What does the upcoming matchup between the Seattle Kraken and Nashville Predators mean for playoff aspirations? It could be a defining moment for both teams as they vie for a crucial Wild Card spot in the Western Conference.
The Predators are currently two points behind the Kraken, making the March 19, 2026, game at Bridgestone Arena a must-win. The Predators recently secured a 4-3 shootout victory against the Winnipeg Jets, with Ryan O’Reilly scoring the decisive goal. This win has intensified their urgency as they approach the final stretch of the regular season.
As of March 17, the Predators hold a record of 30-28-9 and have accumulated 69 points. They have 15 games remaining to make their playoff push. However, they will face a significant challenge as Juuse Saros, their starting goaltender, will not be available due to an upper-body injury. Saros has a goals-against average of 3.14 and a save percentage of .894 this season, making his absence felt.
The Kraken and Predators have already met twice this season, with Nashville winning the last encounter 4-2 on March 10. This upcoming game will be their third and final meeting, adding to the stakes as both teams look to solidify their playoff positions.
Filip Forsberg, a key player for the Predators, emphasized the importance of this matchup, stating, “We were both in a similar spot in the standings and every point is going to be crucial all the way to the end.” His teammate Roman Josi echoed this sentiment, noting the significance of facing a team that is closely chasing them.
As the puck drops at 7 p.m. CT, all eyes will be on how the Predators adapt without Saros and whether they can maintain their momentum against a determined Kraken squad. Andrew Brunette, the Predators’ coach, remarked, “These are always tricky games after a long road trip,” highlighting the potential challenges ahead.
With both teams aware of the implications of this game, the atmosphere is expected to be electric. The outcome could very well determine the playoff fate for one of these teams as they navigate the final weeks of the season.