Kraken Face Off Against Oilers: NHL Clash Highlights

The Seattle Kraken are gearing up for a crucial matchup against the Edmonton Oilers, as both teams navigate the challenges of the NHL season. This showdown presents a prime opportunity for the Kraken to capitalize on the Oilers’ current struggles.

Key Matchup: Kraken vs. Oilers

The Edmonton Oilers are facing adversity, having lost four of their last five games. This decline includes a high number of goals allowed, making them vulnerable. For the Kraken, this home-and-away series represents a chance to pull away from their division rivals in the Pacific.

Standings Implications

• Kraken are currently three points ahead of the Oilers.
• They have two games in hand over their competitors.
• The Kraken aim to secure at least three out of four possible points in this two-game series.

Historically, the Kraken have performed well against the Oilers at Climate Pledge Arena, winning their last two meetings there. If they can maintain this trend, they could significantly bolster their division standings.

Offensive Challenges for the Kraken

For the Kraken to succeed, they must improve their scoring rate. Recently, they have been only averaging two goals per game, which is insufficient to secure victories. The absence of Jaden Schwartz, who has contributed significantly this season, due to a lower-body injury complicates matters.

• Schwartz is expected to be out for approximately six weeks.
• Coach Lane Lambert noted this loss is significant for the team.

However, there is a glimmer of hope on the horizon. Winger Kaapo Kakko has been practicing, suggesting a possible return for the upcoming game. His presence could boost the team’s offensive capabilities.

Understanding the Oilers’ Weaknesses

Defensively, the Oilers have struggled mightily. They have allowed 25 goals in their last five contests, making them one of the league’s leakiest defenses. They rank poorly in both goals against average and save percentage, which could play to the Kraken’s advantage.

• Current goals against per game: 3.72 (second-worst in the league).
• Save percentage: .868 (worst in the league).

This year, the Oilers’ netminder, Stuart Skinner, has faced criticism for his performance, posting a record of 8-7-3 with a goals against average of 3.18. Backup Calvin Pickard has also struggled, adding to the Oilers’ woes in goal.

Key Players to Watch

For the Oilers, offensive stars like Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl remain threats. McDavid currently leads the team with 34 points, while Draisaitl has scored 14 goals. Despite their talent, the Oilers have averaged just 3.08 goals per game, indicating a potential softness in their lineup this season.

Conclusion

With significant implications for both teams in the standings, the Kraken must seize this opportunity. By enhancing their scoring and taking advantage of the Oilers’ defensive deficiencies, they can secure crucial points and improve their playoff positioning in the competitive Pacific Division.