One: Keep Utah’s power play in check
The Mammoth’s power play is the first thing Seattle should account for. Utah enters Thursday night’s matchup converting 36.1% of its power play opportunities, leading the NHL, with 13 power play goals already on the season. This could present a significant challenge for Seattle’s penalty kill that currently sits 25th in the league. The Kraken will need to stay disciplined, limit unnecessary penalties, and make Utah work for their chances. Giving the Mammoth repeated opportunities with the man advantage could quickly turn a competitive game in the wrong direction.
Seattle also has the chance to make their special teams count. If the Kraken can stay out of the penalty box while capitalizing on their power play chances, they can take away one of Utah’s biggest strengths.
Two: Keep the offense rolling
Seattle has shown plenty of offensive potential early in the season. The Kraken enter the second game of the homestand averaging 3.78 goals per game, with 16 of their 22 skaters having scored at least once and 12 having scored multiple times. The distribution of scoring for the Kraken is an encouraging sign for a team that is looking to continue building consistency in the lineup.
The challenge against Utah will be continuing to turn their production into sustained offensive pressure. The Kraken need to establish their forecheck, create traffic around the net and avoid letting the Mammoth dictate the pace. Seattle’s depth scoring could be a key piece in this. When contributions come from multiple lines, opposing defenses have fewer opportunities to focus on shutting down one or two players. If the Kraken can maintain that balanced attack, they’ll have a better chance of keeping pace with a Utah team that has had 18 separate goal scorers so far this season.
Three: Make defensive details count
Both teams have demonstrated an ability to score, but the defensive side of the matchup could determine who comes away with the points. Utah has averaged 3.10 goals against per game, while Seattle’s has allowed 3.40 per game entering Thursday’s game.
For the Kraken, that means limiting turnovers, communicating effectively in their own zone and doing a better job of managing dangerous chances around the crease. Against a Mammoth lineup capable of generating offense from multiple players, even a short lapse in coverage can be costly.
Seattle will also need a composed performance in goal. Strong rebound control and timely saves can help the Kraken settle into their defensive structure, especially if Utah builds momentum through its forecheck or power play.
Projected lines (not confirmed):
McCann – Beniers – Eberle
McMann – Stephenson – Samoskevich
Kakko – Catton – Wright
Meyers – Gaudreau – Winterton
Dunn – Larsson
Evans – Montour
Ottavainen – Mahura
Grubauer
