Capitals vs. Kraken: Tale Of The Tape, Lines, Players To Watch

For the second time in franchise history, the Washington Capitals are in Seattle to take on the Kraken at Climate Pledge Arena on Thursday night.

Here’s everything to know as Washington continues its six-game road swing.

Washington Capitals vs. Seattle Kraken: Tale Of The Tape

The Capitals are still trying to pick up the pieces following a rough start to the 2022-23 season, and it looks like they’re starting to get on the right track. They (10-11-3) have won three of their last four games, and the offense is starting to click, with the team scoring at least three goals in that same time period. With a win tonight, the team can move within one point of a Wild Card spot.

While Washington’s coming in on a positive note against Pacific Division clubs following a big 5-1 win over the Vancouver Canucks on Tuesday, Seattle will be a tough opponent. The Kraken (14-5-3), who are comprised of several former Capitals, have won six straight games and are 8-1-1 in their last 10 outings overall. Everything’s coming together after a tough inaugural season, and they sit second in the Pacific Division. They also have the eighth-best power play in the league (26 percent), though they struggle with the third-worst PK in the NHL (68.6).

Washington Capitals vs. Seattle Kraken: Lines

The lines are expected to stay the same as Thursday’s tilt in Vancouver. Dmitry Orlov did join the team for practice, but it doesn’t look like he’s in vs. Seattle.

Here are what Tuesday’s lines looked like, which remained intact at the morning skate.

Alex Ovechkin-Dylan Strome-Conor Sheary

Sonny Milano-Evgeny Kuznetsov-T.J. Oshie

Marcus Johansson-Lars Eller-Anthony Mantha

Aliaksei Protas-Nic Dowd-Garnet Hathaway

Erik Gustafsson-John Carlson

Martin Fehervary-Nick Jensen

Matt Irwin-Trevor van Riemsdyk

Darcy Kuemper

Charlie Lindgren

Darcy Kuemper will start, while former Washington netminder Philipp Grubauer will get the call for the Kraken.

Washington Capitals vs. Seattle Kraken: Players To Watch

When it comes to names to watch on the D.C. side, keep an eye on Alex Ovechkin, who has four goals in his last four games and broke the NHL’s all-time road goals record on Tuesday. Also look out for T.J. Oshie, who will play his first-ever game in Seattle in front of family in his home state of Washington. The Everett native has four points in his last four games since returning from injury. Also watch for Dylan Strome, who has points in three of his last four games and is tied with Evgeny Kuznetsov for the team lead in assists. Anthony Mantha also finally broke out last game. So, look for him to make an impact, too.

On the Seattle side of the coin, there are several names to look out for. Former Capitals forward Andre Burakovsky, who won the Stanley Cup last year, has been outstanding and leading the way since inking a five-year deal with the Kraken this offseason. He has 23 points in 22 games, including points in four straight, and he is on pace for a career-high 86 points this season. Jordan Eberle and Matty Beniers have also been producing at nearly a point-per-game pace. Still, there’s emphasis on former Washington skaters, including Justin Schultz, who leads Seattle defensemen in scoring and is on pace for 59 points. Former friend Daniel Sprong, who the Capitals traded for Marcus Johansson at last year’s deadline, has points in three of his last four games, and if he continues to dress, he’ll be on pace for 65 points.

How To Watch

DMV fans can watch the action live on NBC Sports Washington and tune in to listen on Caps Radio 24/7. Kraken fans can catch the action on ROOT SPORTS NW. The game will also be on ESPN+.

Puck drop is at 10 p.m. ET. It’s another late game due to the action being on the West Coast.