Seattle Kraken fans are bracing for a challenging matchup as they host the Colorado Avalanche on Thursday, March 12, 2026, at Climate Pledge Arena. The Avalanche, currently leading the Western Conference, arrive in Seattle with a formidable record of 43-11-9, while the Kraken stand at 29-25-9. This contest marks the second meeting between the two teams this season, with Colorado having secured a 5-3 victory in their previous encounter back in December.
The Kraken are looking to snap a three-game losing streak, having conceded 186 goals while scoring 178, resulting in a -8 scoring differential. Conversely, the Avalanche boast a significantly stronger offensive record, having scored 238 goals and conceded only 154, for a +84 differential. The game is set to begin at 10 p.m. EDT and will be broadcast on ESPN+, according to game previews.
Avalanche’s Road Prowess
Colorado has demonstrated exceptional performance on the road, holding a record of 20-6-5 away from home. Their recent form has been strong, averaging 3.1 goals per game while limiting opponents to 2.2 goals in their last ten games. This consistency has been driven by key players like Cale Makar, who leads the team with 19 goals and 47 assists, and Martin Necas, who has contributed seven goals and eight assists over the past ten games. The Avalanche had a five-game winning streak broken on Tuesday with a 4-3 loss to the Edmonton Oilers, but remain a top contender in the league.
Kraken Struggle for Consistency
Seattle, meanwhile, has struggled to maintain momentum, posting a 1-3-0 record in their last four games. They are averaging 2.5 goals per game while allowing 3.8, a concerning trend as they attempt to secure a playoff position. Matthew Beniers leads the Kraken with 17 goals and 23 assists, while Kaapo Kakko has shown recent form with four goals and one assist in his last ten appearances. The team has a 16-12-5 record at home, but faces a tough test against a Colorado side that excels in all facets of the game.
Recent Head-to-Head Results
Historically, the Avalanche have dominated the series against the Kraken. Looking back at recent matchups:
- November 14, 2023: Seattle Kraken 1 – 5 Colorado Avalanche
- October 23, 2024: Seattle Kraken 2 – 3 Colorado Avalanche
- November 6, 2024: Colorado Avalanche 6 – 3 Seattle Kraken
- December 23, 2024: Colorado Avalanche 5 – 2 Seattle Kraken
- December 17, 2025: Seattle Kraken 3 – 5 Colorado Avalanche
Injury Report
As of the latest reports, neither team has listed any injuries. However, the Colorado Avalanche have several players currently sidelined, including Logan O’Connor, Arturri Lehkonen, and Gabriel Landeskog, according to Inside The Rink. The Seattle Kraken have listed Jaden Schwartz, Frederick Gaudreau, and Bobby McMann as day-to-day.
Projected Lineups
Here are the projected lineups for both teams, as reported by Inside The Rink:
Colorado Avalanche: Kadri-MacKinnon-Necas; Colton-Nelson-Nichushkin; Kelly-Roy-Brindley; Bardakov-Drury-Kiviranta; Toews-Makar; Manson-Burns; Kulak-Malinski; Wedgewood/Blackwood
Seattle Kraken: McCann-Beniers-Eberle; Tolvanen-Stephenson-Gaudreau; Catton-Wright-Kakko; Melanson-Meyers-Winterton; Dunn-Larsson; Lindgren-Montour; Evans-Oleksiak; Daccord/Grubauer
The odds favor the Colorado Avalanche, currently priced at -205 on the moneyline, while the Seattle Kraken are at +168, according to Scores and Stats. The puck line is set at -1.5 for Colorado (+123) and +1.5 for Seattle (-150). The over/under for total goals is 6.0.
Looking ahead, the outcome of this game will have significant implications for both teams as they navigate the remainder of the NHL season. For the Avalanche, it’s about maintaining their position atop the Western Conference. For the Kraken, it’s a crucial opportunity to gain ground in a competitive playoff race.
What are your predictions for the Avalanche-Kraken game? Share your thoughts in the comments below and be sure to share this article with fellow hockey fans!
