NHL Game Preview: Seattle Kraken (29-34-5) vs. Chicago Blackhawks (20-38-9)

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The Seattle Kraken and Chicago Blackhawks are set to face off in an exciting NHL matchup on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, at the United Center in Chicago, Illinois. The puck drops at 5:30 PM PST, and the game will be broadcast in the Spokane/Coeur d’Alene region on KSKN 22 The Spot.

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Team Overview

Seattle Kraken

The Kraken are embarking on a four-game road trip after a mixed performance during their recent homestand, where they secured two wins out of three games. They currently hold a record of 33-28-7, placing them in the middle of the Pacific Division standings. Seattle’s offense is led by Chandler Stephenson, who has tallied 47 points this season, followed by Jared McCann with 45 points and Jaden Schwartz with 39 points.

Defensively, the Kraken have been solid, allowing an average of 2.96 goals per game. Goaltender Joey Daccord has been a reliable presence in net, boasting a record of 12-7-2, a 2.46 goals-against average (GAA), and a .915 save percentage. Daccord has been particularly effective against Chicago, with a career record of 3-0, a 1.33 GAA, and a .947 save percentage.

Chicago Blackhawks

The Blackhawks, with a record of 28-33-6, are in the midst of a rebuilding phase but have shown flashes of promise. They are led by rookie sensation Connor Bedard, who has amassed 52 points this season, alongside Teuvo Teravainen and Ryan Donato, who have 52 and 51 points, respectively. Chicago’s offense has been averaging 2.5 goals per game, while their defense has struggled, allowing 3.15 goals per game.

Goaltender Arvid Soderblom is expected to start for the Blackhawks. He has a record of 4-7-1, a 2.70 GAA, and a .909 save percentage. However, Soderblom has struggled against Seattle in the past, with a career record of 0-2, a 7.54 GAA, and a .750 save percentage.

Key Matchup

The battle between Seattle’s balanced offense and Chicago’s young, dynamic core will be a focal point. The Kraken’s ability to capitalize on their scoring chances and maintain defensive discipline will be tested against the Blackhawks’ high-energy play led by Bedard.

Recent Form

The Kraken have been inconsistent recently, with a record of 1-3 in their last four games. They are coming off a tough 3-2 overtime loss to the Winnipeg Jets. Meanwhile, the Blackhawks are on a two-game winning streak, showcasing improved form and confidence.

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NHL Editor
Profile: A seasoned NHL analyst with a comprehensive understanding of the league’s tactical systems, player‑development pipelines, and organizational strategies. This columnist provides in‑depth coverage that blends film study, advanced metrics, and historical context to explain how teams evolve across an 82‑game season and into the postseason. Background: With extensive experience covering professional hockey, the columnist has contributed to national sports outlets, digital platforms, and radio segments focused on roster construction, coaching trends, and league‑wide movement. A background in sports journalism and analytics supports a disciplined approach to evaluating performance, interpreting data, and tracking long‑term competitive cycles across all NHL markets. Signature Coverage Areas: Game previews and matchup analysis Film‑based breakdowns of offensive, defensive, and special‑teams systems Player evaluation, draft analysis, and trade‑deadline coverage Salary‑cap strategy, front‑office trends, and organizational philosophy Historical context, rivalry features, and postseason analysis Style & Approach: The writing emphasizes clarity, accuracy, and accessibility — translating complex systems and statistical models into insights that resonate with both traditional hockey fans and analytically minded readers. Each column reflects a commitment to balanced reporting, thoughtful evaluation, and a deep appreciation for the NHL’s speed, physicality, and evolving style of play.