Date: November 20th, 2024
Time: 10:00 PM ET
Location: Climate Pledge Arena, Seattle, WA

 

Tonight the Seattle Kraken welcome the Nashville Predators to Climate Pledge Arena in a battle between two Western Conference teams trying to find their identity this season. Both teams are coming off recent games with mixed results, making this matchup crucial as the NHL season heats up here in late November.

 

Recent Form and Team Trends

The Seattle Kraken

(6th in the Pacific Division) are 4-1 in their last five games, showcasing resilience with strong defensive efforts as of late. Despite a 2-0 loss to the New York Rangers in their previous outing, the Kraken have found consistency in players like Jared McCann, who leads the team with 21 points (9 goals, 12 assists). Goaltender Joey Daccord, expected to start tonight has a 2.51 goals against average and a .918 save percentage. He has grown into Seattle’s solid last line of defence. Although Seattle is only .500 on the season i wouldn’t be surprised if we see them heat up at soon this season.

 

The Nashville Predators

(7th in the Central Division) are navigating a very challenging start to the season. They recently snapped a two-game losing streak with a 5-3 win over the Vancouver Canucks, thanks in part to Stamko’s and Forsberg’s dynamic play. Forsberg leads the Predators with 15 points (8 goals, 7 assists). However, Nashville’s road struggles remain a concern, having lost six of their last seven away games.

 

Key Players to Watch

• Jared McCann (Kraken): Jared McCann’s offensive production will be crucial. His ability to drive scoring opportunities has been a game changer for the Kraken, especially in tightly contested games. He is tied 25th in the NHL with 21 points this season.

 

• Matty Beniers (Kraken): The 22 year old forward will look to impose his two-way play and creativity tonight as he’s been held off the scoresheet the past two games. In his 3rd full season for the Kraken he only has 10 points in 18 games.

 

• Roman Josi (Predators): Josi’s ability to transition play from defense to offense will be key in countering Seattle’s quick forecheck. The captain and defensive stalwart has tallied 2 goals and 12 assists for 14 points this season.

 

• Steven Stamkos (Predators): Said to be the “acquisition of the offseason” Stamkos has struggled to start the year but he is beginning to find his rhythm with 2 goals in Vancouver on Sunday.

 

Goaltending Battle

The goaltending matchup tonight could be decisive. Joey Daccord has been a revelation for the Kraken, stepping up in Jordan Eberle’s absence and providing stability on the backend from within the net. For the Predators Jusse Saros remains their backbone, though his 2.55 goals against average reflects the team’s defensive struggles in front of him Saros can still deliver a standout performance, Nashville has a chance to steal points on the road with him in net.

 

Game Outlook and Strategy

Seattle Kraken – Controlling the pace of play and leveraging home ice advantage will be essential. The Kraken excel when dictating tempo and capitalizing on power play opportunities.

 

Nashville Predators – This team must tighten their defensive structure and limit turnovers in their defensive zone, areas that have hurt them in recent games.

 

Special teams could also play a pivotal role. Seattle’s penalty kill has been solid, while Nashville’s power play is still finding consistency. The team that wins the special teams battles tonight will likely gain the upper hand, especially if either team can capitalize multiple times with their power play.

 

Final Thoughts

This game pits Seattle’s strong recent form against Nashville’s road woes. If the Kraken can continue their disciplined defensive play and generate offense through McCann and Beniers, they are well-positioned for a win. However, if Nashville’s stars like Forsberg and Josi step up and Saros delivers in net, the Predators could surprise.