Kraken-Canucks Game At CPA Thursday Could Be Playoff Preview

For the first time this season, a Seattle Kraken home game could be said to have a playoff feel.

Thursday's game at Climate Pledge Arena certainly has playoff implications. The visiting Vancouver Canucks want to maintain their perch atop the Western Conference, as well as snap a three game losing streak. Their most recent loss was especially ugly, bombarded by seven 3rd period goals in a 10-7 defeat to the Minnesota Wild.

(The Kraken meet the Wild Saturday, with the teams neck-and-neck for a wild card spot.)

Reasons To Expect Playoff-Style Intensity

In addition to being the Kraken's closest geographic rival, the Canucks are positioned to be Seattle's first round opponent should the Kraken squeeze into the postseason.

Lastly, Vancouver brings to town a Kraken fan villain, 6-foot-8 defenseman Tyler Myers. In a recent setback to Winnipeg, Myers complained his size makes him an easy target for officials.

Kraken partisans think it's Myers who's been doing the targeting. Last year, a hit from Myers kept Matty Beniers out of the All-Star Game, and earlier this season, he laid another questionable hit on Oliver Bjorkstrand.

On a related note, the Kraken enter tonight's contest in a rare circumstance: full health.

Scoreboard-Watching

Seattle trails St. Louis and Nashville by three points, and Minnesota by one, for the final conference postseason slot.

And yes, the same as fans and reporters, Kraken players and coaches engage in scoreboard-watching. Defenseman Will Borgen told me he uses the NHL app on his phone to keep up-to-date on league scores and standings.

When I asked coach Dave Hakstol if he does the same, he said, "All the time, absolutely. I watched hockey (on TV) all night. I know what's going on and what's happening on any given night, and what the standings look like the next morning."

That's not to say coaches watch hockey on TV exactly the same as fans do. "I love watching the game, but I usually watch with a little more purpose, especially at this time of year. You have an opportunity to see what some of the upcoming teams that you're playing against are doing."

Vancouver and Seattle have split their first two meetings this season, with the road team winning both. All time, Vancouver holds a 7-3 edge.