Seattle Kraken vs Vancouver-canucks Picks and Predictions January 2nd 2025

Canucks Hope to Avenge Historic Collapse vs. Kraken

The Vancouver Canucks will seek redemption when they face the Seattle Kraken on Thursday in Seattle, just days after suffering one of the most memorable collapses in NHL history.

Kraken Riding Momentum After Comeback Win

The Kraken, struggling with a five-game losing streak and missing captain Jordan Eberle after pelvis surgery, looked to Jaden Schwartz for inspiration. Schwartz delivered in spectacular fashion during Saturday’s matchup against Vancouver.

Seattle became only the third team in NHL history to overcome a three-goal deficit in the final five minutes of regulation and win. Schwartz scored twice, while Vince Dunn netted the game-winner on a breakaway in overtime, sealing a 6-5 victory.

“Schwartz has been front and center with some of the messaging on how we want to play and what we’re trying to do,” said Kraken coach Dan Bylsma. “He’s a gamer. He rises when the game’s on the line.”

Canucks Reeling from “Devastating” Loss

The Canucks, missing key players Quinn Hughes and Elias Pettersson due to undisclosed injuries, found themselves on the wrong side of history despite holding a commanding late-game lead.

Forward Jake DeBrusk called the loss “devastating,” adding,

“We should never be losing that game, let alone letting it get to overtime. It reinforces the focus we have to have no matter what the score is.”

The loss marked Vancouver’s fifth in six games (1-2-3), compounding their struggles in December.

Recent Results

Both teams have since played once more.

• The Canucks fell 3-1 to the Calgary Flames on Tuesday. Brock Boeser scored his sixth goal in four games, but Vancouver was unable to overcome defensive lapses.
• The Kraken, meanwhile, built on their momentum with a 5-2 victory over the Utah Hockey Club on Monday. Schwartz recorded a goal and two assists, continuing his stellar form.

Key Players to Watch

Seattle Kraken

• Jaden Schwartz: With three goals and two assists in the past two games, Schwartz has been pivotal in Seattle’s resurgence.
• Vince Dunn: His offensive prowess and game-winning goal against Vancouver highlight his importance.

Vancouver Canucks

• Brock Boeser: The winger has been a bright spot, tallying 14 goals this season, including six in his past four games.
• Jake DeBrusk: The team’s leading scorer with 16 goals will need to set the tone for a bounce-back effort.

Check out the latest insights in NHL Conference Odds & Predictions!

Game Outlook

The Canucks will aim to erase the bitter memory of their historic collapse with a disciplined, 60-minute performance. However, Seattle, buoyed by their recent comeback and Schwartz’s leadership, will look to capitalize on Vancouver’s vulnerabilities, especially with the Canucks missing key contributors.

The Kraken’s ability to rally late in games and their growing confidence make them a formidable opponent as they look to climb the Pacific Division standings.