Three Keys To The Game For The Kraken's Season Opener Against The Blues
The Seattle Kraken begin the 2024-25 season today against the St. Louis Blues in what can serve as an early measuring stick game against a team that wants to make the playoffs.
The Kraken went 0-3 against the Blues last year and have an all-time record of 2-7 against them. If the Kraken want to start their season off on a high note, they'll have to figure out a way to come out on top.
The Kraken can do so if they follow these three keys.
1. Win the Special Teams Battle
The Blues had the ninth-worst power play in the NHL last season and though the Kraken finished just seven spots ahead of them, winning the special teams battle can go a long way. The additions of Brandon Montour and Chandler Stephenson as well as the promotion of Shane Wright give's the Kraken two balanced power play units to throw as the Blues. The Blues had a penalty kill percentage of 78.60%, which was just 0.23% lower than the Kraken's. Keeping the Blues from scoring on the power play and adding a couple for themselves would go a long way in their efforts to win this game.
Related: Kraken Preview Lines Ahead Of Tuesday's Season Opener
2. Make Life Difficult For Their Top Players
Robert Thomas, Pavel Buchnevich and Jordan Kyrou have formed a formidable trio for the past few seasons but to start this year, Blues HC Drew Bannister has elected to split them up. Jake Neighbours and Dylan Holloway will skate alongside Thomas and Alexandre Texier will play on Buchnevich and Kyrou's left wing. If the Kraken can limit their time and space, the Blues will struggle to create offence.
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3. Keep High Pace For All 60 Minutes
The Kraken players and coaching staff have repeatedly talked about playing at a high pace throughout training camp and pre-season and now it's finally come the time to show it. The Kraken believe they have four balanced forward lines and three balanced defense pairings which should give them the advantage in freshness throughout the game. If each line plays aggressively and pushes play forward, the Kraken should be able to wear out the Blues and create high-danger chances.
Puck drop is at 1:30 P.M. PST at Climate Pledge Arena.
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Related: Kraken's Opening Day Roster Features Eight Stanley Cup Champions.
