Full Breakdown
St. Louis Blues Host Seattle Kraken in Post-Olympic Showdown
2/27/2026, 8:38:06 PM
Game Overview
The St. Louis Blues are set to face the Seattle Kraken on Thursday at the Enterprise Center, marking their first game since February 4. The matchup comes after a break for the Olympics, with the Blues looking to improve their standings against a playoff-contending Kraken team. The game is scheduled for 7 p.m. and will be broadcast on FanDuel Sports Network Midwest and 101 ESPN.
Team Context and Performance
The Seattle Kraken enter the game with a record of 27-21-9, currently holding the 8th spot in the Western Conference. They have been effective within their division, boasting a 12-7 record against divisional opponents. In contrast, the St. Louis Blues sit at 20-28-9, placing them 15th in the conference. Despite their lower standing, the Blues are known for their physical style of play, ranking 5th in total hits this season.
Both teams are coming off a long layoff, which may impact their performance. The Kraken recently suffered a 4-1 loss to the Dallas Stars, while the Blues have dropped three consecutive games and eight of their last ten. The Blues' offense has struggled, averaging just 2.56 goals per game, and their defense ranks second-worst in the league, allowing 3.51 goals per game.
Key Players and Injuries
The Blues will see the return of Dylan Holloway, who has been sidelined due to an ankle injury. Captain Brayden Schenn, who missed practice due to illness, is expected to play. However, Robert Thomas is on a personal leave of absence and will not participate in the game. The Kraken will be without goaltender Matt Murray due to a lower-body injury, while Philipp Grubauer is expected to start in goal.
Jack Finley, who was claimed off waivers and is the son of former Blue Jeff Finley, will make his debut for the Blues. Finley expressed excitement about playing for the team, stating, "It was a dream of mine to play for this team."
Betting Insights and Predictions
The Blues are opening as home favorites with a moneyline of -132, despite their recent struggles. The Kraken have been a strong bet on the puck line, covering in 59.5% of their games. Analysts suggest that the physicality of the Blues may give them an edge, especially playing at home after a long break. The projected total for the game is set at 5.5 goals, with trends indicating a potential lean towards the "Under," given Seattle's defensive style and St. Louis's recent scoring difficulties.
Official Statements & Responses
Head coach Jim Montgomery noted the team's eagerness to return to play, stating, "You can tell. Guys were anxious today, but it's like 'enough of practicing against each other, it's time to play a game.'"
What's Next
As both teams aim to solidify their positions in the standings, the outcome of this game could have implications for playoff aspirations, particularly for the Kraken, who are vying for a postseason spot. The Blues, meanwhile, are looking to play spoiler and regain momentum as they navigate a challenging season.
