The Seattle Kraken are set to face off against the Florida Panthers on March 24, 2026, at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida. The game is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. ET, with both teams looking to improve their standings as the season approaches its conclusion.
As of now, the Florida Panthers hold a record of 34-32-3, while the Seattle Kraken have a record of 31-29-9. The Panthers find themselves 14 points out of the final Eastern Conference wild card spot with just 13 games remaining in the season, making this matchup critical for their playoff hopes.
In recent games, the Kraken have struggled offensively, scoring two goals or fewer in nine of their last 14 games since the Winter Olympic break. This trend has raised concerns about their ability to compete effectively, as noted by coach Lane Lambert, who emphasized the need for the team to increase their shots on goal.
Historically, the Kraken have performed well against the Panthers, winning three of their last four encounters in Sunrise and holding a 6-2-1 all-time record against Florida. Their last meeting resulted in a decisive 6-1 victory for the Kraken, which adds an extra layer of intrigue to this upcoming game.
Key players to watch include Sam Reinhart of the Panthers, who has amassed 61 points in 64 games this season, and Jordan Eberle of the Kraken, with 49 points over 67 games. Additionally, goaltending will be crucial, with Sergei Bobrovsky having allowed 137 goals this season and Joey Daccord posting a .900 save percentage.
Lane Lambert remarked on the importance of playing meaningful hockey at this stage of the season, stating, “This part of the schedule, playing meaningful hockey down to the end, is in many ways their ‘reward’ for having gotten this far.” His comments reflect the heightened stakes for both teams as they navigate the final stretch of the season.
While the Panthers are the two-time defending Stanley Cup champions, Lambert pointed out that this current team is not in the playoff contention race, contrasting their past successes with their current struggles.
As the game approaches, both teams will be looking to capitalize on their strengths and address their weaknesses in hopes of securing a vital win. The outcome could have significant implications for their respective playoff aspirations.
