Tag: Seattle Kraken

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NHL (National Hockey League)

Brandon Montour scores twice to lead Kraken over Sharks in Seattle

Seattle Kraken and San Jose Sharks

Brandon Montour scored twice and Chandler Stephenson had a goal and two assists as the Seattle Kraken beat the San Jose Sharks 6-2 on Thursday.

Oliver Bjorkstrand and Eeli Tolvanen each had a goal and an assist, and Jaden Schwartz added a goal. Goaltender Joey Daccord made 26 saves to help Seattle end a two-game losing streak.

Carl Grundstrom and Tyler Toffoli scored for the Sharks, who have now lost seven of their last eight games.

San Jose goalie Yaroslav Askarov was pulled after allowing four goals on 11 shots just under six minutes into the second period. Alexandar Georgiev came in and stopped 19 of 21 shots for the rest of the game, but the Sharks allowed six or more goals for the fifth time in their last six games.

After a 1-1 first period, the Kraken scored on their first three shots in the second period to chase Askarov.

Seattle Kraken (NHL)

Bjorkstrand gave Seattle the lead at 2:03, batting the puck out of midair after Vince Dunn’s shot deflected off Chandler Stephenson. Montour made it 3-1 with a wrist shot from the high slot at 2:54, and Schwartz scored a breakaway goal at 5:58, making it 4-1.

Montour then added another goal on a slap shot during a two-man advantage at 7:52 to increase the lead to 5-1.

Toffoli scored for the Sharks at 8:06 of the third period, lifting a wrist shot over Daccord. Tolvanen capped the scoring at 12:18 with a wrist shot from the high slot, extending his goal streak to four games.

Stephenson opened the scoring at 3:55 in the first period with a breakaway goal after a stretch pass from Bjorkstrand. Grundstrom accidentally tied the game at 17:55 with a deflected pass that went into the net off Shane Wright’s skate. Grundstrom joined the lineup due to an injury to Alexander Wennberg.

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NHL (National Hockey League)

Oilers Favorable to Defeat Kraken in Western Conference Clash at Rogers Place

Oilers Favorable to Defeat Kraken in Western Conference Clash at Rogers Place
Oilers Favorable to Defeat Kraken in Western Conference Clash at Rogers Place (NHL)

The Edmonton Oilers will host the Seattle Kraken on Monday at Rogers Place, Edmonton, with the game starting at 9:30 PM ET. Edmonton enters this game sitting in third place in the Western Conference with 65 points, while the Kraken are in 12th with 47 points. This will be a thrilling match as the Oilers are coming off a 4-2 win in their last encounter with the Kraken.

Teams’ Current Standings and Form

Edmonton, with a solid performance this season, will be the favorites for this matchup. They’ve earned 31 wins, 15 losses, and 3 overtime losses so far. The Kraken, on the other hand, have a much lower standing with a 22-25-3 record. This puts Seattle at a significant disadvantage, though they will aim to turn things around and challenge the Oilers.

Oilers Favorable to Defeat Kraken in Western Conference Clash at Rogers Place
Oilers Favorable to Defeat Kraken in Western Conference Clash at Rogers Place (NHL)

The game will be broadcast on KONG and available for streaming on ESPN+ for fans who want to catch the action. The NHL’s live stream will be accessible to viewers, ensuring fans across the country can tune in for this exciting Western Conference battle. You can also watch the game live on Fubo, which is offering coverage for the match.

Betting Odds and Sportsbook Offers

Edmonton is heavily favored to win, with betting odds at -289. The Kraken, underdogs at +234, have a chance to cause an upset but will need an outstanding performance. The over/under line for this match is set at 6 goals. Bettors looking for odds and more information can check platforms like BetMGM Sportsbook for the latest updates.

Various sportsbooks offer betting promotions to fans interested in wagering on the game. New customers at Fanatics Sport can receive bonuses after placing qualifying bets. Additionally, Caesars Sports and FanDuel are offering sign-up bonuses for new users, with specific terms and conditions applying. Fans looking to place bets should consider these platforms for additional offers.

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NHL (National Hockey League)

Kraken Beat Penguins 4-1 in Seattle, Completing Series Sweep

Kraken Beat Penguins 4-1 in Seattle, Complete Series Sweep

The Seattle Kraken and Joey Daccord were focused and determined on Saturday, securing a solid win to sweep the season series against Pittsburgh during Kids Day at Climate Pledge Arena.

