Here, you'll get everything you need to know – including keys to the game, where to watch and listen, and more – before the Blue Jackets and Kraken meet for the second time this season.
It'll be the Blue Jackets' first-ever game in the state-of-the-art Climate Pledge Arena. They're reeling a bit, and it's a tough time to be on a road trip. In their last seven games, they're 1-5-1, but they'll be looking to get two points against a banged-up Kraken team. Last time out, the Blue Jackets fell to the Ducks in a hotly-contested battle that was settled in a shootout.
TUNE-IN
Where to watch, listen and stream tonight's game...
WHO: Blue Jackets (13-10-0) vs. Kraken (9-15-2)
WHERE: Climate Pledge Arena, Seattle, Washington
WHEN: 10:00 p.m. ET
TV: Bally Sports Columbus (Jeff Rimer, Jody Shelley)
RADIO: 97.1 FM (Bob McElligott, Dylan Tyrer)
STREAM: ESPN+ (out of market only)
THE LOWDOWN
The Blue Jackets are coming off of a decent effort at home against Anaheim. They played well, but only got one point after a shootout loss. They're in a bit of a rut right now, but the Kraken are doing much worse.
At 9-15-2, it's been a tough start to life in the NHL for Seattle. They'll be without one of their top forwards tonight in Yanni Gourde, who has been added to the COVID-19 list. Colin Blackwell and Riley Sheahan are also on the list for the Kraken. Despite the loss of Gourde, the Kraken still have forwards that can find the back of the net. Jordan Eberle has 12 goals, and Jared McCann has 10. Former Blue Jacket Alexander Wennberg has 3-12-15 in 26 games.
The Kraken are strong defensively, but their goaltending has been extremely subpar. Philipp Grubauer, who excelled in Colorado last year, has gone 7-11-2 with a 3.16 goals-allowed average and an .887 save percentage. To top things off, the German netminder is in the first year of a six-year, $35.4 million contract.
ALL-TIME: The Blue Jackets are 1-0-0 against the Kraken.
KEYS TO THE GAME
What do the Blue Jackets need to do to win tonight? We're glad you asked.
- Finish It In Regulation: It was a gut punch to lose to the Ducks in a shootout, especially in a game where the Blue Jackets generated more than enough chances to win. This time, finish the game in regulation, don't leave it to chance in the shootout, and win after 60 minutes.
- Press The Kraken Forwards: Besides goaltending, the Kraken's biggest area of weakness is their relative lack of offensive skill. With Gourde out, the Kraken are missing one of their most skillful players with the puck. The Blue Jackets need to force the Kraken into mistakes and pressure their forwards when Seattle has the puck.
From the head coach...
