ANAHEIM, Calif. — The Seattle Kraken close out Tuesday’s busy NHL slate at the Honda Center, aiming to extend a hot stretch against the Anaheim Ducks on national television in a late-night Pacific Division tilt. Both teams sit tied with 61 points in the West and will be motivated to grab sole possession of divisional ground, turning this battle into more than just a snack for TNT viewers — it’s a genuine Pacific dogfight with goals, grit and playoff positioning all in the mix.
Seattle (26-19-9) enters riding one of its best runs of the season. The Kraken picked up a 4–2 win over the Vegas Golden Knights on Saturday to run their winning streak to four games, a sign that their offense and goaltending are both trending up. Kaapo Kakko netted the decisive goal early in the third period while Joey Daccord made 27 saves, a combination of clutch scoring and timely stops that has become a theme of late.
Offensively, the Kraken have shown balance, getting contributions not just from their top line but from depth forwards as well. Their ability to generate sustained pressure has helped them create high-danger opportunities at 5-on-5, and they remain one of the more resilient clubs when they secure a multi-goal lead, going undefeated in such games this season — a rare stat among NHL teams.
Anaheim (29-23-3) has also found footing in recent weeks, bolstered by a 4–3 win over the Vegas Golden Knights on Sunday that snapped a brief skid and showcased several key offensive contributors. Cutter Gauthier, the Ducks’ point leader with 24 goals and 24 assists, continues to drive the attack, while veteran winger Chris Kreider has added power-play punch with his team-high seven power-play goals.
The season series between these clubs has been competitive and unpredictable. Seattle won earlier meetings by 3–1 on Oct. 9 and Dec. 22, but Anaheim responded with a 4–2 victory in Seattle on Jan. 23, when each of Gauthier and Pavel Mintyukov had both a goal and an assist, and the Ducks executed a disciplined, road-worthy performance.
Statistically, this matchup offers a contrast of styles. Seattle’s offense sits near the lower third of the league in shots per game, but its puck control and defensive structure have been strong enough to keep them competitive night in and night out. Anaheim generates more shots and scoring opportunities overall, ranking near the top of the NHL in shot volume, but their goals-allowed rate reflects defensive lapses that have kept games close.
Special teams could play a pivotal role late Tuesday. The Kraken’s power play has been one of their more effective units, creating scoring chances and tilting possession, while Anaheim’s penalty kill has shown flashes of success but remains a work in progress. Goaltending will also be front and center; a big performance between the pipes could tip this Pacific clash firmly in one team’s direction.
Humorously, this game feels like two hockey philosophies in search of rhythm: the Kraken savoring recent success and the Ducks trying to remind everyone that California hockey can still roar. Whether it becomes a back-and-forth scoring affair or a tight, tactical battle dominated by defense and goaltending, Tuesday night’s tilt promises drama, momentum swings and plenty of analytics to chew over long after the final horn.
In a division where every point counts and midseason positioning is still very much in flux, Seattle and Anaheim have more than bragging rights on the line — this one could help shape the Pacific landscape as February turns toward March and the playoff grind edges closer.
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