Daccord faced 29 shots, including 16 high-quality scoring chances. He did allow a goal from Sidney Crosby, who moved ahead of Joe Sakic to become 10th all-time in road points, but Daccord held strong to earn his fifth win in the last seven games.

Defenseman Vince Dunn, who scored the game-winning goal, praised Daccord for stepping up in key moments: “We can always count on him to make the big saves. It’s on us to find a way to build off his momentum.

When you have a goalie you can trust, it fuels the guys in front of him and makes guys feel confident, not to play safe, to execute and want to make plays in front of him, plus knowing that sometimes things don’t go perfectly and he’s back there to stop the puck.”

Eeli Tolvanen helped the Kraken and the Kids Day crowd relax with a third goal early in the final period, and Matty Beniers sealed the win with a later goal for a 4-1 final score.

Both goals were set up by great assists from teammates. On Tolvanen’s goal, Shane Wright created the scoring chance and passed to McCann in space.

McCann then passed it to Tolvanen for the quick release and goal. On Beniers’ goal, Kakko stole the puck just outside the Pittsburgh zone, patiently handled it, and passed to Beniers for the goal.

While the four goals and Daccord’s strong performance stood out, it was also important to highlight McCann’s two primary assists on the tying and winning goals. In his last 10 games, McCann has racked up nine assists and a goal.

Pittsburgh Penguins (NHL)

McCann’s theory after the game

“I’m just trying to contribute as much as I can,” McCann said after the game. “I’ve said this time and time again: I’m not a big points guy. I never have been. So penalty killing, I think I do a better job blocking shots and being better defensively.”

Though McCann downplays his role in offense, he showed his playmaking ability, especially during a power play goal where he created confusion among the defense and then retrieved the puck to find Dunn for a long-range shot.

“Dunner and I, we’ve played together for a long time,” McCann said. “He always holds the middle of the ice, which is nice. So I just try to get the puck to him there.”

NHL teams get one timeout per game, and Kraken coach Dan Bylsma used his effectively on Saturday.

After two Penguins players went to the penalty box in quick succession, Bylsma took a timeout with 1:20 of potential 5-on-3 play. He handed strategy to assistant coach Jessica Campbell, who used the whiteboard to set up the next play.

The timeout worked perfectly, as Seattle fired multiple shots on rookie goalie Joel Blomqvist.

After the first flurry, the Kraken regrouped, and Vince Dunn scored with a slapshot off a pass from McCann.

Chandler Stephenson, who had been questionable to play due to an upper-body injury suffered on Thursday, added his second assist of the night, bringing his total to 27 assists for the year.

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NHL (National Hockey League)

Kraken’s Historic 2022-23 Season Sets High Bar for Future Success and Playoff Aspirations

Kraken’s Historic 2022-23 Season Sets High Bar for Future Success and Playoff Aspirations
Kraken’s Historic 2022-23 Season Sets High Bar for Future Success and Playoff Aspirations

The 2022-23 NHL season marked a significant milestone in the Seattle Kraken’s young history, as it stands as their most successful season to date. After a disappointing inaugural year, where they finished last in the Pacific Division, the Kraken made a remarkable comeback in their second season. They managed to claw their way to the playoffs, securing their first-ever postseason appearance. This achievement was driven by a combination of solid performances across the roster, including franchise-record-setting moments.

The Kraken finished the regular season with an impressive 46-28-8 record, which allowed them to surpass 100 points for the first time in franchise history. This strong performance helped them secure the first wildcard spot in the Western Conference, marking a dramatic improvement from their previous season. Forward Jared McCann played a pivotal role in their success, recording 40 goals and 30 assists for a total of 70 points, a franchise record that still stands. McCann’s offensive contributions were complemented by the solid goaltending of Martin Jones, who posted a 27-13-3 record with three shutouts, solidifying his role as a key player in the Kraken’s success.

Kraken’s Historic 2022-23 Season Sets High Bar for Future Success and Playoff Aspirations
Kraken’s Historic 2022-23 Season Sets High Bar for Future Success and Playoff Aspirations

The team’s performance in the postseason was a historic achievement. As the first wildcard team in the Western Conference, the Kraken faced the defending Stanley Cup champions, the Colorado Avalanche, in the first round. In a thrilling seven-game series, Seattle managed to overcome the Avalanche, securing their first-ever playoff series victory. This accomplishment was a major achievement for the franchise, as they proved their resilience and ability to compete at the highest level.

