Seattle Kraken Gear Up for Preseason Clash with Vancouver Canucks
As the excitement of the NHL preseason kicks off, all eyes will be on the Seattle Kraken as they hit the road to face off against the Vancouver Canucks tonight at 7 p.m. This matchup is significant, not just because it's the first preseason game for the Canucks, but also because it’s a crucial opportunity for both teams to start solidifying their lineups and strategies ahead of the upcoming season.
The Kraken enter this game following a challenging start to the preseason, having faced a tough 6-1 defeat against the Calgary Flames. Head coach Dan Bylsma emphasized the importance of building habits and establishing a cohesive team dynamic, a process that can take time, especially with training camps lasting only 20 days. Bylsma noted that while the team hasn’t fully put it all together yet, the players are actively working on integrating new systems and developing chemistry with their teammates. With five days into camp, this game against the Canucks will provide another chance to see progress as players aim to sync up on the ice.
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One key aspect for the Kraken will be to set the tone early in the game. In their last outing against Calgary, the team found itself in a reactive mode, which Bylsma isn’t keen on repeating. He expressed a desire for his players to take the initiative and play aggressively, emphasizing the need to channel their emotions positively as they enter an opponent's arena. The Kraken must focus on playing within their established systems and maintain control over the game's energy and pace.
For the Canucks, this preseason game represents not just a chance to test their roster, but also an opportunity to build on the successes of the previous season, where they finished first in the Pacific Division with 109 points. Vancouver has made several notable offseason additions, including forward Jake DeBrusk, Danton Heinen, and former Kraken player Daniel Sprong. Additionally, the Canucks recently signed goaltender Kevin Lankinen, adding depth to their netminding options, particularly with concerns around Thatcher Demko’s health lingering.
In terms of lineups, the Canucks will feature Brock Boeser alongside Pius Suter and promising rookie Jonathan Lekkerimäki. This will allow them to assess how well these players gel together, especially considering Lekkerimäki’s previous skating with established stars like Elias Pettersson during training camp. On the other hand, the Kraken will also field a mix of seasoned players and up-and-coming prospects, including new defensive addition Brandon Montour, who is looking to make an impact in his debut game with Seattle.
As the puck drops tonight, fans can expect an energetic atmosphere as both teams strive to find their rhythm and build momentum heading into the regular season. The stakes may not be as high as during the playoffs, but the passion and competitiveness that define hockey will be on full display. For players, it’s a vital chance to showcase their skills and make a case for roster spots. For fans, it’s an exciting preview of what could lie ahead in the 2024-25 NHL season. Let’s see how these two teams fare as they prepare for what promises to be an exhilarating season of hockey.
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