The Boston Bruins (22-18-2) face off against the Seattle Kraken (19-14-7) in a cross-conference matchup that pits a resurgent Bruins squad against a streaking Kraken team playing on the second night of a back-to-back. This game marks the end of Boston’s road trip and offers Seattle a chance to build on their recent momentum at home. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the key elements heading into the contest.
Venue Location
Climate Pledge Arena, Seattle, Washington. This state-of-the-art facility, home to the Kraken since their inception in 2021, has a capacity of over 17,000 and is known for its electric atmosphere in Pacific Division games.
Puckdrop is scheduled for 10:00 p.m. ET (7:00 p.m. PT local time). The game will be broadcast on national networks like ESPN and available for streaming on platforms such as ESPN+.
Recent Team Forms
Both teams enter with positive momentum, but Boston has the rest advantage while Seattle is coming off a dominant win on January 5.
Boston Bruins: The Bruins are 3-5-2 in their last 10 games but have won their last two, including a 3-2 overtime victory over the Vancouver Canucks on January 3 (goals from Fraser Minten twice, including the OT winner). This followed a six-game winless streak (0-4-2), signaling a potential turnaround under interim coaching adjustments. They’ve shown resilience in close games, with strong special teams play in recent outings.
Recent Games (Last 5):
Jan 3: W 3-2 OT @ VAN
Dec 31: W 4-3 SO @ EDM (shootout win)
Dec 28: L 2-4 vs. TOR
Dec 26: L 1-3 @ OTT
Dec 23: OT L 3-4 vs. MTL
Seattle Kraken: Seattle is hotter, going 6-3-1 in their last 10, including a current three-game win streak. They crushed the Calgary Flames 5-1 on January 5 (Shane Wright with the go-ahead goal) and edged the Vancouver Canucks 4-3 in a shootout on January 2. Their form has been fueled by goaltender Philipp Grubbeauer, who’s been “red-hot” in net, and a balanced offense.
Recent Games (Last 5):
Jan 5: W 5-1 @ CGY
Jan 2: W 4-3 SO @ VAN
Dec 30: W 3-2 vs. NSH
Dec 28: SO L 2-3 vs. VAN
Dec 26: W 4-2 @ PHI
Seattle’s back-to-back schedule (played in Calgary on Jan 5) could lead to fatigue, while Boston practiced extensively at Climate Pledge Arena on Jan 5, appearing well-rested.
Injury Report
Injuries could play a significant role, particularly on Boston’s blue line.
Boston Bruins:
Hampus Lindholm (D): Out (undisclosed injury; did not skate Jan 5, timeline unclear after recent testing).
Henri Jokiharju (D): Out (undisclosed).
Jordan Harris (D): Out (ankle; on long-term IR, expected return around Jan 6 but unlikely for this game).
Tanner Jeannot (LW): Day-to-day (lower body; full participant in practice but status uncertain).
The Bruins are dealing with multiple defensive absences, which may force lineup adjustments like elevating younger blueliners.
Seattle Kraken:
John Beecher (C): Out (undisclosed; listed as out through at least Jan 7).
Ryker Evans (D) or similar depth: Questionable (not explicitly detailed, but team reports three players on the injury list overall).
Adam Larsson (D): Potential day-to-day (lower body concerns from recent games, but not confirmed out).
Seattle’s injury list is lighter, with only three players noted, allowing for more lineup stability. Goaltender Grubbeauer is healthy and expected to start after his strong performance on Jan 5.
Player Matchups
This game features intriguing battles across the ice:
Offense vs. Defense: Boston’s top line of Brad Marchand (LW), Elias Lindholm (C), and David Pastrnak (RW) will test Seattle’s shutdown pair of Adam Larsson and Vince Dunn. Pastrnak’s scoring prowess (leading Bruins with ~25 goals) could exploit any Kraken fatigue, while Seattle’s Jared McCann (LW, ~20 goals) and Matty Beniers (C) aim to counter Boston’s depleted blue line led by Charlie McAvoy.
Goaltending Duel: Jeremy Swayman (BOS, ~.910 SV%) vs. Philipp Grubbeauer (SEA, hot streak with .925 SV% in last 5 starts). Grubbeauer’s recent form gives Seattle an edge, but Swayman’s road reliability could shine if Boston controls possession.
Key Special Teams Matchup: Boston’s power play (top-10 league-wide) vs. Seattle’s penalty kill (middle of the pack). With injuries, Boston may lean on Fraser Minten (recent OT hero) for secondary scoring against Seattle’s Shane Wright (emerging center with game-winners).
Depth Battle: Seattle’s fourth line, including Yanni Gourde, could wear down Boston’s injury-hit defense in a physical game.
Series History
The all-time series is tight, with Seattle holding a slight edge at 4-3-1 in 8 meetings since the Kraken’s expansion in 2021. Boston has won 4 of the last 6, but Seattle dominated the most recent matchup on December 12, 2024, winning 5-1 at home. Overall, games average ~5.5 goals, with Seattle winning both home games in the series by multiple goals. Boston’s road struggles against Western teams (2-3 this season) add intrigue.
Betting Trends
Boston is 4-2 in their last 6 as favorites but 2-5 on the road in back-to-back opponent scenarios. Seattle is 7-3 in their last 10 home games but 1-4 when on no rest (back-to-back). The Over has hit in 4 of the last 5 head-to-head meetings. Public betting leans 55% on Boston ML.
Game Odds
Boston Bruins – 125
Seattle Kraken 5.5
Odds Courtesy of Sports Odds Direct as of Monday, January 5, 2026
