Seattle Kraken vs Tampa Bay Lightning Picks and Predictions December 14th 2024

Lightning to test high-scoring ways vs. Kraken

The Tampa Bay Lightning will wrap up their four-game Western road trip on Saturday night with a clash against the Seattle Kraken. Both teams bring momentum, high-powered performances, and compelling storylines to what promises to be an exciting NHL matchup.

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Tampa Bay Lightning: Offensive Powerhouse

Sitting tied for first in the NHL in goals per game (3.96), the Tampa Bay Lightning’s potent offense is firing on all cylinders. A big reason for this success is forward Nikita Kucherov, who delivered a historic performance Thursday in an 8-3 victory over the Calgary Flames. Kucherov tied franchise records with six points and five assists, pushing his season tally to 44 points (14 goals, 30 assists) in 25 games. He currently ranks second in the league in points and assists, just behind Colorado’s Nathan MacKinnon.

Brayden Point, Kucherov’s linemate, has been equally impressive. With 19 goals and 20 assists, Point is tied for second in the NHL in goals scored, trailing only Edmonton’s Leon Draisaitl (21). Reflecting on Kucherov’s stellar play, Point remarked, “It just makes the game so much easier, especially playing on his line. He’s been rolling this season and is a big part of our wins.”

The Lightning also celebrated a significant milestone for goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy, who made 19 saves in his 500th NHL appearance during the Calgary victory. Defenseman Ryan McDonagh lauded Vasilevskiy, calling him “the backbone of this team for the last decade.”

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Injury Woes for Tampa Bay

Despite their offensive firepower, Tampa Bay faces challenges on defense. Key players Victor Hedman and Erik Cernak missed Thursday’s game, while J.J. Moser left in the second period with a lower-body injury. Head coach Jon Cooper acknowledged the team’s struggles, saying, “It’s a tough league to stay healthy in. We got banged up in Vancouver, and we’re just trying to hold it together here until we get home.”

Seattle Kraken: Building Momentum

The Seattle Kraken are entering Saturday’s matchup with confidence, having gone 4-1-1 in December. On Thursday, they delivered a dominant 5-1 win against the Boston Bruins. Oliver Bjorkstrand led the charge with two goals, while Philipp Grubauer made 33 saves in a stellar performance.

Bjorkstrand has been on a scoring tear, netting four goals in his last three games, including two in a high-scoring 7-5 victory over the New York Rangers earlier this week. His resurgence has tied him with Jared McCann for the team lead in goals (11). Bjorkstrand praised Grubauer’s contributions in the Boston win, saying, “He obviously kept us in it. We relied heavily on him, and he did really well.”

Grubauer, who has struggled earlier this season, is turning things around with back-to-back victories. He credited his defensemen for the team’s improved performance: “We played tight, kept them to the outside. They had a high volume of shots, but not many high-quality chances.”

Emotional Tribute to David Bonderman

Thursday’s win was particularly meaningful for the Kraken as the team honored late owner David Bonderman, who passed away earlier this week at age 82. Players wore patches with the word “Bondo” on their sweaters, commemorating the man instrumental in bringing the NHL to Seattle.

Grubauer dedicated the victory to Bonderman, saying, “Without him, I don’t think we would be here. The Bonderman family has done so much for the city and for us. It’s incredible.”

What to Expect: Key Matchup Factors

1. Tampa Bay’s Scoring Depth vs. Seattle’s Defense
   Tampa Bay’s offensive stars, Kucherov and Point, will test the Kraken’s defensive resilience. With Grubauer finding his form and Seattle limiting quality chances, the game could hinge on their ability to stifle Tampa Bay’s relentless attack.
2. Injuries on the Lightning Blue Line
   The absence of Hedman and Cernak leaves Tampa Bay vulnerable defensively. If the Kraken can exploit this weakness, they may neutralize the Lightning’s high-scoring ways.
3. Momentum in Net
   Both teams are buoyed by recent standout performances in goal. Vasilevskiy’s consistency and Grubauer’s resurgence add intrigue to the goaltending duel.

Closing Thoughts

Saturday’s game presents a fascinating clash of styles. The Lightning’s high-octane offense is a stark contrast to the Kraken’s steady improvements on defense and goaltending. As Tampa Bay looks to solidify its dominance and finish its Western trip strong, Seattle aims to continue its December resurgence while honoring its late owner.