Kraken Host Canucks Amid Cross-Border Rivalry

SEATTLE — The Seattle Kraken will face off against the Vancouver Canucks at Climate Pledge Arena on December 29, 2025, at 10 p.m. ET. This match marks the first meeting of the season between these two teams, showcasing a long-standing rivalry in the Pacific Northwest.

Recent history has favored the Kraken, who have gone 7-1-2 against the Canucks since their playoff debut three years ago. The Canucks’ last regulation win in the series came two years ago, when they defeated the Kraken 5-1. The struggling Canucks currently hold the worst record in the NHL, recently trading their captain, defenseman Quinn Hughes, to the Minnesota Wild.

As the Kraken aim to capitalize on this trend, they are riding a four-game winning streak. “We need to keep this home advantage,” said head coach Lane Lambert, emphasizing the importance of this game for building momentum heading into the New Year.

The Kraken’s recent success has been bolstered by strong performances from players like Eeli Tolvanen, who scored two empty-net goals and provided an assist in their previous game against the Philadelphia Flyers. Lambert praised Tolvanen’s forechecking skills, noting, “He separated the puck from the man and made a heads-up play.”

The Canucks, while struggling, have recently seen a brief revival, winning four games after the Hughes trade before losing their last two. Key players for Vancouver include Elias Pettersson, Conor Garland, and newly acquired Zeev Buium, who scored in his debut.

Defensively, the Canucks have struggled, allowing an average of 3.46 goals per game while boasting the third-worst penalty kill in the league. In contrast, the Kraken’s penalty-killing unit has shown improvement, recently climbing out of the league’s basement.

No lineup changes are anticipated for the Kraken ahead of the game, but goalie Joey Daccord may take over for Philipp Grubauer. The anticipation for this rivalry matchup is high, as both teams look to secure crucial points in their seasons.