Full Breakdown
Seattle Kraken Preseason Update: Facing Off Against Vancouver Canucks
9/27/2025, 12:39:16 PM
Preseason Matchup Overview
The Seattle Kraken faced the Vancouver Canucks in their fourth preseason game of the 2025-26 NHL season on Friday night at Rogers Arena in Vancouver, British Columbia. The game commenced at 7 p.m. PT and was broadcast on KONG and the Kraken Hockey Network. This matchup marked the second meeting between the two teams in the preseason, with the Kraken previously winning the first game 5-3.
Game Recap
The Kraken entered the game with a record of 2-1-0 after a recent 4-1 victory over the Edmonton Oilers. In contrast, the Canucks held a 1-1-0 record, coming off a win against the Calgary Flames. The game saw the Kraken initially take a 2-0 lead, with goals from Jani Nyman and Tyson Jugnauth. However, the Canucks rallied back, scoring four unanswered goals to secure a 4-2 victory. Evander Kane, making his debut with the Canucks, capped off the scoring with an empty-net goal.
Key Player Performances
Seattle's goaltender Matt Murray had a notable performance, stopping 33 of 36 shots, showcasing his recovery from a double-hip surgery. Nyman continued to impress, leading the Kraken with three goals in the preseason. Coach Lane Lambert highlighted the importance of younger players like Nyman and Berkly Catton, who are vying for roster spots as the regular season approaches.
Injury Updates
The Kraken's roster faced challenges with injuries, notably to Kaapo Kakko, who sustained an upper-body injury during a previous game against the Oilers. Kakko's status remains uncertain as he is scheduled to see a specialist. Other players, including Chandler Stephenson and Jared McCann, are also day-to-day with injuries, impacting the team's depth as they finalize their roster.
Official Statements & Responses
Coach Lane Lambert expressed optimism about the team's performance despite the loss, stating, “There are a couple of different areas we will continue to work on... but it’s a good sign for us that players are putting pucks in the net.” He emphasized the need for improvement in puck management and forechecking as the team prepares for the regular season.
Criticism & Opposition
Despite the Kraken's strong start to the preseason, some analysts have raised concerns about the team's overall depth and the impact of injuries on their performance. Critics have pointed out that the Kraken's offseason acquisitions, including Mason Marchment and Frederik Gaudreau, may not be sufficient to address scoring issues that plagued the team last season.
What's Next
The Kraken will continue their preseason schedule with two more games before the regular season begins. The focus will be on solidifying the roster and ensuring that key players recover from injuries. The upcoming games will provide further opportunities for younger players to prove their worth and secure a spot on the final roster.
Verbatim Quotes
- “‘He’s doing a good job of putting pucks in the net, right?” — Lane Lambert, Head Coach
- “I feel like I can be myself instead of trying to be someone else.” — J.R. Avon, Kraken Prospect
This preseason has been a crucial period for the Seattle Kraken as they navigate player performances, injuries, and roster decisions ahead of the 2025-26 NHL season.
