Blackhawks vs. Kraken: Projected Lineups and Playoff Implications Ahead of Game 77 The Chicago Blackhawks concluded their final three-game road trip of the 2025-26 season with a 3-1 loss to the Edmonton Oilers on Thursday night, officially eliminating them from postseason contention. The defeat marked the end of a season defined by rebuilding efforts, as the team focused on developing young talent rather than securing a playoff berth. With their fate sealed, the Blackhawks turned their attention to the upcoming matchup against the Seattle Kraken, a game that carries significant implications for both teams. The Seattle Kraken, who once held a strong grip on a playoff spot, have faced a challenging stretch in recent weeks. After a promising start to the 2025-26 season, the team has struggled to maintain consistency, posting a 3-5-2 record in their last 10 games. This slump has left them four points behind the playoff threshold, with a daunting task ahead. To secure a postseason berth, the Kraken would need to not only close the gap in points but also overtake five teams in the standings—a near-impossible feat given the current pace of play. Despite these challenges, the Kraken remain optimistic, with players expressing confidence in their ability to turn things around. The Kraken’s roster is built on depth rather than star power, with eight players contributing 30 or more points and 10 players scoring double-digit goals. Jordan Eberle, the team’s leading scorer with 24 goals and 52 points, has been a consistent performer, but the lack of a singular superstar has limited their ability to dominate games. However, their offensive versatility and strong team play have kept them competitive.#chicago_blackhawks #edmonton_oilers #seattle_kraken #philipp_grubauer #joey_daccord
Blackhawks Continue Road Trip Against Kraken The Chicago Blackhawks will face the Seattle Kraken at Climate Pledge Arena on Saturday evening, marking the third and final meeting between the teams this season. The game will conclude the Blackhawks' three-game road trip, with the team looking to improve upon their recent performance against the Oilers. The Blackhawks dropped a 3-1 decision to Edmonton on Thursday, but several players contributed to the effort, including Nick Lardis, who scored his ninth goal of the season, and Connor Bedard, who recorded an assist and excelled in faceoff battles. The Blackhawks' penalty kill has been a standout aspect of their recent performance, posting an impressive 86.3% success rate over their last 20 road games since Dec. 27. This ranks first in the NHL over that span, showcasing the team's ability to neutralize opponents' power plays. Forward Connor Bedard, who is three points away from reaching 200 in his NHL career, has been a key contributor. After an assist against the Oilers, Bedard now has 197 points (75 goals, 122 assists) in 213 games. His potential to achieve the milestone in fewer games than any Blackhawks player since 1967-68 highlights his rapid development. Goaltender Spencer Knight, who made 31 saves against Edmonton, has established himself as one of the league's top netminders. With 1,357 saves and 1,495 shots against this season, Knight ranks second in the NHL. His 18-22-11 record, .908 save percentage, and 2.71 goals-against average in 51 games this season underscore his consistency. Knight's performance has been critical in maintaining the team's competitive edge, particularly on the road. The Blackhawks' roster also includes players nearing significant milestones.#chicago_blackhawks #connor_bedard #climate_pledge_arena #seattle_kraken #spencer_knight
Kraken Struggle to Convert Leads, Face Tough Test Against Oilers The Seattle Kraken, with a record of 32-29-11, will face the Edmonton Oilers, who sit at 37-28-9, in a matchup set for 6:00 p.m. The game will test the Kraken’s ability to capitalize on leads, a recurring issue this season. Despite holding a 2-0 advantage over the Buffalo Sabres midway through the third period, the Kraken failed to secure the win, falling 3-2 in a shootout. The team’s inability to convert late chances proved costly, as they missed their final 13 shots of the game. This pattern has plagued the Kraken throughout the season, with the team struggling to find the third goal in critical moments. The Kraken’s offensive struggles are evident in their record of 4-22-7 when scoring two goals or fewer in regulation. They have only managed to win twice in regulation under such circumstances and have relied on overtime or shootout victories to secure points. This