However, the Kraken’s playoff run was short-lived, as they were eliminated in the second round by the Dallas Stars. Much like their first-round series, the second round went to a decisive Game 7, but this time the Kraken were on the losing end. Despite the loss, the team’s performance in the 2022-23 season was a tremendous success, as they exceeded expectations and proved they could compete with some of the best teams in the league.

Looking ahead, the 2022-23 season remains the most successful in Kraken history, but the question remains whether the 2024-25 campaign can surpass it. With the team’s core players continuing to develop and improve, there is hope that the Kraken can build on this success and make a deeper playoff run in future seasons. The 2022-23 season has set a high bar for the franchise, and only time will tell if they can achieve even greater heights.

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NHL (National Hockey League)

J.T. Miller leads the Vancouver Canucks to a 4-3 win over the Seattle Kraken in Vancouver

Vancouver Canucks and Seattle Kraken

J.T. Miller scored the only goal in the shootout as the Vancouver Canucks won 4-3 against the Seattle Kraken on Thursday night.

Max Sasson, Conor Garland, and Tyler Myers scored in regulation for the Canucks, who won only their second game in the past seven (2-2-3).

Vancouver’s goalie Thatcher Demko saved 11 out of 12 shots before leaving at 7:49 of the second period with what seemed to be a lower-body injury after a collision with teammate Noah Juulsen.

Kevin Lankinen took over for Demko, making 13 saves on 15 shots during regulation and overtime. In the shootout, the Kraken missed twice, and Lankinen stopped one shot.

Matty Beniers, Vince Dunn, and Chandler Stephenson scored for Seattle, which had its two-game winning streak ended. The streak included a memorable 5-4 overtime win against Vancouver on Saturday, where the Kraken made history by coming back after being down three goals with less than five minutes left in the game.

Seattle Kraken (NHL)

Philipp Grubauer, who started in place of the injured Joey Daccord (upper body), saved 19 out of 22 shots.

Dunn scored for Seattle with 52.5 seconds remaining in the third period, bringing the Kraken within one after a late rally.

Stephenson put Seattle ahead 1-0 at 1:52 of the first period, sneaking a shot past Demko.

The Canucks tied the game at 13:17 of the first when Nils Hoglander’s pass deflected off teammate Danton Heinen’s skate and landed at Sasson’s feet, who scored.

Garland gave the Canucks a 2-1 lead in the second on a breakaway goal set up by a turnover and a pass from Phil Di Giuseppe.

Myers increased Vancouver’s lead to 3-1 with a wrist shot at 5:35 of the third.

Seattle came back with a power-play goal by Beniers at 9:05, cutting the Canucks’ lead to 3-2.

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NHL (National Hockey League)

Canucks aim to bounce back from historic collapse against the Kraken in Seattle

Seattle Kraken (NHL)

With captain Jordan Eberle out after pelvis surgery and the Seattle Kraken on a five-game losing streak before the NHL’s Christmas break, the team needed someone to step up if they wanted to avoid missing the playoffs for the third time in four years.

Jaden Schwartz answered the call.

Coach Dan Bylsma described Schwartz as a “man possessed” after the center helped the Kraken pull off a historic comeback against Vancouver last weekend. The two Pacific Division teams are set to face off again Thursday in Seattle.

“Schwartz has been front and center with some of the messaging on how we want to play and what we’re trying to do,” Bylsma said. “(Schwartz) is a gamer. He rises when the game’s on the line, when it’s an important game.”

On Saturday, Schwartz scored two goals as the Kraken became just the third team in NHL history to overcome a three-goal deficit in the final five minutes of regulation to win. Defenseman Vince Dunn also scored late and netted the game-winning goal on a breakaway in overtime, marking the Kraken’s fifth comeback from a multi-goal deficit this season.

Schwartz and Dunn were teammates on the 2019 Stanley Cup-winning St. Louis Blues. “So many people could take after him and learn from him,” Dunn said of Schwartz.

While the Kraken celebrated their comeback, the Canucks were left feeling frustrated.

“Honestly, it’s pretty devastating,” Vancouver forward Jake DeBrusk said. “We should never be losing that game, let alone letting it get to overtime. But it just goes to show, there’s a couple bad bounces and a resilient team over there.

You’ve got to give them credit, but it just reinforces the focus we have to have no matter what the score is… Anytime that we have a two-goal lead there late, that’s got to be automatic.”

