The Seattle Kraken travel to Vancouver for the second game of a back-to-back against the Canucks on January 2, following a 4-1 victory over the Nashville Predators. Joey Daccord will start in net for Seattle after Philipp Grubauer's strong performance the previous night. The Canucks aim to rebound from a recent loss to the Philadelphia Flyers.
The Seattle Kraken enter their January 2 matchup at Rogers Arena on a positive note, having defeated the Nashville Predators 4-1 on January 1 at Climate Pledge Arena. This road game marks the second half of a back-to-back for Seattle, similar to their December 29 encounter where the Canucks edged them 3-2 in a shootout. The Kraken, with a season record of 17-14-7, hope to avoid a repeat and build on their recent success.
In goal, Joey Daccord takes the crease after Philipp Grubauer delivered an outstanding effort against Nashville, posting a .960 save percentage with 24 saves on 25 shots. Grubauer has been exceptional lately, allowing just one goal across his last three starts while securing three wins. Daccord's season stats stand at 10-9-5, with a 2.77 goals-against average and .904 save percentage.
Offensively, Jordan Eberle leads the Kraken with 14 goals, 12 assists, and 26 points, riding a five-game point streak that includes four goals and two assists over his past five outings. Rookie forward Jacob Melanson, called up in mid-December, has impressed with two assists in his last two games and nine appearances this season. He remains with the team after Jani Nyman was assigned to the AHL's Coachella Valley Firebirds. Other top contributors include Eeli Tolvanen (25 points), Chandler Stephenson (24 points), and Matty Beniers (23 points).
The Vancouver Canucks, holding a 16-20-3 record, lost 6-3 to the Philadelphia Flyers on December 30 to open a three-game homestand. They seek a win at home, led by Elias Pettersson (23 points), Conor Garland (22 points), and Filip Hronek (22 points). Kiefer Sherwood tops their goal-scoring with 16, while Evander Kane has 19 points. In net, Thatcher Demko (8-8-0, 2.72 GAA) and Kevin Lankinen (6-10-3, 3.41 GAA) share duties.
Projected lineups feature Kaapo Kakko, Matty Beniers, and Jordan Eberle on Seattle's top line, with Vince Dunn and Adam Larsson anchoring defense. For Vancouver, Jake DeBrusk joins Elias Pettersson up front, backed by Marcus Pettersson and Filip Hronek. Seattle scratches include Ryan Winterton and Josh Mahura, with injuries to Jaden Schwartz, Brandon Montour, Matt Murray, and Max McCormick. The Canucks scratch Arshdeep Bains and an Elias Pettersson, sidelined by injuries to Garland, Marco Rossi, Filip Chytil, Teddy Blueger, Guillaume Brisebois, and Derek Forbort.
Following this game, the Kraken continue their Canadian road trip against the Calgary Flames on January 5.