Kraken Face NHL-Leading Jets in Crucial Road Game

WINNIPEG, Manitoba – The Seattle Kraken, now 2-2 on their current road trip, face a formidable challenge Thursday night as they take on the NHL-leading Winnipeg Jets at Canada Life Centre. The Jets, boasting a league-best 30 wins, are excelling at both ends of the ice, making this a pivotal game for the Kraken to secure a winning road trip.

Seattle comes into the matchup fresh off a 4-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins, thanks in large part to goaltender Joey Daccord‘s stellar performance. Daccord, who has a .941 save percentage in his two starts since returning to the active roster, made several key stops to keep the Kraken in the game. “Our guys did a really good job making my life easy,” Daccord said. “It’s fun back there when we’re playing that well.”

The Jets, meanwhile, are riding high with a .700 winning percentage, the best in the Western Conference. Their offense is led by Kyle Connor and Mark Scheifele, each with 26 goals this season. Connor recently notched a natural hat trick in a 6-1 rout of the Vancouver Canucks. Defensively, the Jets are anchored by goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, a leading candidate for the Vezina Trophy.

Seattle’s depth will be tested as they continue to navigate injuries, including the absence of forward Yanni Gourde. The Kraken have relied on call-ups from their AHL affiliate, the Coachella Valley Firebirds, with veteran John Hayden making an immediate impact. “John brings the physicality and energy,” said Kraken coach Dan Bylsma. “We saw that on a number of shifts tonight.”

The Jets have been dominant at home, posting a 17-4-3 record at Canada Life Centre. Their plus-53 goal differential is the best in the NHL, and they have outscored opponents 9-1 in their last two games. The Kraken, who are 10-13 on the road, will need a complete team effort to overcome Winnipeg’s firepower and defensive prowess.

Puck drop is scheduled for 8 p.m. ET, with the game broadcast on TSN3. The Kraken will look to build momentum as they return home for their next homestand, while the Jets aim to continue their dominance in the Central Division.