Kraken need Mammoth Night

Football Talk
Apr 2
3 min read

By Bo Crouch 4-2-26

SEATTLE — The margin for error is gone for the Seattle Kraken.

With the regular season winding down, the Kraken return to Climate Pledge Arena on Thursday night needing more than just a strong effort — they need points. Especially on the heels of a tough road trip. Standing in their way are the Utah Mammoth, a team currently holding a Western Conference wild-card position and one that has already had Seattle’s number this season.

Puck drop is set for 7 p.m. PT.

Playoff urgency hits Seattle

Seattle (32-30-11) enters the night trailing in the playoff race, with little runway left to close the gap. A recent skid — just three wins in their last 10 games — has left the Kraken chasing rather than controlling their fate.

“It’s that time of year where every shift matters,” a team source said. “You can’t afford to let games slip anymore.”

The challenge has been consistency. Seattle’s offense has struggled to generate sustained pressure, averaging under three goals per game during this stretch, while defensive lapses have put additional strain on goaltender Joey Daccord.

Still, the opportunity is clear: win at home, and the conversation changes.

Utah in control — but not comfortable

Utah (38-30-6) arrives in Seattle holding a playoff spot, but far from secure. A convincing 6-2 win over Los Angeles in their last outing offered a glimpse of their offensive ceiling, powered by a fast, opportunistic attack.

Leading the way is Clayton Keller, who continues to pace the Mammoth offensively, alongside rising star Logan Cooley, coming off a multi-goal performance.

Utah has taken the first two meetings in the season series, using disciplined defensive structure and timely scoring to frustrate Seattle.

Players to watch

For the Kraken, the spotlight turns to Matty Beniers, whose ability to drive offense could define the night. Veteran winger Jordan Eberle remains a steady presence, while Bobby McMann has provided a recent spark with his production since joining the lineup.

Utah counters with depth and balance, including Dylan Guenther, whose scoring touch adds another layer to an already dangerous forward group.

In net

Seattle is expected to turn again to Daccord, who will need to deliver in a high-leverage moment. Utah is likely to counter with Karel Vejmelka, a steady presence capable of stealing games when needed.

The bottom line

For Seattle, the equation is simple — win, or risk watching the postseason slip out of reach.

For Utah, it’s about maintaining control and continuing to bank points.

On a night where intensity should mirror playoff hockey, the stakes will be unmistakable from the opening faceoff.

Period 1

The Seattle Kraken came out with urgency — and this time, they made it count immediately.

In a game they had to have, Seattle struck twice in the opening minutes Thursday night, jumping out to a two-goal lead before the Utah Mammoth could settle in.

It started just 41 seconds in, when Jordan Eberle buried an early chance off a clean offensive-zone sequence to give the Kraken a 1-0 lead and ignite the Climate Pledge Arena crowd.

Seattle didn’t let up.

Continuing to pressure off the rush and win battles along the boards, the Kraken added a second goal shortly after, capitalizing on another breakdown to extend the lead to 2-0 and firmly grab momentum off the stick of Bobby McMann that has added a spark since joining the team at the trade deadline.

Utah eventually pushed back.

The Mammoth found their footing midway through the period, cutting into the deficit with a goal off sustained offensive pressure to make it 2-1. The shift in momentum forced Seattle onto its heels for stretches of the period.

Goaltender Joey Daccord came up with several key saves late — including a stop in tight during the final minutes — to preserve the one-goal edge heading into the intermission.

After 20 minutes, the Kraken had delivered their most complete opening period in recent games — fast, opportunistic, and, most importantly, effective.

End of 1st: Kraken 2, Mammoth 1