Wild, Kraken Look to Build Momentum After Ending Losing Streaks

The Seattle Kraken and Minnesota Wild enter Tuesday’s matchup looking to build momentum after snapping their respective losing streaks. Seattle put together an impressive offensive performance against Vancouver, while Minnesota relied on rock-solid defense to take down Boston. With both teams seeking consistency, this game presents a crucial opportunity to turn things around for the final stretch of the season.

Adding to the excitement, the first 10,000 fans at Climate Pledge Arena will receive a Philipp Grubauer bobblehead, a fitting tribute as the veteran goaltender returns from a stint in the AHL.

Kraken Welcome Back Grubauer, Look to Keep Offense Rolling

One of the biggest storylines heading into this game is the return of goaltender Philipp Grubauer. The Kraken sent the veteran netminder down to the Coachella Valley Firebirds before the 4 Nations Face-Off to get some playing time after struggling at the NHL level. In his seven AHL starts, Grubauer posted a 5-2-0 record with a 2.87 goals-against average (GAA) and a .893 save percentage—a noticeable improvement over his NHL numbers this season (5-15-1, 3.83 GAA, .866 save percentage).

“It was pretty turbulent there for a minute,” Grubauer admitted. “But playing consistently helped me find my rhythm. It’s tough to sit for weeks and then be expected to perform. Goalies need reps, and I got plenty of those.”

Kraken head coach Dan Bylsma praised Grubauer’s attitude and work ethic, emphasizing how important it was for the goalie to regain his form.

“He went down, was a true pro, and set an example for the group in Coachella Valley,” Bylsma said. “Every report on him from down there says he’s an NHL goalie.”

Seattle ended a two-game losing streak in style on Saturday, defeating the Vancouver Canucks 6-3 in a dominant offensive performance.

Eeli Tolvanen led the way with two goals, while Brandon Montour, Shane Wright, and Vince Dunn also made key contributions. The victory provided a much-needed boost for a Kraken team that is nine points out of a wild-card berth in the Western Conference.

While Bylsma hasn’t confirmed when Grubauer will start again, it’s clear that the team wants him back in the mix as they push for a late-season playoff run.

Want the best odds? Compare betting lines now 👉 NHL Odds

Wild Lean on Defense to End Three-Game Losing Streak

The Minnesota Wild also snapped their losing skid with a gritty 1-0 win over the Boston Bruins on Sunday. The victory wasn’t flashy, but it was exactly what the Wild needed after struggling on the road.

Filip Gustavsson played the hero, stopping all 28 shots he faced to record the shutout. Meanwhile, Frederick Gaudreau provided the only goal of the game in what was a physical, defensive battle.

“It was a dirty 1-0 win, but those are sometimes the best ones,” Gustavsson said. “We had a tough stretch, so it feels good to turn things around.”

Wild head coach John Hynes was pleased with how his team responded after disappointing performances against Detroit and Columbus.

“We needed to come out strong and get back to our game,” Hynes said. “It wasn’t the most exciting game, but we played a solid, structured game and got the result we needed.”

Minnesota’s defensive discipline was key to their success, as they limited Boston’s scoring opportunities and stayed out of the penalty box.

The Wild enter this game third in the Central Division with 74 points, trailing the Dallas Stars by six points while maintaining a narrow lead over the Colorado Avalanche, who currently occupy the first wild-card spot in the Western Conference.

With the standings tightening up, every game is crucial for Minnesota as they try to secure a top-three division finish rather than battling for a wild-card position.

Skate to Victory

Get NHL Predictions Now

Get Free Trial

Which Team Can Keep the Momentum Going?

Both the Kraken and Wild desperately needed their latest wins, but now the real test begins—can they turn one victory into a consistent streak?

For Seattle, the return of Grubauer adds intrigue. If he can bounce back and provide solid goaltending, the Kraken could make a late push toward playoff contention. The offense came alive against Vancouver, and if they can maintain that scoring touch, they’ll be dangerous.

For Minnesota, the key will be defensive consistency. They shut down a high-powered Boston team, but they’ll need to prove they can sustain that level of play against other opponents. Gustavsson’s performance in net will be crucial, especially if the Wild want to limit Seattle’s offensive firepower.

With both teams fighting for a chance at the postseason, expect an intense and competitive battle in Seattle. Will the Kraken continue their offensive surge, or will the Wild’s defense shut them down? Tuesday’s showdown will set the tone for the final stretch of the season.