The Pittsburgh Penguins are set to face off against the Seattle Kraken on January 19, 2026. This matchup will feature both teams competing for vital points in their respective divisions.
Current Standings
As of now, the Penguins hold a record of 22 wins, 14 losses, and 11 overtime losses, totaling 55 points. They are currently in third place in the Metropolitan Division. Meanwhile, the Kraken have 21 wins, 17 losses, and 9 overtime losses, giving them 51 points and also putting them in third place, but in the Pacific Division.
Team Performances
The Penguins are looking to build momentum following a recent three-in-four stretch of games. Their immediate schedule includes a match against Calgary on January 21, followed by another game in Edmonton on January 22, and concluding with a home game against Vancouver on January 25. The team hopes to turn around their recent fortune against the Kraken, as they have only managed two wins in nine all-time encounters with the Seattle team (2-5-2).
Recent Form and Key Stats
- Pittsburgh aims to end a four-game losing streak against Seattle, with a record of 0-3-1 in their last four meetings.
- In their last five games at home, the Kraken have posted a decent 3-0-2 record.
- Seattle has struggled offensively, averaging just 2.74 goals per game, ranking 25th in the league.
Key Players
The Kraken’s lineup features players such as Jared McCann, Matty Beniers, and Jordan Eberle, all of whom bring varying degrees of skill and potential to the table. Meanwhile, the Penguins rely heavily on their star players, including Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin.
Potential Impact Players
- Pittsburgh Penguins: Sidney Crosby has recently made headlines as he approaches his 1,400th NHL game, and Evgeni Malkin is on a scoring streak with six points in his last six outings.
- Seattle Kraken: Jared McCann and Matty Beniers will be key players to watch, as they look to capitalize on any scoring opportunities.
Statistical Matchup
The Penguins have adjusted their defense effectively, allowing only 23 goals in their last 11 games, ranking them first in the NHL in goals against average (GAA) during that stretch. In contrast, the Kraken are looking to improve their overall play, particularly in shot generation and quality scoring chances.
Special Teams
Pittsburgh’s power play stands at third in the league, while Seattle’s penalty kill ranks last at 32nd. Special teams could play a crucial role in determining the outcome of this game.
Injury Updates
Both teams have a few players on injured reserve that could impact their lineup. Matt Murray from the Kraken is recovering from a lower body injury, while Erik Karlsson is also out but has been spotted skating during practice, raising hopes for a return soon.
As the Penguins prepare for their encounter with the Kraken, both teams will be looking to secure vital points to bolster their standings in the league. Fans can expect an exciting matchup as teams battle for playoff positioning on January 19, 2026.
