Canadiens Clash with Kraken: A Must-Watch Showdown in Seattle!

On March 12, 2025, the Montreal Canadiens will face off against the Seattle Kraken at the Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, WA, starting at 7:30 PM PT. This matchup, marking only the eighth meeting between these two teams, is set to be a thrilling event for hockey fans.

The significance of this game cannot be overstated, as both teams are vying for crucial points in their respective seasons. The Kraken, currently struggling with a record of 27-34-4, recently suffered a 4-2 loss to the Washington Capitals. In contrast, the Canadiens hold a slightly better record at 30-27-6, coming off a 4-2 victory against the Vancouver Canucks.

The stakes are high for the Canadiens, who are in desperate need of a win to enhance their chances of making the playoffs. According to Moneypuck.com, they currently have a 13.8% chance of qualifying for the postseason, making this game a must-win. The Canadiens’ captain, Nick Suzuki, has been a standout performer against the Kraken, tallying six points in seven games against them. His performance will be critical in this encounter.

In the last game against the Capitals, the Kraken showcased a remarkable comeback, led by Finnish winger Jani Nyman, who scored his first NHL goal. This rally from two goals down demonstrated the team’s resilience and ability to perform under pressure. However, the Kraken will be missing some high-energy forwards during this homestand, which could impact their overall performance.

Key Factors for the Game

1. Discipline: Both teams need to maintain their composure to avoid unnecessary penalties that could lead to power plays.

2. Defensive Strategy: A strong defensive game will be crucial for both sides to limit scoring opportunities.

3. Goaltending: The Canadiens’ rookie goalie, Jakub Dobes, is expected to start, boasting a 6-3-1 record with a .913 save percentage. The Kraken’s goaltending situation remains uncertain, with Philipp Grubauer and Joey Daccord both having previous experience against the Canadiens.

The game will be broadcasted on multiple platforms, including KHN, KING 5, KONG, RDS, TSN 2, and ESPN+, ensuring fans can catch all the action.

Recent Performance and Historical Context

Historically, the Kraken have outscored the Canadiens 26-19 in their previous encounters, indicating a competitive history between the two teams. The Canadiens are looking to improve on their recent streaky performance, which included a five-game winning streak before an overtime loss.

The Kraken’s offensive strategy has shown improvement this season, with a goals-per-game average of 2.94, compared to 2.61 the previous season. This development reflects their growth as a team and their potential to capitalize on scoring opportunities.

The matchup features several young talents, including Cole Caufield and Juraj Slafkovsky for the Canadiens, and Jani Nyman for the Kraken. These players represent the future of their respective franchises and are expected to make significant contributions during the game.

Conclusion

The atmosphere at Climate Pledge Arena is expected to be electric, with fans eager to support their team during this pivotal game. As both teams face off, the Canadiens will be looking to solidify their playoff hopes, while the Kraken aim to build momentum at home. This matchup promises to be a thrilling encounter, showcasing the talent and determination of both teams.

With the stakes high and the excitement palpable, fans won’t want to miss this must-watch showdown between the Canadiens and the Kraken.