Full Breakdown
Seattle Kraken Aim to Rebound Against Struggling Vancouver Canucks
3/1/2026, 4:19:35 AM
Upcoming Matchup Overview
The Seattle Kraken (27-22-9) are set to face the Vancouver Canucks (18-33-7) on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 10:00 PM ET at Climate Pledge Arena. This matchup comes after both teams experienced recent losses, with the Kraken dropping a 5-1 decision to the St. Louis Blues and the Canucks losing 3-2 in overtime to the Winnipeg Jets. The Kraken currently hold the final wild card position in the Western Conference, while the Canucks sit at the bottom of the NHL standings.
Team Performance and Statistics
The Kraken have struggled offensively since returning from the Olympic break, scoring only two goals in their last two games. Jordan Eberle leads the Kraken with 20 goals and 38 points this season, while Joey Daccord has a record of 16-13-5, with a .902 save percentage. Conversely, the Canucks have had a challenging season, with their defense allowing 210 goals, the worst in the NHL, and a goal differential of -61. Elias Pettersson leads Vancouver with 35 points, while Thatcher Demko is out for the season due to a hip injury.
Coaching Strategies and Key Players
Seattle's head coach Lane Lambert has emphasized the need for his team to improve their forechecking and puck battles, particularly after their recent losses. He noted, “We couldn’t establish our forecheck. We dumped the puck in their zone poorly.” The Kraken are expected to focus on disrupting Vancouver's zone exits and creating more offensive opportunities.
For the Canucks, the focus remains on improving their overall performance as they prepare for a challenging stretch of games. Vancouver's recent trade speculation surrounding defenseman Tyler Myers adds another layer of complexity to their season, as he has been linked to potential moves but remains with the team for now.
Historical Context and Rivalry
This game marks the third of four meetings between the Kraken and Canucks this season, with both previous encounters going to shootouts. Historically, the Canucks have a slight edge, holding a 9-6-2 record against Seattle. However, the Kraken have shown resilience in their matchups, and both teams are eager to secure a win to improve their standings.
Official Statements & Responses
In light of the upcoming game, Lambert stated, “We have to win more individual puck battles,” highlighting the importance of effort and energy in their gameplay. Meanwhile, the Canucks are looking to rally despite their poor record, with fans hoping for a turnaround as they face their rivals.
What's Next
Following this matchup, the Kraken will continue their homestand with games against the Carolina Hurricanes, St. Louis Blues, and Ottawa Senators. The Canucks, on the other hand, will return to Vancouver for a series of home games, seeking to capitalize on their opportunities to improve their standings.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We couldn’t establish our forecheck.” — Lane Lambert, Head Coach, Seattle Kraken
- “Until proven otherwise, the Canucks will always be a tough out versus the Kraken, home or away.” — Analysis on the rivalry dynamics
This game presents a critical opportunity for both teams to shift their momentum as they navigate the latter part of the NHL season.
