Vancouver Canucks vs. Seattle Kraken Preseason Matchup

The Vancouver Canucks are set to face off against the Seattle Kraken this Friday night, just days after a heated preseason encounter that left fans buzzing. Despite the lack of serious stakes, the rivalry ignited a fiery atmosphere at the rink, marked by skirmishes, tense confrontations, and no shortage of tough talk.

In their first preseason outing on September 24, the Canucks emerged victorious, continuing their winning streak with two preseason wins so far. Head coach Rick Tocchet is pushing his players to elevate their performance and embrace a faster style of play. His call to action after their recent game against the Calgary Flames was clear: players must be ready to skate hard and come back fast. "You've got to be in shape to play this game," Tocchet emphasized, noting that the Canucks need to sharpen their pace of play and decision-making.

Kraken's Opportunity for Redemption

For the Kraken, who have lost both of their preseason games, this rematch could be an opportunity for redemption. They will look to bounce back and showcase a more determined effort on home ice.

Projected Lineup Insights

Although the Canucks opted out of morning skate, we can speculate on their lineup based on recent practices and roster decisions:

Starting Goaltender

Kevin Lankinen is set to make his debut for the Canucks. Fresh off signing just a week ago, Lankinen will be looking to solidify his position in the net while Thatcher Demko is unavailable due to injury.

Top-Line Configuration

Kiefer Sherwood is anticipated to skate alongside stars Elias Pettersson and Jake DeBrusk, providing both physicality and playmaking skill. The ongoing competition for that coveted spot next to Pettersson could see other contenders like Jonathan Lekkerimäki potentially moving in and out of the lineup as the preseason progresses.

Defensive Pairings

Expect to see rookie Kirill Kudryavtsev and newcomer Sawyer Mynio showcasing their skills for the first time this preseason. They have been an intriguing pairing during training camp, and how they handle the pressure from Seattle's experienced forwards will be critical.

Kraken's Seasoned Roster

On the other side, the Kraken will feature a more seasoned roster, specifically designed to test the Canucks’ young defense. Expect to see Jaden Schwartz and Chandler Stephenson leading the charge, flanked by talented forwards like Shane Wright and Jordan Eberle.

Looking Ahead

As both teams gear up for this pivotal clash, fans will be watching closely to see if the Canucks can sustain their momentum against a powerful Kraken lineup. With tempers flaring in previous matchups, Saturday promises to deliver another electrifying chapter in this burgeoning rivalry. Will the Canucks maintain their advantage, or will the Kraken exact revenge? Don’t miss the action!