Lightning Look to Keep Rolling as Kraken Battle for Playoff Position

The Tampa Bay Lightning return from the 4 Nations Face-Off break looking to extend their four-game winning streak when they host the Seattle Kraken on Sunday night.

Tampa Bay was one of the hottest teams in the Eastern Conference before the break, going 4-0 in their last four games and improving to 6-0-1 all-time against Seattle with a dominant 5-1 win over the Kraken on Dec. 14.

Seattle, however, enters the game fresh off a 2-1 win over the Florida Panthers on Saturday, but their playoff hopes remain in jeopardy with a grueling schedule ahead.

Vasilevskiy Leading Tampa Bay’s Charge

Goaltender Andrei Vasilevskiy has been on fire, winning his last four starts and going 5-0-1 before the break. He capped off the Lightning’s strong stretch with 32 saves in a back-to-back sweep of Detroit and Montreal on Feb. 9.

Head coach Jon Cooper praised his team’s resilience through a tough schedule.

“We had four games in six nights — not even six nights,” Cooper said. “It’s a grind, this league. We were 3-9 in the division, but we got eight points in four games.”

Nikita Kucherov continues to pace the Lightning offense, leading the team in assists (57) and points (82) this season.

Kraken Face Tough Road Ahead

Seattle’s playoff push is facing significant challenges. The Kraken have played 58 games already, tied with Colorado for the most in the Western Conference, meaning other teams chasing a postseason spot have games in hand.

Compounding their challenge, Seattle will play four more road games than home games down the stretch, and they have struggled away from home, going 13-14-4.

Seattle’s Big Win Over Florida

Despite their uphill battle, the Kraken delivered an impressive 2-1 win over the Panthers on Saturday.

Jared McCann scored the game-winner against his former team.
Kaapo Kakko also found the net.
Shane Wright contributed two assists.

Seattle’s only win against Tampa Bay came in overtime on Oct. 30, 2023, a 4-3 victory.

Eerle Returns From Long Injury Layoff

Seattle got a boost with the return of captain Jordan Eberle, who played his first game since suffering a pelvic injury 40 games ago. He logged 14:03 of ice time and registered two shots on goal.

Jared McCann praised his leadership and determination to return.

“A lot of other guys, if they were to get hurt like that, I don’t think they would be back as quickly as he is,” McCann said. “He was so motivated. He’s so mentally strong.”

Key Players to Watch

Lightning: Nikita Kucherov (82 points), Andrei Vasilevskiy (4-game win streak)
Kraken: Jaden Schwartz (18 goals), Jared McCann (43 points)

Can Tampa Bay Stay Unbeaten in Regulation Against Seattle?

The Lightning have dominated the season series and look to stay perfect against Seattle, but the Kraken are coming off a gritty win and will be eager to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Can Tampa Bay extend its winning streak, or will Seattle pull off a road upset?

Tampa Bay Lightning vs Seattle Kraken Picks and Predictions February 23rd 2025