Seattle Kraken Address Back-to-Back Game Struggles for Upcoming Season

What's Happening?

The Seattle Kraken are focusing on improving their performance in back-to-back games for the 2025-26 NHL season. Last season, the team went winless in the second leg of back-to-back games, finishing with a record of 0-12-0. This issue was highlighted by Ron Francis, the president of hockey operations, during his end-of-season press conference. Francis emphasized the need for the team to perform better in these scenarios, as achieving a .500 record in back-to-back games could significantly impact their standings and trade deadline position. The Kraken's struggles in these games were attributed to various factors, including low offensive output and defensive lapses, particularly in allowing low-danger goals. The team aims to address these issues by improving discipline, shot quality, and goaltending performance.

Why It's Important?

Improving performance in back-to-back games is crucial for the Seattle Kraken as it could determine their playoff chances. The team's inability to secure points in these games last season contributed to their overall standings, potentially affecting their trade opportunities and playoff eligibility. By addressing these weaknesses, the Kraken could enhance their competitiveness in the league. This focus on back-to-back games also highlights broader trends in the NHL, where teams generally perform worse with less rest. The Kraken's efforts to overcome these challenges could serve as a model for other teams facing similar issues, emphasizing the importance of strategic planning and player management in condensed schedules.

What's Next?

The Seattle Kraken have 13 back-to-back games scheduled for the upcoming season, providing them with multiple opportunities to implement their strategies for improvement. The team will likely focus on enhancing their offensive and defensive tactics, as well as optimizing goaltending performance during these games. Monitoring the effectiveness of these changes will be crucial, and adjustments may be made as the season progresses. Stakeholders, including fans and analysts, will be watching closely to see if the Kraken can turn their previous zero-point outcomes into more favorable results, potentially impacting their playoff prospects.

Beyond the Headlines

The Kraken's struggle with back-to-back games also raises questions about the impact of travel and scheduling on team performance. While travel distances were not significantly higher than the league average, the team may explore strategies to mitigate fatigue and optimize player readiness. Additionally, the focus on improving discipline and reducing penalties could have broader implications for team culture and player conduct. These efforts reflect a commitment to not only improving game outcomes but also fostering a more resilient and adaptable team environment.