The Seattle Kraken continue to face challenges on the ice, struggling to find their footing as they endure a rough stretch in the season. After a narrow victory over the Los Angeles Kings last Wednesday, which briefly ignited some hope, the Kraken quickly fell back into difficulty, losing their next two games, including a disappointing 3–1 defeat to the Buffalo Sabres. As they grapple with inconsistent performances, optimism is fading and the team risks slipping towards irrelevancy.
A significant issue remains the team’s offensive output, which has been alarmingly low. Over the last five games, the Kraken have posted a mere 7.6 percent success rate in shooting. Even a small rise to their season average of 9.7 percent could have translated to about three additional goals in these closely contested games, potentially altering the outcomes. The situation grew more dire when the Kraken lost their leading scorer, Jared McCann, due to injury just after he had returned from a previous absence. With Jaden Schwartz also sidelined for weeks, the team’s depth is being severely tested.
The Kraken were not expected to be playoff contenders this season, with ESPN and The Athletic projecting them to finish near the bottom of the standings. Despite a solid start that fostered hopes of competing for meaningful games in March, the recent downturn in form—including injuries—has complicated matters. Nevertheless, Seattle is only five points away from the final playoff position, indicating that there is still a chance to turn things around.
In the wake of these injuries, several players have the opportunity to step up. Shane Wright, although facing criticism for his current performance—which has seen a drop in scoring efficiency—could see an increase in responsibility now that the roster is thinner. Similarly, Kaapo Kakko, who has struggled to find the net since returning from injuries, is also expected to rise to the occasion. Freddy Gaudreau has been consistent and is showing improvement, which could provide much-needed stability for the team.
While the team has been generating more shot attempts, chasing games is not a sustainable strategy for success. The Kraken have faltered when allowing the first goal, currently holding a record of 3-8-4 in those situations. Additionally, they have struggled on the power play, failing to convert opportunities on 5-on-3 situations—a troubling trend that highlights their offensive woes.
As the week ahead promises tough competition, with the formidable Colorado Avalanche visiting Seattle, followed by road games against Calgary and San Jose, the Kraken must aim to secure at least 50 percent of the available points. Maintaining a .500 points percentage could ensure they remain within reach of playoff contention, contingent upon the eventual return of McCann and Schwartz to the lineup.
Despite the current struggles, the season is far from over. With the right adjustments and contributions from emerging players, there remains hope for the Kraken to turn their fortunes around and make a meaningful push as the season progresses.