Vince Dunn Returns To Kraken Lineup Tonight Vs. Blackhawks At CPA

Seattle Slowing Recovering From Injuries & Illnesses

Seattle Kraken defenseman Vince Dunn, nursing an injury, was succinct. "Not playing sucks."

The Kraken can rightly point to gaping holes in their lineup as a mitigating factor for their four game losing streak.

The Chicago Blackhawks, who provide the opposition Wednesday at Climate Pledge Arena, don't want to hear it.

From an Associated Press Hawks injury report published Tuesday: "Anthony Beauvillier: out (wrist), Luke Philp: out (achilles), Taylor Hall: out for season (knee), Tyler Johnson: out (foot), Samuel Savoie: out (leg), Andreas Athanasiou: out (groin), Connor Bedard: out (jaw), Connor Murphy: out (lower body), Nikita Zaitsev: out (knee)."

For Seattle, troops are finally starting to return. Goalie Philipp Grubauer has been activated off IR; Dunn, who said a nagging injury just required rest, will play tonight.

"It was nice to be out there with the guys," Dunn said after practice Tuesday. "Have some laughs, throw the puck around. It's good to be back."

The other half of the medical report is also encouraging. Coach Dave Hakstol said skaters who remained in the lineup despite flu symptoms are closer to 100%. "Some of the sickness that has run through the team, we're headed in the right direction. You can see it in the energy of the guys."

Hakstol had high praise for his makeshift lineup Sunday, which stayed within one goal of a high-powered Toronto team until a last-minute empty-net goal.

"As disappointing as it was to lose that game, after you step away from it, I give the guys a lot of credit. Their effort was outstanding."