The Seattle Kraken are set to face the Florida Panthers at the Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, FL, on March 24, 2026, in a game that could significantly impact both teams’ playoff aspirations.
As the season progresses, the Florida Panthers hold a record of 34-32-3, while the Seattle Kraken trail slightly behind at 31-29-9. The Panthers find themselves in a precarious position, sitting 14 points out of the final Eastern Conference wild card spot with only 13 games remaining.
The Kraken have struggled offensively since the Winter Olympic break, managing to score two goals or fewer in nine of their last 14 games. This trend poses a significant challenge as they prepare to face a Panthers team that, despite its recent struggles, has a history of success in the postseason.
Historically, the Kraken have performed well against the Panthers, winning three of their last four encounters in this venue and holding a 6-2-1 all-time record against them. Their last meeting ended in a decisive 6-1 victory for the Kraken, which could serve as a psychological advantage.
Key players will be pivotal in this matchup. For the Panthers, Sam Reinhart leads the charge with 61 points in 64 games, while Jordan Eberle contributes significantly for the Kraken with 49 points over 67 games this season. In goal, Sergei Bobrovsky has faced challenges, conceding 137 goals with a three goals-against average, while Joey Daccord has allowed 117 goals with a .900 save percentage.
Lane Lambert, the Kraken’s coach, emphasized the need for his team to increase offensive pressure, stating, “We can debate desperation level and intent all we want but the bottom line is the Kraken must get more pucks to the net and force opposing goalies to stop them.” He acknowledged the unusual position his team finds itself in, noting, “We’re a team that, as I said last week or maybe 10 days ago, we’re not overly used to being in a position like this.”
As the game approaches, the stakes are high for both teams. The Panthers, despite being two-time defending Stanley Cup champions, are not in a position to compete for a playoff spot this season, which adds an intriguing layer to the matchup.
This game, starting at 7 p.m. ET, will be a critical moment for the Kraken as they look to solidify their playoff hopes and for the Panthers as they aim to finish the season on a high note.
