What Happened
The Seattle Kraken are set to face off against the Dallas Stars at the American Airlines Center on Wednesday night, marking the first game for both teams since the Olympic break. The Stars enter the matchup on a high note, having won six consecutive games before the break, while the Kraken also finished strong, winning five of their last six games.
Why It Matters
This game is crucial for both teams as they aim to solidify their playoff positions. The Stars currently sit third in the Central Division, five points behind the Colorado Avalanche, while the Kraken are tied for third in the Pacific Division, closely trailing the Vegas Golden Knights and the Edmonton Oilers. However, the Stars will be missing key players, including leading scorer Mikko Rantanen, who is on injured reserve due to a lower-body injury sustained during the Olympics. This absence could impact Dallas’s offensive capabilities against a Kraken team known for thriving in tightly contested games.
What’s Next
As the Stars look to maintain their momentum despite injury setbacks, they will rely on players like Jason Robertson and Wyatt Johnson to step up. The Kraken, on the other hand, will aim to capitalize on the Stars’ weakened lineup. The outcome of this game could significantly influence the playoff race in both divisions, making it a pivotal matchup for both franchises.