Blackhawks and Kraken Clash on Pride Night as They Seek Redemption

CHICAGO, Ill. — The Chicago Blackhawks return to home ice at the United Center on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, to face the Seattle Kraken in the final meeting of the season. The game, which starts at 7:30 p.m. CT, comes amid both teams’ struggles, with the Blackhawks riding a four-game losing streak and the Kraken seeking to recover from recent defeats.

Entering the contest, the Blackhawks hold a record of 20 wins, 38 losses, and 9 overtime losses, setting them at the bottom of the Central Division. Meanwhile, the Kraken have a slightly better record of 29 wins, 34 losses, and 5 overtime losses, but they are still fighting to stay competitive in the playoff race.

Both teams have faced each other 11 times in their brief history, with Seattle winning four of those matchups. This meeting offers a chance for the Blackhawks to reverse their fortunes against a team they have struggled with historically. During their last matchup on December 19, 2024, Chicago secured a 3-1 victory, with a standout performance from goaltender Spencer Knight, who made 26 saves on 27 shots.

Blackhawks forward Ryan Donato, who leads the team with 23 goals, is crucial to their efforts. He recently tallied two assists in a game against the Vancouver Canucks on March 15. Donato will play alongside top-line players Connor Bedard and Frank Nazar, highlighting their strategy to enhance goal-scoring efficiency.

Seattle is bringing its own strength with Eeli Tolvanen, who leads the Kraken with 21 goals, adding to their offensive challenges. The Kraken have struggled offensively, especially in high-pressure moments, recently suffering a defeat against the Winnipeg Jets after leading 2-0.

Defensively, the Blackhawks have been plagued by inconsistency, allowing 3.51 goals per game, the second-worst in the league. Head Coach Luke Richardson emphasized the need for improvement: “We have to tighten our defense if we want to compete at this level. Every goal counts.” Spencer Knight will be in net for the Blackhawks, aiming to bolster his impressive statistics against the Kraken, including a .936 save percentage.

The Kraken also face challenges, allowing 3.21 goals per game and struggling to maintain momentum. Their playoff aspirations remain slim, sitting eight points behind the wild card standings with limited games remaining this season. Coach Dave Hakstol acknowledged the urgency: “Every game is crucial for us right now, and we need everyone to step up.”

Injuries are impacting both teams, with Blackhawks goalie Laurent Brossoit ruled out due to a knee injury. The atmosphere for the Pride Night game is expected to be electric, with festivities surrounding the event providing added motivation for players and fans alike.

As the puck drops at 7:30 PM CT, both teams are not only fighting for two points but also revisiting the pride and identity that drives them. Will Chicago rise to the occasion at home and break their losing streak, or can Seattle capitalize on their opportunities to gain traction? Fans will be watching closely as this pivotal matchup unfolds.