Flames vs Kraken: Analyzing Calgary's Momentum Against Seattle

1. SEA Of Red

It’s been a hot start. And the team is one of the biggest early-season surprises in the NHL. But for Andrei Kuzmenko, that’s all ancient history, as Calgary goes in search of a fifth straight win to begin the campaign tonight in Seattle. “After hard work on ice, we have good results, it’s a good start to the season,” Kuzmenko opined, while trying not to be distracted by teammate passers-by during a media session Friday at WinSport.

“But this is (the) past, it doesn’t matter, we need the next game.” The next game, the next player, that’s been a running theme for this plucky group, with whom Kuzmenko is averaging more than a point per game to begin the campaign. Players like Matt Coronato, Justin Kirkland, and Tyson Barrie have stepped in when called upon and produced. Kuzmenko, meanwhile, is counted upon to be a constant every night, and he’s played the role well - his powerplay marker Tuesday stood up as the decider against Chicago.

But he wants more, too. “I need to play better,” he said Friday. “I need to help my team (on the) powerplay. “I like the pressure, it’s very interesting.” If there’s another level to Kuzmenko’s game, all the better for everyone (except, of course, opposing teams).

2. Know Your Enemy

Seattle plays game two of a five-game homestand tonight after clipping the Flyers 6-4 Thursday; they sit tied for second spot in the Pacific Division with a 3-2-0 record so far. It’s been smooth sailing for the Kraken from an offensive standpoint of late, too.

• Seattle’s scored 13 goals in their last two games, while their 3.80 goals for per game rate ranks eighth in the league to start the season (Calgary, at 4.75 GF/GP, sits second).
• Newly-minted captain Jordan Eberle has lit the lamp four times in five games.
• July signings Brandon Montour and Chandler Stephenson have settled in as well, having both collected three points.

3. Fast Facts

2023-24 Season Series

• The road team won all four meetings between the Flames and Kraken last season.
• Both of Calgary’s wins at Seattle last season came in November.

4. Warm Climate

Washington state has proven to be a happy hunting ground for the Flames since the Kraken entered the league in 2021-22. Calgary holds a perfect 6-0-0 record in six visits to Climate Pledge Arena.

5. Players To Watch

• Flames - Matt Coronato: Coming off his first career NHL multi-goal game.
• Kraken - Jared McCann: Leads Seattle in scoring with seven points so far.