Vancouver Canucks and Columbus Blue Jackets

The Canucks were without defenseman Quinn Hughes and center Elias Pettersson due to undisclosed injuries. Coach Rick Tocchet confirmed that neither would be traveling to Seattle.

Both teams have played once since that comeback game.

The Canucks lost 3-1 to the Calgary Flames on Tuesday, despite Brock Boeser scoring his sixth goal in the past four games. Kevin Lankinen made 26 saves for Vancouver, which has now lost five of its last six games (1-2-3).

“I’m just coming to the rink every day and trying to work as hard as I can,” said Boeser, whose 14 goals rank second on the team behind Jake DeBrusk’s 16. “I wish I’d be scoring and winning hockey games right now. I’m going to keep doing what I’ve been doing and try to help contribute to our team (winning).”

Tocchet was more pleased with his team’s effort despite the loss.

“It was a hard-working game. A lot of emotion. Guys stuck together,” Tocchet said. “A couple self-inflicted goals that are preventable, but for the most part I thought the guys worked hard. A lot of guys gave effort.”

The Kraken followed up their historic win by defeating the Utah Hockey Club 5-2 on Monday, with Schwartz adding a goal and two assists.

“(Points) never come easy,” Schwartz said. “… I wasn’t happy with how we were playing (before the holiday break). I think each guy knew that we had a lot more to bring individually and for the team, and we’ve done a good job of that.”

Kraken goaltender Joey Daccord (upper body) has missed the last two games and did not practice on Wednesday, so it’s likely Philipp Grubauer will start again on Thursday. Ales Stezka, who has yet to play in an NHL game, is expected to remain the backup.

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NHL (National Hockey League)

Jaden Schwartz Shines in Seattle Kraken’s 5-2 Win Over Utah Hockey Club, Ending Losing Streak

Jaden Schwartz Shines in Seattle Kraken’s 5-2 Win Over Utah Hockey Club, Ending Losing Streak
Jaden Schwartz Shines in Seattle Kraken’s 5-2 Win Over Utah Hockey Club, Ending Losing Streak

Jaden Schwartz played a pivotal role in the Seattle Kraken’s 5-2 victory over the Utah Hockey Club, contributing a goal and two assists. The Kraken dominated in the third period, pulling away after a tight contest. Other notable contributors for Seattle included Yanni Gourde, Andre Burakovsky, Matty Beniers, and Jared McCann, while Kaapo Kakko added two assists. Goaltender Philipp Grubauer made 28 saves to secure the win, helping Seattle bounce back from a rough stretch of five consecutive losses. Schwartz expressed that the team’s improved performance stemmed from the belief that they could do more individually and collectively.

Seattle head coach Dan Bylsma emphasized the team’s focus on playing a complete 60-minute game. He credited the four-day break and the comeback win in Vancouver as essential for resetting their approach. Bylsma spoke about the importance of being aggressive and maintaining a strong mindset, noting that the first period was particularly strong. The Kraken aimed to build on this energy, and it was clear that their improved play was a direct result of better focus and preparation after the holiday break.

Jaden Schwartz Shines in Seattle Kraken’s 5-2 Win Over Utah Hockey Club, Ending Losing Streak
Jaden Schwartz Shines in Seattle Kraken’s 5-2 Win Over Utah Hockey Club, Ending Losing Streak

Utah, on the other hand, struggled once again, losing their fourth straight game. Logan Cooley managed to extend his road point streak to 10 games with a power-play goal, and Alex Kerfoot added another goal. However, Utah coach Andre Tourigny expressed frustration with his team’s tendency to force plays, particularly on offense. He mentioned that, despite possessing the puck, Utah was pressing too hard to score, which led to mistakes. The team’s urgency to win seemed to be a double-edged sword, as it contributed to their unforced errors and lack of execution.

The game started with Cooley putting Utah ahead 1-0 with a power-play goal that deflected off a Seattle defender. Seattle responded late in the first period with two quick goals. Gourde tied the game with a rebound, and Burakovsky gave the Kraken the lead by redirecting Schwartz’s shot. Utah managed to equalize early in the second period when Kerfoot capitalized on a rebound. Despite the tie, Seattle took control in the third period, with Schwartz scoring on a breakaway and Beniers adding another goal after a clever play around the net.

