MATCHUP PREVIEW | By the Numbers: Seattle at Minnesota

The Kraken will look to string collectively three straight wins as they head to Minnesota to battle an injured Wild squad. With key forwards out of the lineup, The Athletic’s Michael Russo reported yesterday that Minnesota will play with 11 forwards and seven defenders within the lineup in comparison with the standard six and 12 cut up. Even with that change, this might be a recreation for Seattle’s offense to make the most of whereas focusing defensively on defending the area in entrance of their goaltender.

Let us take a look at the upcoming matchup by the numbers: 

• After dealing with a Calgary squad that makes use of pace, rush possibilities, and strong forechecking as their calling card, Minnesota will current a special look offensively. This workforce shoots so much, particularly from the interior slot, rating sixth total within the NHL. A part of why they get so many appears is their skill to get the puck there by way of passes so ceaselessly. Solely 5 groups efficiently execute passes to the slot higher than the Wild. The Kraken permit loads of these so tightening up play in shut is vital.
   
• As for the Kraken’s offense, there’s alternative on this recreation. Minnesota permits a great deal of probabilities of all types. The Wild are center of the pack amongst NHL groups by way of permitting possibilities off the frenzy (12^th), off the forecheck (18^th), or from rebounds (13^th). The largest alternative for Seattle might be possibilities off the cycle – Minnesota provides up 10.5 of those per recreation.
   
• The Kraken penalty kill has been discovering success these days. Within the final 4 video games, the particular groups unit has allowed two targets towards in 12 alternatives for opponents’ energy performs. However now they’re dealing with the fourth-best energy play within the league.
   
• On the opposite facet of issues, the Wild are averaging 4 penalties taken per recreation and are profitable on the penalty kill 75-percent of the time.

Gamers to Watch

• Often, we use this area to inform you who to look at, but it surely’s notable this recreation to speak about who’s not going to be on the ice. Minnesota has been besieged by accidents and do not count on any of Brandon Duhaime, Marcus Foligno, Jordan Greenway, or Ryan Hartman to play towards Seattle.
   
• Gamers you will notice which can be identified offensive threats are Kirill “the joys” Kaprizov who leads the workforce in targets (8) and factors (13) and veteran Mats Zuccarello who has 5 targets and 12 factors by ten video games.
   
• Per Russo, count on to see Marc-Andre Fleury between the pipes. The Vezina-winning goaltender had a tough begin to the season, however in his final six video games, he is averaging .6 targets saved greater than anticipated (per Evolving-Hockey.com).
   
• On the Seattle facet, your eyes aren’t deceiving you. Matty Beniers presently ranks first amongst all rookies in factors (9), shot high quality (2.77 anticipated targets), photographs from the slot (18), passes to the slot (16), and rush possibilities (8), (per Sportlogiq, all conditions).

All stats mirror 5-on-5 play except in any other case acknowledged. For extra data on the phrases used right here, please go to our Intro to Hockey Analytics