Sharks and Kraken Prepare for Big Seattle Rematch on Saturday

The San Jose Sharks are coming back to Seattle for another match against the Kraken. The last time these two teams met at Climate Pledge Arena, the Sharks handed the Kraken their only home regulation loss of the season. It was a one-sided game, with the Sharks winning 6-1. This earlier result adds extra excitement and pressure as both teams prepare for the Saturday rematch.

In that November 5 game, young star Macklin Celebrini played a major role. Celebrini, the first overall pick in the 2024 NHL Draft, scored one goal and assisted on two others. So far, he has been the Sharks’ top performer this season, with 26 points from 10 goals and 16 assists in only 18 games. His strong form makes him one of the most dangerous players Seattle must watch closely.

In the earlier meeting, Kraken goaltender Joey Daccord had a tough night. He gave up five goals on 20 shots and was taken out of the game early in the third period. It was later revealed that he suffered an upper-body injury during the match. Since then, he has not played any game. His absence has forced Seattle to rely on their veteran goaltenders, Philipp Grubauer and Matt Murray.

Without Daccord, the Kraken have managed a 2-1-1 record. Grubauer showed strong performance on Thursday, making 23 saves in a 5-3 win over the Winnipeg Jets. Seattle had to fight from behind three times during the game, showing improved character and effort compared to recent matches where scoring was a struggle. This comeback win gives the Kraken some confidence heading into the Sharks rematch.

Captain Jordan Eberle said defense must be the key to their success. He admitted that the team has scored only one goal in three of their last four games, but he added that they are still creating chances. Eberle played an important role in Thursday’s victory, scoring two goals in the third period. Defenseman Vince Dunn also stood out with one goal and two assists.

Seattle’s Kaapo Kakko scored his first goal of the season on Thursday. However, he left the game later in the first period with a lower-body injury and did not return. Kakko, the second overall pick in 2019, had already missed the start of the season due to a broken hand. Coach Lane Lambert said he felt bad for Kakko because the team needs him and his confidence was growing after the goal.

After beating Seattle earlier in the month, the Sharks went on a four-game winning streak. But that run ended with a 2-0 loss to the Calgary Flames on Thursday. Despite the loss, goalie Yaroslav Askarov made an impressive 34 saves and kept the score closer than expected. Coach Ryan Warsofsky said the rest of the team played poorly and Askarov was the only one fully ready.

The defeat was surprising because Calgary sits at the very bottom of the NHL standings. Sharks forward Tyler Toffoli said the loss was frustrating because the team did not show the desperation and energy that made them successful earlier in the season. He admitted that Calgary worked harder and the Sharks were not mentally prepared for the challenge.

The Sharks also suffered an injury of their own. Forward Jeff Skinner left Thursday’s game in the first period due to a lower-body injury. Coach Warsofsky confirmed that Skinner will miss the game on Saturday and is still being evaluated by the medical staff. This absence could affect the Sharks’ forward depth in the rematch.

Both teams enter Saturday’s game with injuries, changing momentum, and lessons learned from their last meeting. Seattle wants revenge after the heavy loss, while San Jose hopes to bounce back after a disappointing defeat. With the Sharks’ young star Celebrini in strong form and the Kraken trying to stay solid without Daccord, this game promises to be an important one for both sides.