you have to carry a certain mentality and you have to carry it for a long time.”

This story was not subject to the approval of the National Hockey League or Dallas Stars Hockey Club.

Source: DallasStars.com