Seattle Kraken vs Columbus Blue Jackets Picks and Predictions November 12th 2024

Kraken Look to Build Momentum Against Slumping Blue Jackets

After finally breaking their four-game losing streak, the Seattle Kraken are set to host the struggling Columbus Blue Jackets on Tuesday. Both teams are looking to find consistency, but they’re heading into this matchup with different recent experiences and renewed hopes for turning their seasons around.

Kraken Find Their Spark by Benching Stars

Sometimes, tough love is the way to get a team back on track, and Kraken coach Dan Bylsma did just that by benching forwards Oliver Bjorkstrand and Tye Kartye for a game on November 5 against Colorado. The move appears to have worked, as both players came back with a bang in Seattle’s thrilling 4-3 overtime victory against the Vegas Golden Knights on Friday.

Bjorkstrand, in particular, delivered in a big way, scoring a gritty goal early in the third period that put Seattle ahead 3-2 after trailing 2-0. Coach Bylsma praised Bjorkstrand’s all-around effort, saying, “He’s a talented, skilled player with a great shot. His competition level was at a great level for him to have success.”

Reflecting on his performance, Bjorkstrand was candid about being benched: “I would have been ready in Colorado, but I was ready (Friday). I feel like I played well with the puck and was able to create some chances.”

Seattle now hopes to carry that momentum into their upcoming game against Columbus, especially after getting a weekend to rest and refocus.

Blue Jackets in a Rut: Searching for Answers

The Blue Jackets, on the other hand, are stuck in a five-game winless skid (0-4-1). Their latest setback came in a 4-2 loss to the Anaheim Ducks on Sunday, despite putting up 38 shots against Ducks goalie John Gibson, who was making his season debut after an emergency appendectomy.

Defenseman Zach Werenski, who played his 500th NHL game that night, didn’t mince words: “It’s unacceptable. Enough with the moral victories. We have to look ourselves in the mirror and find a way to win hockey games.”

The Blue Jackets have been struggling to find the back of the net, scoring just nine goals during their losing streak. Coach Dean Evason acknowledged the scoring drought but remains hopeful: “A few weeks back, we couldn’t miss… Now it’s gone the other way, but there’s nothing we can do except move forward.”

Both Teams Hope for Reinforcements

Both Seattle and Columbus could see new faces in their lineups on Tuesday, which might provide the spark they need. The Kraken recently reacquired forward Daniel Sprong in a trade with the Vancouver Canucks. Sprong, who scored 21 goals for Seattle last season, could give their offense a boost.

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Meanwhile, the Blue Jackets picked up defenseman Dante Fabbro off waivers from the Nashville Predators. The former first-round pick could add some much-needed stability to Columbus’ blue line.

Can the Kraken Capitalize on Home Ice?

Seattle will look to build on their recent win and keep the energy high as they welcome Columbus to Climate Pledge Arena. With Bjorkstrand finding his groove again and potential reinforcements on the way, the Kraken are in a good position to build some momentum.

For the Blue Jackets, it’s all about finding that elusive spark to end their skid. Will they finally break through, or will the Kraken continue to ride the wave of their recent success?

Tuesday’s matchup is shaping up to be a test of resilience for both teams, as they each look to gain some much-needed traction early in the season.