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The Seattle Kraken are ready to clash with the Calgary Flames this Sunday at 7 p.m. MT. As the teams prepare for their second meeting of the season, fans are buzzing with excitement. What should you know about this matchup and its implications for the standings?
1. Weekend Rush for the Flames
After a tough 3-1 loss to the Detroit Red Wings, the Flames quickly shifted their focus to the Kraken. The team is fighting for precious points in the Western Conference, clinging to a one-point lead over the Vancouver Canucks for the second wild-card spot. With the new acquisitions of forwards Joel Farabee and Morgan Frost, they aim to find their footing quickly in this fast-paced game.
Head Coach Ryan Huska praised Farabee and Frost for their performances despite the tight schedule. "It’s been a long couple days for them, and I thought they did a good job," Huska commented. Their involvement will be crucial as the Flames look to secure a solid win against a familiar rival.
2. Kraken's Recent Form
Seattle was last seen scoring a convincing 6-2 victory against the San Jose Sharks, where the team's star players stepped up. Notably, defenseman Brandon Montour and forward Chandler Stephenson both had standout performances, with Montour scoring two goals. The Kraken are hoping to build on this momentum as they take the ice against Calgary.
Currently sitting eight points behind Calgary in the standings, the Kraken need a win to keep their playoff hopes alive. With captain Jordan Eberle sidelined from injury, the team's depth will be tested, but players like Jared McCann and Jaden Schwartz are poised to lead the charge.
3. The Season Series Showdown
This matchup marks the second of four meetings this season, following a close 2-1 victory for Seattle earlier in the year. Historically, the Flames have performed well in Seattle, maintaining a 6-0-1 record against the Kraken. This track record will play a significant role as the Flames look to continue their dominance.
Fans are eager to see if Calgary can maintain this impressive streak or if Seattle will turn the tide in front of a home crowd at Climate Pledge Arena.
4. Players to Watch
For the Flames, Nazem Kadri has proven to be a key player, scoring 18 goals this season, including crucial third-period shots. His ability to perform under pressure will be vital, especially against a determined Kraken team.
On the Kraken side, keep an eye on Kaapo Kakko. Since his move to Seattle, he's been a valuable asset, contributing significantly with 15 points in just 20 games. Kakko's speed and skill will challenge the Flames' defense, adding another layer of excitement to this matchup.
5. Game Strategy
Both teams need to maintain their composure and confidence on the ice. For Calgary, cutting down on penalties will be essential, as their current 72.1% penalty kill rate sits at 28th in the league. Seattle’s power play is also struggling, ranked 24th at 19.1%. This game could be a pivotal moment for both squads as they aim to improve their special teams play.
Conclusion
As puck drop approaches, fans of both the Seattle Kraken and Calgary Flames are eager to witness the intensity of this divisional clash. The stakes are high, and every point counts as both teams eye the playoff race. Be sure to tune in for what promises to be an exhilarating evening of hockey!
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