Seattle faces off against Buffalo in the final matchup between the teams this season.
The Seattle Kraken are set for a crucial home stretch, with nine of their next ten games at Climate Pledge Arena. Their only road trip during this stretch will be on January 27 at Edmonton. One of the key matchups on the horizon is against the Buffalo Sabres, whom the Kraken have dominated historically with a 6-1-0 record, including a 2-1-0 mark at home. Seattle defeated Buffalo 6-2 earlier this month in the first meeting of the season, and Monday will be the final matchup between the teams in 2023-24.
Several Kraken players are heating up. Jaden Schwartz has been red-hot, with four points (3 goals, 1 assist) in his last two games, including a hat trick in a 4-2 win over Los Angeles on Saturday. Schwartz also ranks second on the team in assists (11) and points (16) in 17 career games against Buffalo. Matty Beniers is also on a roll, with two points (1 goal, 1 assist) in his last two games and a point-per-game average (5 points in 5 games) against the Sabres.
Jared McCann leads the Kraken in total points (19) and shares the team lead in goals (8). In 26 career games against Buffalo, McCann is also second in assists (11), making him a consistent threat. Kaapo Kakko, who also shares the team lead in goals (8), has added 9 points (8 goals, 1 assist) in 19 career games against Buffalo, and was a key playmaker in Saturday's win with three assists on Schwartz’s hat trick.
On defense, Brandon Montour leads the blue line with 12 assists and 16 points in 18 career games against his former team. Oliver Bjorkstrand, who shares the team lead in goals (8), has 14 points in 20 career games against Buffalo. Chandler Stephenson (11 points in 15 games) also offer scoring depth.
Joey Daccord, who has played four games against Buffalo, has a 2-2-0 record against the Sabres. Daccord scored an assist earlier this week against the Penguins in Pittsburgh and was an impenetrable force during Saturday’s game.
The Kraken look to maintain their dominance over Buffalo, and aim to build momentum for the second half of the season. Puck drop for Monday's game is 1PM PST.
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