The NHL matchup tonight features the Seattle Kraken hosting the Boston Bruins at the Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, Washington, starting at 10 PM EST. Fans can catch the action on NESN, KONG, Amazon Prime (for local Washington viewers), and listen in on 98.5 The Sports Hub.
The Kraken, once seen as struggling with a roster overloaded with challenging contracts and lacking top-tier scoring, have remarkably transformed their season. Currently sitting third in the Pacific Division, they have showcased one of the league’s best records over the last ten games. The 2023-2024 season has taken many by surprise as the Kraken have proved to be competitive and efficient.
Employing a style reminiscent of Lane Lambert, the team has traded high-scoring games for a strategy focused on low-event play. However, they have injected enough energy from both their veterans and young talents like Jordan Eberle, Eeli Tolvanen, and Matty Beniers to create significant offensive opportunities. While Seattle tends to keep scoring chances to a minimum, every chance they get has become increasingly meaningful as they thrive on exploiting defensive weaknesses.
Another key factor is the improved goaltending from both Philipp Grubauer and Chris Daccord. Grubauer has emerged as a surprise standout, boasting a save percentage that ranks among the league leaders for goalies with at least 12 starts this season. His strong performance and consistency have bolstered the Kraken’s stability, which makes them a formidable challenge for opposing teams.
On the flip side, the Bruins are reestablishing themselves after a shaky stretch, having recently delivered impressive victories over teams like Edmonton and Vancouver. The return of Fraser Minten, who has already tallied four points in just two games, has provided a much-needed boost to their offense. The Bruins will aim to elevate their game and avoid falling into the Kraken’s strategic pace, which can frustrate their scoring efforts. To capitalize, they must utilize their scoring opportunities effectively, especially during power plays, as the Kraken’s penalty kill ranks at the bottom of the league.
As the Bruins look to even the all-time series against the Kraken, the match promises to be an intriguing clash of strategies and capabilities. With both teams showcasing competitive spirit, tonight’s game is poised to keep fans on the edge of their seats.