The Chicago Blackhawks are gearing up for their matchup against the Seattle Kraken tonight, March 18, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. CT, as they attempt to snap a four-game losing streak and reclaim some momentum. After falling short against their last few opponents, the Blackhawks are desperate for a win, especially against a Kraken team struggling to find its footing.
This game marks the first rematch between these two teams since December 19, 2024, when the Blackhawks managed to secure their eighth win of the season. Since then, Chicago has faced significant challenges, only recently accumulating eight victories overall. With their current four-game slump, including three losses within regulation, the stakes couldn't be higher for players and coaching staff alike as they prepare for tonight's game.
Spencer Knight will take the net as Chicago’s starting goalie, adding much-needed stability to their defensive lineup. Knight has proven himself since joining the team, reported to have registered impressive statistics of 2.24 goals against average (GAA) and .928 save percentage (SV%) over four starts since his acquisition. This performance stands out compared to the team's previous starter, Arvid Soderblom, who faced challenges during his recent outing against the Vancouver Canucks, allowing six goals on just 15 shots. Knight’s presence on the roster is seen as pivotal; his experience and quick reflexes could be instrumental against the Kraken's offense.
Focusing on strategy, Connor Bedard will play on Frank Nazar's wing tonight as the coaching staff seeks to spark his offensive prowess and activate his scoring capabilities. Bedard has struggled lately, netting only one goal over his last 12 games—a slump he aims to overcome against the Kraken. Both Bedard and Nazar created synergy the last time they played together, achieving a 55% Corsi and 54% expected goals share, indicating their potential to generate scoring opportunities. Ryan Donato, after accumulating 22 points across the last 16 games, has emerged as another key asset on Nazar's line, which hopes to capitalize on the Kraken's defensive vulnerabilities.
On the flip side, the Kraken themselves are not without struggles. With only 63 points this season and finding themselves 10 points adrift from the wild card playoff contention, this matchup provides them with little room for error. They recently fell to the Winnipeg Jets after overtime, holding onto their playoff aspirations by the skin of their teeth. Joey Daccord, with his strong .909 SV% record, shows promise, but overall, their goaltending depth has been hampered by Philipp Grubauer's struggles, registering just .872 SV% this season.
The Kraken's strategy includes maintaining zone defense, though effectiveness has been inconsistent, ranking them among the bottom ten teams concerning high-danger chances and overall goals against. Young star Matty Beniers has showcased potential defensively, managing to handle many challenges below the goal line, yet the rest of the team needs to generate offensively. The absence of real star power on the roster—with key trades, like the departures of Branden Tanev and Yanni Gourde—has made the road to victory for the Kraken particularly treacherous.
Tonight’s game will be broadcast across various platforms including KHN, KONG, and the Chicago Sports Network (CHSN) for local viewers, as well as ESPN+ for those outside these areas. This matchup promises suspense and rigor as both teams fight to change their fortunes.
Even as the Blackhawks seek to rediscover their past glory, there’s no doubt this season has presented challenges. Yet, the resilience displayed by players like Knight and Bedard is noteworthy. What will this pivotal match against the Kraken hold for their future? The answer awaits as the puck drops this evening.