Seattle wrapped up the game with a commanding 5-2 scoreline, as McCann scored into an empty net late in the third period. Utah, on the other hand, continued to struggle with their defensive play, allowing too many scoring chances, including breakaways and odd-man rushes. Tourigny acknowledged that his team’s lack of patience and maturity was a significant issue. Despite strong individual efforts, the inability to execute as a team ultimately cost Utah the game, as Seattle capitalized on their mistakes to extend their win streak.

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NHL (National Hockey League)

The holiday break came at a good time for the Kraken, who now prepare to face the Canucks

Seattle Kraken (NHL)

The Seattle Kraken were not shocked by the tough stretch they had before the holiday break.

The team entered the break on a five-game losing streak, tied with San Jose for the longest in the league. The Kraken will start the second half of the season on Saturday afternoon against their biggest rival, the Vancouver Canucks. This will be the first of four meetings between the two teams.

“A lot’s been said,” said first-year Kraken coach Dan Bylsma. “There’s a lot of searching from the group, from the guys, going on. We didn’t want to use the last two games as throwaway and get to the break. We wanted some growth as a team.”

He added that he was happy with the effort in a 5-2 loss at Colorado.

“The four-day break we have to take as a break, both mentally (and physically), get away from the game a little bit, come back after Christmas and be ready to go,” Bylsma said.

Kaapo Kakko, a new forward for the Kraken who scored a goal at Colorado, was looking forward to the break for a different reason — the chance to practice with his new team. Kakko, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2019 NHL Draft, was traded to Seattle on Dec. 18 from the New York Rangers in exchange for defenseman Will Borgen and two draft picks.

“I think for me and for the team, it’s a much-needed break coming up, but especially for me,” Kakko said. “It’s been only three games in four days.

It will be a good thing to have a good couple of practices to kind of know how we’re gonna play. We watched some videos. The coaches have been great in telling me what to do. But practices are when you can really learn what to do.”

The Canucks were close to facing a similar situation to the Kraken before the holiday break, but they managed to defeat San Jose 4-3 on Monday to end a three-game losing streak (0-1-2).

Quinn Hughes
Quinn Hughes – Vancouver Canucks

“I’m glad we could get the two points. I thought (we were) clearly invested right from the start of the game and (now we can) enjoy the next couple days,” said Canucks defenseman Quinn Hughes, who had two assists to bring his team-leading total to 42 points this season (eight goals, 34 assists).

“The break is coming up at a fortunate time … just recover and regroup, and we’ll see what’s going on after that.”

Vancouver’s Elias Pettersson ended a six-game pointless streak by scoring two goals just 44 seconds apart late in the second period. He left early in the third period with an injury.

“He got banged up,” Canucks coach Rick Tocchet said. “I think it was in the second period. He tried it one shift. We have the break. I don’t think it’s too bad.”

Tocchet said he was happy to see Pettersson end his pointless streak.

“Hopefully that will kick start him,” Tocchet said. “I liked his celebration. It was nice to see him scoring and get excited. I think the fans like to see that, too.”

Pettersson’s teammates were also happy for him.

“He’s too good. He’s going to break out at some point,” Hughes said. “I’m glad he was able to do that (Monday) and hopefully for him, he can enjoy the next couple days like all of us and regroup and get ready to go.”

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NHL (National Hockey League)

After a thrilling comeback, the Blackhawks aim for their third consecutive win

Chicago Blackhawks (NHL)

After a dramatic comeback with three goals in the third period to beat the Eastern Conference leaders, the Chicago Blackhawks are looking to keep their momentum going when they face the Seattle Kraken on Thursday. A win would give them their first three-game winning streak of the season.

Chicago won back-to-back games for only the second time this season, following a 5-3 home win over the New York Islanders with a 3-2 victory against the Washington Capitals.

“It’s great because we’ve been in spots where we’ve been up a couple goals and end up losing,” said Ryan Donato, who scored the game-winning goal against Washington.

“So it feels good to kind of be on the other side of things, and knowing that whatever the score is, it could be a lot worse, right? … Being down a couple goals and being able to battle back just goes to show we can come back in games like that.”

Donato scored the game-winner with 2:18 left after driving the goal line from the right side. Teuvo Teravainen assisted on the goal, marking his third assist of the night and his second consecutive three-point game. Blackhawks interim coach Anders Sorensen credits Teravainen’s recent success to his engagement and fundamentals.

