Seattle Kraken vs Anaheim Ducks Picks and Predictions November 27th 2024

Shane Wright, Kraken eye sweep of pair against Ducks

The Seattle Kraken found their groove on Monday night, snapping a five-game road losing streak with a narrow 3-2 victory over the Anaheim Ducks. The game marked the triumphant return of Shane Wright, the No. 4 overall pick in the 2022 NHL Draft, who played a pivotal role in the win with a goal and an assist.

The Kraken and Ducks will face off again Wednesday in Seattle, where the Kraken aim to complete a sweep of the home-and-home series.

Shane Wright’s Impactful Comeback

Shane Wright had been a healthy scratch for the previous three games, but his time observing from the press box proved invaluable. The 19-year-old forward returned to the lineup with fresh insights and delivered a standout performance.

“I kind of realized I have a little more time with the puck than I think I do,” Wright said after the game. “Being able to hold onto it, skate it, and make plays confidently made all the difference.”

Wright opened the scoring in the first period by outmuscling a defender to redirect Oliver Bjorkstrand’s shot past Ducks goaltender Lukas Dostal. His presence was equally critical in the third period when he won an offensive-zone faceoff, setting up Brandon Montour’s game-winning slap shot.

“It was great to see Wright get on the board early,” said Kraken coach Dan Bylsma. “I thought he played really well all game long. That faceoff win for the game-winner is just another example of what he can bring.”

Breaking the Road Losing Streak

The Kraken’s win not only showcased individual brilliance but also demonstrated their collective resilience. They had been outscored 17-5 and shut out twice during their five-game road skid, but Monday’s performance offered a glimpse of their potential.

The team also benefited from Andre Burakovsky’s first goal of the season, which tied the game 46 seconds into the third period. Burakovsky scored from the goal crease after a pinpoint backhand pass from Jared McCann, setting the stage for Montour’s decisive tally just 24 seconds later.

“It’s been a while,” Burakovsky admitted. “It hasn’t been easy, so it was definitely nice to see it go in. Maybe not the prettiest goal, but it counts.”

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Ducks Show Promise but Fall Short

Despite the loss, the Anaheim Ducks continued to display promise with a spirited effort. Trevor Zegras and Frank Vatrano each scored to keep the Ducks competitive, and Troy Terry added two assists.

“This time of year is when teams start separating themselves,” Terry remarked. “You could tell the intensity was higher tonight. We’ll learn from this and take the positives forward.”

The Ducks entered the third period tied 1-1 but faltered under the Kraken’s quick offensive strikes. Coach Greg Cronin praised the team’s play through the first two periods but acknowledged the need for better composure in critical moments.

“We were playing our game. We just got off it,” Cronin said. “We’ve got to stick to our structure and play to our system. When you do that, you’re connected, and you can anticipate and play faster.”

Concerns Over Leo Carlsson’s Injury

A key concern for the Ducks moving forward is the health of Leo Carlsson, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2023 NHL Draft. Carlsson suffered an upper-body injury late in the second period after colliding with his own net following a check by Seattle’s Tye Kartye, who was penalized for interference.

Carlsson’s status for Wednesday’s rematch is uncertain, leaving a potential gap in Anaheim’s lineup as they aim to bounce back.

Looking Ahead

Both teams face significant stakes heading into Wednesday’s rematch in Seattle. For the Kraken, building on Monday’s momentum could solidify their standing and boost team confidence. For the Ducks, the game represents an opportunity to respond to adversity, tighten their structure, and learn from their mistakes.

As the season progresses, the play of young stars like Shane Wright and Leo Carlsson will remain a focal point, offering glimpses of the NHL’s bright future.