The Seattle Kraken are gearing up for a critical showdown against the Washington Capitals at 4:00 p.m. today. This matchup marks the first of 13 back-to-back games for the Kraken this season. Last season, the team struggled in similar scenarios, finishing with an NHL-worst 0-12-0 record in back-to-back contests. The Kraken need to secure more victories in these games to remain competitive as the season progresses.
Challenges Faced by the Kraken
In their previous game against the Philadelphia Flyers, the Kraken appeared fatigued. With five players sidelined and in the midst of a challenging six-city road trip, their energy levels were noticeably low. Coach Lane Lambert emphasized the need for improved commitment and execution during puck battles, citing that the team won only 24% of these crucial plays in Philadelphia.
Key Player Updates
- The Kraken have called up centerman Ben Meyers from AHL Coachella Valley for added grit in the lineup.
- Last season, the Kraken averaged just 1.3 goals per game in back-to-backs, a statistic that needs significant improvement.
- The power play, however, has been more effective recently, scoring in five consecutive games, including a goal from Jani Nyman in their last match.
Goaltending Considerations
This evening’s game may also see the debut of goalie Matt Murray, who is looking to revitalize his career after undergoing dual hip surgeries. Goaltending has been a recurring issue for the Kraken, especially in back-to-back situations. Joey Daccord previously started against Philadelphia but conceded five goals on 21 shots.
Philipp Grubauer had a solid performance in Ottawa but faced challenges that ultimately led to a loss. For the Kraken to succeed against the Capitals, Murray will need to be at his best, effectively stopping shots and minimizing preventable goals.
Scouting the Opponent: Washington Capitals
The Capitals are more than just their star player, Alex Ovechkin, who scored twice against the Kraken last season. Ovechkin is currently four goals away from surpassing Wayne Gretzky on the all-time scoring list. The Capitals boast a strong lineup, including top centerman Dylan Strome, who scored 29 goals last season and already has eight points this year.
- The Capitals have seven players who scored 20 or more goals last season, showcasing their offensive depth.
- Defensively, the team is anchored by John Carlson and Jakub Chychrun, supported by a reliable goaltending duo of Logan Thompson and Charlie Lindgren.
- Thompson, likely to start, holds a 3-1-0 record with a 1.75 goals against average and a .922 save percentage.
Washington aims to bounce back after a narrow loss to Vancouver, having previously enjoyed a four-game winning streak. They currently permit only two goals per game, underscoring the challenge the Kraken face in this matchup.
Projected Kraken Lineup
| Forward Lines |
|---|
| Catton – Beniers – Eberle |
| Schwartz – Stephenson – Tolvanen |
| Nyman – Wright – Winterton |
| Kartye – Meyers – Hayden |
| Defense Pairings |
| Dunn – Larsson |
| Lindgren – Fleury |
| Mahura – Oleksiak |
As the Kraken prepare for this essential confrontation against the Capitals, they must harness their strengths and address last season’s shortcomings to secure a critical victory.
