Devils Aim to End Road Slump Against Struggling Kraken
New Jersey Devils vs. Seattle Kraken: Devils Look to End Slump on the Road Against Struggling Kraken
The NHL action continues on January 6, 2025, as the New Jersey Devils (24-15-3) face the Seattle Kraken (17-20-3) in a cross-conference clash at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle. The Devils are looking to snap a four-game losing streak, while the Kraken hope to halt their own two-game slide. This will be the second and final meeting of the season between these two teams. In their first encounter on December 6, the Devils came out on top, winning 3-2 as heavy favorites.
New Jersey Devils: Looking to End Road Struggles and Find Offensive Rhythm
The New Jersey Devils are currently mired in a frustrating six-game road trip, and their struggles have been apparent. With four consecutive losses on the books, New Jersey is trying to regain its footing after a difficult stretch. The Devils’ most recent setback came on Saturday, January 4, against the San Jose Sharks, where despite outshooting their opponents 30-24, they were unable to seal the win, ultimately falling 3-2.
Nico Hischier and Paul Cotter provided the offense in the loss, with Hischier netting his 19th goal of the season. However, it hasn’t been enough for a team that has fallen short in multiple key games. Jacob Markstrom, who made 21 saves against the Sharks, has been a solid presence in goal this season, sporting a 19-8-2 record with a 2.18 goals-against average (GAA) and a .911 save percentage. Backup Jake Allen has also seen time between the pipes, though his numbers (2.84 GAA, .901 SV%) aren’t as impressive.
New Jersey’s defense has been a strength for much of the season. They rank 3rd in the NHL, allowing just 2.55 goals per game. However, their offense, while productive, has struggled to find consistency in recent outings. The Devils average 3.19 goals per game (11th in the NHL), but they need to get more from their top scorers as they try to break out of their slump.
Seattle Kraken: Hoping for Defensive Improvement Amidst Offensive Struggles
The Seattle Kraken are also reeling after dropping two straight games following a brief two-game winning streak. After earning victories over the Vancouver Canucks and Utah Hockey Club, Seattle fell 4-3 in a shootout to Vancouver and 4-2 to the Edmonton Oilers.
In their most recent loss to Edmonton, the Kraken were unable to capitalize on their offensive opportunities, managing just 17 shots on goal. Philipp Grubauer struggled in net, allowing three goals on 31 shots, and despite a valiant effort to erase a 3-0 deficit, Seattle couldn’t recover, with Edmonton sealing the win with an empty-net goal.
Grubauer has been a major concern for Seattle this season, posting a 5-11-1 record with a 3.48 GAA and a .879 save percentage. With Joey Daccord still recovering from an injury, the Kraken are without their more reliable netminder. Daccord has been solid when healthy, with a 12-9-2 record, a 2.51 GAA, and a .912 save percentage, but his absence has left Seattle thin in goal.
Seattle’s defensive struggles have been evident throughout the season, with the Kraken allowing 3.13 goals per game (19th in the NHL). The team’s offense has also faltered, scoring just 2.88 goals per game (22nd), which places them among the league’s bottom feeders in that category. If they are to turn things around, both the offense and defense will need to show significant improvement.
Conclusion
This is a crucial matchup for both teams as they look to end their respective losing streaks. The New Jersey Devils, despite their recent struggles, are still the more talented and deeper team, while the Seattle Kraken have been inconsistent, particularly in goal. Expect New Jersey to take advantage of Seattle’s defensive issues, but the Kraken will certainly have the home crowd on their side as they try to turn their season around. This game is sure to be an exciting, high-stakes contest as both teams seek valuable points in the playoff race.
Unlock Winning Insights!
As the Devils and Kraken battle it out, make sure you have the best information at your fingertips. Our data packages provide in-depth analysis and statistics that can help you make informed decisions and increase your chances of winning big this season!
Don’t miss out! Click the button below to explore our data packages and elevate your game strategy today!