trend highlights a broader issue: the team’s difficulty in maintaining momentum against strong opponents. The Oilers, known for their high-octane offense, will present an even greater challenge. The Kraken have a dismal record of 1-6-1 in games at Rogers Place, where the Oilers have consistently dominated. A potential bright spot for the Kraken is the return of Jaden Schwartz, who is set to rejoin the lineup after a three-week absence due to a skate blade injury. Schwartz’s presence could provide a much-needed boost, particularly given his recent contributions. Since joining the Kraken, Bobby McMann has emerged as a key player, scoring seven goals in eight games. His performance has been instrumental in the team’s recent resurgence, as the Kraken have collected four of six points in their last three games.#edmonton_oilers #seattle_kraken #jaden_schwartz #bobby_mcmann #kaapo_kakko
Nashville Predators vs Seattle Kraken, NHL live score, how to watch The Nashville Predators return to Bridgestone Arena for a home game against the Seattle Kraken on March 19, marking the end of a five-game road trip. The Predators finished their trip with a 2-2-1 record, securing a 4-3 shootout victory over the Winnipeg Jets on March 17. This win elevated Nashville’s record to 30-28-9, earning them 69 points and placing them within two points of Seattle for the final wild card spot in the Western Conference. A win against the Kraken would tie the Predators with Seattle in the race, though the Kraken hold the tiebreaker due to their superior record in games played and regulation wins. Seattle enters the matchup with a 31-27-9 record (71 points) after a 6-2 loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning on March 17. The Kraken have struggled in their last 10 games, posting a 4-6-0 record, and currently rank 23rd in league scoring with 2.87 goals per game. Jordan Eberle leads the team with 22 goals and 27 assists, while the squad ranks 13th in defensive efficiency, allowing 3.0 goals per game. The goaltending matchup is expected to feature Juuse Saros for the Predators and Joey Daccord for the Kraken. The Predators’ Juuse Saros is sidelined with an upper body injury, as confirmed by the team before warmups. The injury occurred during morning skate, and Saros’ absence adds pressure to the team’s defense as they aim to secure a playoff berth. The Predators’ schedule includes their matchup against Seattle as a critical opportunity to close the gap in the wild card race. The game will be televised by FanDuel Sports Network, with streaming options available via FUBO and ESPN+ for viewers outside the Nashville market.#nashville_predators #bridgestone_arena #seattle_kraken #jouse_saros #jordan_eberle
NHL Game Preview: Kraken vs. Predators on ESPN+ March 19 The Nashville Predators and Seattle Kraken will face off in an NHL matchup on Thursday, March 19, at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. The game is scheduled to start at 8 p.m. ET and will be broadcast live on ESPN+. The Predators, with a record of 30-28-9, are currently ranked 11th in the Western Conference, while the Kraken, at 31-27-9, hold the eighth position in the same division. For viewers looking to watch the game, ESPN+ is the primary platform, offering both live streaming and television access. Fans without a subscription to the service can opt for other streaming services that carry the NHL broadcast, though availability may vary by region. The game is also expected to be available on local sports networks in certain areas, depending on the regional broadcast rights. The Predators and Kraken have both shown strong performances this season, with the Kraken maintaining a slight edge in the standings. The matchup promises to be competitive, given the teams’ recent track records. The game will be a key opportunity for both teams to solidify their positions in the Western Conference race. Injury updates for the teams include Adam Wilsby of the Kraken being listed as out for the game due to a lower-body injury. The Predators’ Eeli Tolvanen is listed as day-to-day with an undisclosed injury, while Jaden Schwartz is out due to a facial injury. These absences could impact the teams’ strategies and lineups, adding an extra layer of unpredictability to the contest. Odds for the game, as provided by BetMGM, reflect the slight advantage the Kraken hold in the standings. However, the Predators’ home-court advantage and recent form could shift the balance in their favor.#nashville_predators #nhl #espn_plus #bridgestone_arena #seattle_kraken
