Seattle & Ottawa Rematch Tonight At CPA Under Much Different Circumstances
Editor's Note: Check back at 5 pm PT for another pregame update, featuring news on a new Kraken line combo.
What a difference a month makes.
The 15-win Seattle Kraken prepare to host the 14-win Ottawa Senators tonight at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle's first post-Winter Classic game.
Despite Ottawa having just one fewer victory (and five games in hand), they're a team in turmoil while Seattle is riding a nine game points streak.
How different their fortunes back on December 2 in Ottawa, as the Senators shut out Seattle 2-0. The loss extended a Kraken losing streak which would eventually grow to eight games.
Since then, the Kraken are surging; 7-0-2 in their last nine games, coming off a 3-0 shutout of the Vegas Golden Knights at T-Mobile Park on New Year's Day.
The Senators, meanwhile, sit last in the Atlantic Division. Ottawa, 3-7-0 in its last 10, fired coach D.J. Smith on Dec. 18. New owner Michael Andlauer previously sacked general manager Pierre Dorion on Nov. 1, the same day the NHL stripped the club of a 1st round draft choice over an invalid trade.
For the home team, not resting on their recent laurels is the theme of this Kraken Reaction video. Coach Dave Hakstol, center Yanni Gourde, and winger Andre Burakovsky also talk about winning through defense.