“The biggest thing with him is skating,” Sorensen said. “When he’s involved and engaged and playing on the interior of the ice and supporting that way, you see some of the things he did today. That’s the biggest thing you notice with him. That’s what we encourage with him, and maybe that was lacking a bit for a while there. Seems he definitely found that rhythm again.”

On the other hand, Seattle has been struggling, especially on offense. The Kraken lost three of four games on their homestand against Eastern Conference teams.

Seattle Kraken (NHL)

Excluding a 5-1 win against the Boston Bruins on December 12, Seattle was outscored 10-2 in three losses, with the last two being 8-1.

“I think you just got to take a look at the scenario, the setting and where we’re at in the season, and I think that desperation has got to creep into our game on a nightly basis and when it’s not, it’s evident,” said Seattle coach Dan Bylsma after a 3-0 loss to the Ottawa Senators on Tuesday.

Seattle has not scored in the last five periods, including a 5-1 loss to Tampa Bay. Matty Beniers, the Kraken’s center, has been in a scoring slump since November 14. Beniers, who was named the Calder Trophy winner as Rookie of the Year in 2022-23, has four goals and 13 assists in 33 games this season.

“As long as you’re getting chances or creating opportunities, whether it’s yourself shooting or creating plays that other guys are shooting, then you know it’s going to come,” said Beniers. “Points are going to come in different ways but when you’re getting chances and opportunities consistently then you’re not as worried about that. You’re more worried about the process of it.”

In an effort to shake things up, Seattle acquired forward Kaapo Kakko from the New York Rangers on Wednesday in exchange for defenseman Will Borgen and draft picks in the 2025 NHL Draft. Kakko, 23, has four goals, 10 assists, and a plus-9 rating in 30 games this season.

Since being drafted second overall by the Rangers in 2019, he has 61 goals, 70 assists, and 80 penalty minutes in 330 regular-season games.

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NHL (National Hockey League)

The Rangers send Kaapo Kakko to the Kraken in exchange for Will Borgen and draft selections

Kaapo Kakko and Alexis Lafreniere in the 3rd period

The New York Rangers traded Kaapo Kakko to the Seattle Kraken on Wednesday, ending his difficult time with the team.

In return, the Rangers got defenseman Will Borgen, a 2025 third-round pick, and a 2026 sixth-round pick from Seattle. This trade happened less than 36 hours after Kakko expressed frustration about being a healthy scratch.

It’s unclear if his comments influenced the timing of the trade, as Rangers general manager Chris Drury had been wanting to shake up the roster for several weeks.

“Kaapo is a young dynamic forward who brings skill and offense to our club,” said Kraken GM Ron Francis in a statement. “We’re excited to have him join us.”

Kakko, who was surprised by coach Peter Laviolette’s decision to bench him in the Rangers’ game against St. Louis on Sunday, had said, “It’s easy to take the young guy and put him out.”

The Rangers have been struggling, losing 11 of their last 14 games, including five of seven since trading captain Jacob Trouba to Anaheim. The team was shut out Tuesday night in Nashville.

Seattle Kraken and Boston Bruins

Kakko, the second overall pick in the 2019 draft and a native of Finland, was a healthy scratch during the Rangers’ run to the Eastern Conference final last spring.

He was also rumored to be part of trade talks over the summer, even after signing a one-year contract as a restricted free agent. With 14 points in his first 30 games this season, he now gets a fresh start with the Kraken at 23 years old.

Borgen, 27, was picked by Seattle in the 2021 expansion draft from Buffalo. His addition gives the Rangers a right-shot defenseman with 261 NHL regular-season and playoff games of experience to replace Trouba.

“(I) want to thank Will for everything he’s done for our franchise,” said Francis. “As an original member of the Kraken, we wish him all the best in New York.”

After making the trade, the Rangers sent defenseman Victor Mancini to their AHL affiliate in Hartford and called up forward Matt Rempe, who has spent most of the season in the minors.

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Senators’ Linus Ullmark made 30 saves to earn a shutout in a win over the Kraken

Ottawa Senators and Seattle Kraken

Linus Ullmark made 30 saves to earn his third shutout of the season and his second in the past three games, leading the Ottawa Senators to a 3-0 win over the Seattle Kraken on Tuesday. Ullmark, who won the 2022-23 Vezina Trophy as the NHL’s best goalie while with Boston, has now won his last six starts, giving up only five goals during that stretch.

