Kraken Host Predators to Open 2026 in Key Western Conference Matchup SEATTLE (Interstat) — Two teams looking to build momentum for a playoff push will meet when the Seattle Kraken host the Nashville Predators on Thursday at Climate Pledge Arena. The New Year’s Day matchup features Western Conference foes with nearly identical records. The visiting Predators (18-21-0) sit just ahead of the Kraken (16-21-3) in the standings, making every head-to-head point critical. Nashville arrives riding a wave of confidence after a 4-2 road victory over the Vegas Golden Knights on Wednesday. Goaltender Justus Annunen was pivotal in that win, stopping 29 of 31 shots. He has been a key player for the Predators, posting a 2-2-0 record in his last four starts with a .939 save percentage over that span, including a 38-save performance in a loss to Carolina on Dec. 6. The Kraken are coming off a 3-2 shootout loss to Vancouver on Monday but had won three straight prior. Forward Ryan Winterton, who scored Seattle’s first goal in that game, has been a consistent presence. The center has one goal and one assist in his last 10 games while averaging nearly two shots per contest. Seattle’s offense will need to solve Annunen, who backstopped a 2-1 win over the New York Rangers on Dec. 21. The Kraken counter with a recent home-ice advantage, having won four of their last five at Climate Pledge Arena, including decisive victories over Philadelphia and Anaheim last week. Nashville has shown resilience on the road lately, with a 3-2-0 record in its last five away games, including an overtime win in Minnesota. Michael Bunting, who scored against Vegas, and Filip Forsberg, who had a goal and an assist in a Dec. 29 win at Utah, lead the offensive charge. According to National Statistical’s game simulator, the projected final score is Nashville 3, Seattle 2. Following this contest, both teams face quick turnarounds. The Kraken travel to Vancouver on Friday, while the Predators continue a road trip in Calgary on Saturday. Puck drop is set for 6 p.m. PST.