Vegas Golden Knights vs Seattle Kraken Picks and Predictions December 21st 2024

Golden Knights, masters of strong finishers, take on struggling Kraken

The Vegas Golden Knights, a team renowned for their late-game dominance, will host the Seattle Kraken on Saturday, seeking to maintain their Pacific Division lead and extend their winning streak. While Vegas thrives on resilience and third-period brilliance, the Kraken are mired in struggles, entering the contest on a three-game losing skid.

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Vegas Golden Knights: Thriving on Strong Finishes

Despite occasional slow starts, the Vegas Golden Knights remain a force to be reckoned with in the NHL. With 45 points, they lead the Pacific Division and trail only the Winnipeg Jets (47 points) in the league standings. A major contributor to their success has been their ability to mount comebacks, with 12 come-from-behind victories this season—tied for second in the NHL.

Dominance in December

In their most recent outing, Vegas overcame a sluggish start to defeat the Vancouver Canucks 3-1. After being outshot 11-5 in the first period and conceding an early goal, the Golden Knights responded with three unanswered goals, including William Karlsson’s game-winner early in the third period.

• Third-Period Power: The Golden Knights lead the NHL with a +21 goal differential in the third period, underscoring their ability to close out games effectively.
• Defensive Prowess: Vegas held the Canucks to just five shots over a 34.5-minute span, demonstrating their commitment to a disciplined defensive strategy.

Leadership and Strategy

Head coach Bruce Cassidy acknowledges that slow starts are a concern but emphasizes the team’s veteran experience and ability to adapt mid-game.

“Nobody wins a game in the first period. You can lose one, but nobody is winning one in the first period,” Cassidy said. “We’re comfortable with that, but of course, we’d rather be up 2-0 or 3-0 early. Still, at the end of the day, we know how to win.”

Having won the Stanley Cup in 2023, the Golden Knights’ confidence and experience shine through, even when faced with adversity.

Seattle Kraken: A Team in Trouble

The Kraken’s season has been defined by inconsistency, and their recent performances have been particularly troubling. Sitting sixth in the Pacific Division, Seattle has struggled on both ends of the ice.

Offensive Woes

Seattle’s offensive struggles were evident in their 3-1 loss to the Chicago Blackhawks on Thursday. Before Ryker Evans scored late in the third period, the Kraken endured a seven-period scoring drought, including being shut out 3-0 by Ottawa earlier in the week.

“Unacceptable, awful, we need better,” said alternate captain Yanni Gourde during an intermission interview. “Too many turnovers at the blue line. This has to stop.”

Defensive Breakdowns

Turnovers and poor engagement have plagued Seattle, a trend noted by head coach Dan Blysma.

“We were not engaged to start the game,” Blysma said. “That shows up in execution, in puck battles, and in having to play too much defense. It’s something we’ve talked about, but it’s on everyone to bring more to our game.”

Seattle has now lost three straight games and faces a daunting road trip, concluding with a matchup against the Colorado Avalanche on Sunday.

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Previous Matchup and Outlook

This will be the second meeting between the two teams this season. The Kraken edged out the Golden Knights 4-3 in overtime on Nov. 8, thanks to Jared McCann’s game-winning goal.

While the Kraken hope to replicate that success, Vegas has been nearly unstoppable at home, particularly against Western Conference opponents, boasting a 17-3-2 record. With the Golden Knights’ recent form—winning six of their last seven games in December—Seattle faces an uphill battle.

What to Watch For

1. Vegas’ Early-Game Adjustments: Will the Golden Knights address their slow starts and assert control early, or will they rely on another comeback?
2. Seattle’s Offensive Response: Can the Kraken find a way to generate consistent scoring opportunities against one of the league’s top defenses?
3. Key Players:
   • Vegas: Look for William Karlsson and captain Mark Stone to lead the charge.
   • Seattle: Ryker Evans and Oliver Bjorkstrand will be crucial if the Kraken hope to turn things around.

Conclusion

The Golden Knights enter Saturday’s game as favorites, driven by their resilience and strategic brilliance. Meanwhile, the Kraken must overcome offensive and defensive inconsistencies to avoid slipping further down the standings. With contrasting narratives, this Pacific Division clash promises intrigue and high stakes.