Shane Pinto, Noah Gregor, and Tim Stutzle scored for Ottawa, which won its fourth straight game, a season-high streak. The Senators are beginning a nine-game road trip and will play four consecutive away games before returning home for the holiday break.

They will then go on another five-game road trip due to the International Ice Hockey Federation’s world junior championships being held in Ottawa.

Kraken goalie Joey Daccord, who was picked from Ottawa in the 2021 expansion draft, stopped 23 of 26 shots. Seattle finished its four-game homestand with a 1-2-1 record.

Ottawa swept the season series against Seattle, winning both games 3-0. They also won 3-0 in their previous meeting on Nov. 2 in Ottawa with Anton Forsberg in goal.

The Kraken outshot Ottawa 15-7 in a scoreless first period.

Seattle Kraken (NHL)

The Senators took the lead at 8:02 of the second period. Michael Amadio forced a turnover as Seattle tried to enter its offensive zone, leading to an odd-man rush. Pinto carried the puck up the right wing and took a shot from the faceoff dot, which slipped between Daccord’s legs.

Ottawa increased its lead to 2-0 at 12:45 of the second. Zack Ostapchuk carried the puck from his own blue line into Seattle’s zone, passing to Ridly Greig at the left point. Greig quickly passed to Gregor, who beat Daccord with a shot just inside the post.

Stutzle sealed the victory with a 3-0 goal on a breakaway at 4:18 of the third period. Claude Giroux forced a turnover in Ottawa’s defensive zone, and Adam Gaudette made a backhanded pass to Stutzle, sending him in alone from the blue line. Daccord got a piece of Stutzle’s shot, but it deflected over his shoulder into the net.

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NHL (National Hockey League)

Looking for their fourth consecutive win, the Senators begin a 9-game road trip against the Kraken

Ottawa Senators (NHL)

The Ottawa Senators will spend the holiday season away from home ice.

They are starting a stretch of nine consecutive road games on Tuesday in Seattle against the Kraken and won’t return to play at home until January 9.

During the NHL’s holiday break, the Senators will have some time with their families. Their trip will be divided into two parts: the first is a four-game swing through the West, with stops in Calgary, Vancouver, and Edmonton; the second part is a five-game trip after Christmas, as the International Ice Hockey Federation’s World Junior Championships will be taking place in Ottawa.

“It’s always hard going out West,” said Senators goaltender Linus Ullmark. “Our goal is to win them all, but we’ll see afterwards what the results are and what we’ll bring home for Christmas.”

The Senators are on a roll, having won three straight games for the first time this season and five of their last six. They’ve moved into a wild-card playoff spot in the Eastern Conference after a 3-2 overtime win against Pittsburgh on Saturday. Brady Tkachuk scored 1:46 into overtime, and Ullmark made 25 saves.

“We’re playing to our identity,” said Tkachuk, who leads the team with 15 goals and has 32 points, behind Tim Stutzle (36) and Drake Batherson (33). “We’re playing for each other, and if we keep doing it, the results are going to keep coming.”

Seattle Kraken (NHL)

Defenseman Thomas Chabot added, “This group is rolling off the momentum. We’ve got a long road trip ahead of us and we’ve got to bring that to Seattle on Tuesday night.”

A big part of the Senators’ recent success has been Ullmark, who is playing at the same high level that earned him the Vezina Trophy as the top goalie in 2023 with Boston. Ullmark is 6-0-1 in his last seven starts, with a 1.55 goals-against average and a .950 save percentage.

Ullmark wasn’t supposed to start on Saturday but had to step in after backup Anton Forsberg got injured during warmups. It was Ullmark’s third start in four days.

“For Linus to step in and have the night he did, it’s impressive,” said Senators coach Travis Green.

The Kraken are 4-2-1 in their last seven games, even though they suffered a 5-1 loss to Tampa Bay on Saturday, giving up three third-period goals.

Oliver Bjorkstrand has scored four goals in the past four games, tying Jared McCann for the team lead with 11 goals.

Seattle’s Brandon Montour scored first, but the Lightning dominated the rest of the game.

“We can’t ask for a better start. Monty gets us one early, and we don’t really have much of a response the whole entire game,” said defenseman Vince Dunn. “Guys are working hard, maybe not working necessarily in the smart places.

We kind of look like the same that we were probably eight games ago (losing to Anaheim and San Jose twice). That’s disappointing … we know that we can hopefully respond the right way here come Tuesday in the last game of the homestand.”