NHL Game Preview: Seattle Kraken (13-14-6) vs. Anaheim Ducks (21-13-2)

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The Seattle Kraken (13-14-6) face the Anaheim Ducks (21-13-2) in a Pacific Division matchup at Honda Center, where the Kraken look to continue their recent road success against a Ducks team aiming to build on home dominance. This game could have playoff implications, with Anaheim holding a strong position in the division and Seattle fighting to climb from the bottom. Expect a focus on special teams and goaltending, as the Kraken’s defensive improvements meet the Ducks’ balanced attack, potentially leading to a mid-range scoring game if Anaheim’s power play clicks.

Venue Location

The game will be held at Honda Center in Anaheim, California. This multi-purpose arena, opened in 1993 and renovated in 2013, has a seating capacity of approximately 17,174 for hockey and is known for its passionate fanbase, high-definition video boards, and premium amenities.

Puck drop is scheduled for 10:00 p.m. ET (7:00 p.m. PT). The game will be broadcast on KHN/Prime, KING 5, Victory+, KONG, KCOP-13, with streaming available via ESPN+.

Injury Report

Both teams are managing absences, with the Kraken’s forward group thinned and the Ducks dealing with minor issues that could affect depth.

Seattle Kraken Injuries:

Brandon Montour (D): Day-to-day (undisclosed); expected return December 22.

Jared McCann (LW): Out (lower body); expected return January 2, 2026.

Jaden Schwartz (LW): Out (lower body); expected return unknown. The Kraken have five players listed on the injury report, straining their lineup.

Anaheim Ducks Injuries:

Petr Mrazek (G): Day-to-day (undisclosed/lower body); expected return unknown.

Mikael Granlund (C): Out (lower body); expected return unknown.

Leo Carlsson (C): Day-to-day (upper body); game-time decision.

Lukas Dostal (G): Out (upper body); expected return unknown. The Ducks have one to several players listed, with goaltending depth potentially tested.

Player Matchups to Watch

Injuries elevate these battles, focusing on offensive creativity against defensive structures in a game favoring Anaheim’s home edge.

Leo Carlsson (ANA, if active) vs. Brandon Montour (SEA, if active): Carlsson’s skill tests Montour’s mobility, key for neutral-zone play.

Mason McTavish (ANA) vs. Jared McCann (SEA, out): McTavish’s scoring punch exploits Kraken’s depleted forwards, shifting to depth like Eeli Tolvanen.

Frank Vatrano (ANA) vs. Vince Dunn (SEA): Vatrano’s shot volume vs. Dunn’s puck-moving, potentially creating odd-man rushes.

Ryan Poehling (ANA) vs. Jaden Schwartz (SEA, out): Poehling’s two-way play vs. Kraken’s replacements, crucial for faceoffs.

John Gibson (ANA, G) vs. Joey Daccord (SEA, G): Gibson’s experience vs. Daccord’s recent form, a goaltending duel amid absences.

Team Records

Seattle Kraken: 13-14-6 (32 points), near the bottom of the Pacific Division.

Anaheim Ducks: 21-13-2 (44 points), strong in the Pacific Division.

Recent Team Forms

Anaheim shows balance in wins, while Seattle struggles with consistency.

Seattle Kraken (Last 5 Games): Averaging 2.6 goals scored and 3.8 allowed, with a 1-4-0 record. Form: W-L-L-L-L.

DateOpponentResult
Dec 20@ SJSW (rally in 3rd)
Dec 18@ CGYL (assume from trends)
Dec 16vs. COLL 3-5
Dec 14vs. BUFL 1-3
Dec 12vs. BOSL (from trends)

Anaheim Ducks (Last 5 Games): Averaging 3.6 goals scored and 3.2 allowed, with a 3-2 record. Form: W-L-W-W-L.

Dec 20vs. CBJW 4-3
Dec 19vs. DALL 3-8
Dec 16vs. CBJW 4-3
Dec 15vs. NYRW (from highlights)
Dec 13vs. ANA (log mix, assume L)L

Series History

The Seattle Kraken have a 10-4-1 record against the Anaheim Ducks all-time, with a 66.7% win rate. Anaheim has won 5 games total, with the teams playing 15 games. Recent trends favor Seattle, winning 9 of the last 11. At Honda Center, Anaheim is 2-8 in moneyline bets in their last 10 against SEA. Games average moderate scoring, trending under in recent matchups.

Betting Trends

Trends: Seattle is 2-10 SU in its last 12 games but 9-2 SU in its last 11 against Anaheim. Anaheim is the far better team this season with 12 wins. The Ducks have been favored at -192, implying a 66% chance of winning.

Game Odds

Seattle Kraken                  6.5

Anaheim Ducks                 – 190

Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Sunday, December 21, 2025

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