Preview: Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Seattle Kraken – January 19, 2026
The upcoming matchup between the Pittsburgh Penguins and the Seattle Kraken promises an intriguing battle. Scheduled for January 19, 2026, the game features two teams with shared aspirations for postseason success. Both squads have demonstrated varying degrees of competitiveness throughout the current NHL season.
Pittsburgh Penguins Overview
The Penguins enter the game with a record of 22 wins, 14 losses, and 11 overtime losses (22-14-11), accumulating a total of 55 points. They currently hold the third position in the Metropolitan Division. Their recent form includes a challenging stretch where they will play three games in four nights, facing off against the Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers following their encounter with the Kraken.
Recent Performance
- Penguins’ last 10 games: 7 wins, 2 losses, 2 overtime losses.
- Ranked third in NHL for power play efficiency.
- Defense has allowed only 23 goals over the past 11 games.
Seattle Kraken Overview
The Kraken are slightly behind the Penguins, with a record of 21 wins, 17 losses, and 9 overtime losses (21-17-9), totaling 51 points. They also sit in third place, but in the Pacific Division. Seattle recently returned home after a tough eastern road trip, finishing with a disappointing 1-3-1 record.
Home Performance
- Last five home games: 3 wins, 0 losses, 2 overtime losses.
- Ranked 25th in the league for offensive production.
- Struggles in generating consistent scoring opportunities.
Matchup Highlights
This game continues the overarching narrative of the Penguins’ struggles against the Kraken. Pittsburgh is seeking to break a four-game winless streak against Seattle, having won only two of their last nine meetings overall.
Key Players to Watch
- Sidney Crosby – poised to play his 1,400th NHL game.
- Evgeni Malkin – returning from injury, showcasing valuable contributions recently.
- Jared McCann – a standout performer for the Kraken, albeit inconsistent.
Statistical Insights
Absence of key players can impact team performance. Matt Murray is on injured reserve but is nearing a return. As evidenced by their ranking at 32nd in penalty killing, Seattle has some vulnerabilities. Additionally, their scoring average of 2.74 goals per game is a critical concern for the franchise.
Injury Report
- Penguins: Erik Karlsson is out but may return soon.
- Kraken: Tye Kartye, Max McCormick, and Cale Fleury are potential scratches.
Conclusion
As the teams prepare for a crucial game on January 19, both the Penguins and the Kraken have their sights set on improving their standings. The match will reveal the strengths and weaknesses of each team as they battle for playoff positioning in the NHL this season.
