Sport Preview, Pittsburgh Penguins @ Seattle Kraken 12/6/2021
Posted by: Beretta do Brasil community member | Date: December 5, 2021
The Pittsburgh Penguins travel to Seattle to face the expansion Kraken at Climate Pledge Arena on Monday, December 6, 2021. This game marks the first ever matchup between these two franchises in Seattle. Both teams come into the contest with different trajectories; the Penguins are a perennial contender led by veterans Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, while the Kraken are building chemistry in their inaugural season.
Team Form
The Penguins have been playing solid hockey, relying on their speed and offensive depth. Crosby continues to produce at an elite level, and the supporting cast including Jake Guentzel and Bryan Rust provides scoring threats. Seattle, on the other hand, has struggled to find consistency but has shown flashes of promise with goals from Jordan Eberle and Jared McCann. Goaltending will be crucial; Pittsburgh’s Tristan Jarry and Seattle’s Philipp Grubauer are capable of stealing games.
Key Matchups
Watch for the Penguins’ power play against Seattle’s penalty kill; Pittsburgh’s man advantage ranks among the league’s best, while the Kraken’s PK has been improving. At even strength, the Penguins’ forecheck could exploit Seattle’s defensive zone coverage. The Kraken will look to use their speed on the counterattack and capitalize on any Pittsburgh turnovers.
Prediction
This should be a competitive game. Pittsburgh’s experience gives them an edge, but Seattle will be motivated to perform in front of their home crowd. Expect a tight contest, possibly decided by special teams or a late goal.