Jessica: He came out of nowhere, dropped a hat trick on the road, and now he’s the center of the entire Pacific Division conversation. Jon-Randall Avon didn’t just score; he dismantled the Calgary defense with a performance that has everyone from ESPN to your local sports bar asking one question: Can anyone stop him?
Mark: It wasn’t just luck, Jessica. It was a perfect storm of zone entries, quick transitions, and Calgary making the exact same defensive mistake twice in a row. But here is the real story: the rematch happens at home on September 25th, and Calgary isn’t going to make those mistakes again.
Jessica: Welcome to the Beatline Podcast Network! I’m Jessica, and this is your daily dive into the Seattle Kraken. Mark is here to break down the tape. Today we are looking ahead to that crucial home rematch against the Flames. We’ve got three things for you: first, how Calgary plans to adjust their forecheck after getting burned on Tuesday night. Second, the injury report update—specifically what Jonathan Huberdeau being on IR means for the top line right now. And third, who steps up when Jake O’Brien is day-to-day? Let’s get into it.
Jessica: Before we kick off Segment One, I want to do a quick shout-out to our community. You know we put out a fresh, deep-dive episode every single day, seven days a week. That takes time, research, and a lot of coffee. If you love having this analysis in your earbuds while you commute or work out, please consider supporting us. A small contribution keeps the show free and daily for all of you. Check the link in the episode description to help us keep the beat going.
Jessica: Okay, let’s talk about the matchup. We are 2-0-0, sitting first in the Pacific Division. That feels good, but it also puts a target on our back. The Flames are coming to Seattle on September 25th. They lost 4-2 on the road, but they’re playing at home next time. What’s the biggest adjustment they need to make based on Tuesday’s game?
Mark: The biggest adjustment is stopping the neutral-zone turnover. In that last game, Calgary gave the puck away way too often in their own end. Aydar Suniev scored two goals, but he benefited from Seattle winning the battles along the boards. If Calgary wants to win this rematch, they can’t rely on individual brilliance alone; they need better structure in the defensive zone.
Jessica: Right, and Abram Wiebe had the assists for them, so the playmaking is there. But if the structure is sloppy, the playmakers don’t have space. Do you think the Flames will try to change their forecheck system entirely, or just tighten up the existing one?
Mark: I doubt they’ll change the whole system. Coaches rarely overhaul a forecheck mid-season unless it’s completely broken. Instead, I expect them to focus on gap control. They let Jon-Randall Avon slip through the neutral zone too easily for that first goal. Tightening the gap between their defensemen and forwards will force Seattle to dump and chase more, which slows down our transition game.
Jessica: That makes sense. So, if we’re forced to dump and chase, our speed becomes less of an advantage. How does that impact our power play? We’ve been effective early on, but if the Flames are parked in their own zone, does that clog the high-danger areas?
Mark: Absolutely. If they’re parking the bus, we need to move the puck faster than usual. The key is the point shot and the rebound battle. If we’re just circling around the perimeter without traffic in front, the goaltender settles in. We need to create chaos. That’s where guys like Barrett Hall or even Chandler Stephenson can find soft spots in the coverage.
Jessica: Chandler Stephenson has been a steady hand for us. He’s not always the flashiest name, but his hockey IQ is elite. Do you think he needs to take more responsibility for creating that chaos on the power play unit?
Mark: He definitely should. Stephenson understands spacing better than almost anyone in the league. If he drops back to the half-wall and draws defenders out, it opens up the slot for others. It’s about reading the defensive shell and finding the seam before the shell closes. That’s veteran leadership in action.
Jessica: So, speed isn't everything if the structure isn't there. We need to be smarter with the puck. Let’s pivot to the injuries, because this is huge. Jonathan Huberdeau is officially on Injured Reserve. That’s a massive blow to our offensive depth. Who fills that void in the lineup?
Mark: This is where it gets interesting. With Huberdeau out, we need someone who can handle pressure in the offensive zone. Frederick Gaudreau is the obvious choice to slide up. He’s gritty, he knows how to win board battles, and he doesn’t miss assignments defensively. It’s a different style than Huberdeau, but it might actually suit this team better if we’re trying to grind out wins.
Jessica: Gaudreau fits the Kraken identity perfectly. Hard-nosed, smart, reliable. And what about Jake O’Brien? He’s listed as Day-To-Day. If he’s not ready for the 25th, who takes his spot on the fourth line?
Mark: If O’Brien is out, I’d look at Mitchell Stephens or maybe even give a push to a younger guy like Logan Morrison. But realistically, Stephens is the most NHL-ready body. He brings energy and physicality, which is exactly what you want on the fourth line to set the tone against a hungry Calgary squad.
Jessica: Stephens bringing that physical edge is key. Calgary likes to test teams early with hits. We need to match that intensity. Stick with us, because in the next segment, we’re breaking down the specific line combinations that could decide this game.
Mark: Let’s talk lines. Jon-Randall Avon had a career night with that hat trick. He’s on the first line with Matty Beniers. Are you worried about Calgary focusing exclusively on shutting down Avon now? Everyone knows he’s the hot hand.
Mark: They will focus on him, yes. But here’s the nuance: Avon drew two defenders, which created space for Beniers. If Calgary doubles Avon, Beniers becomes the primary threat. Beniers is incredibly skilled with the puck in tight spaces. He can slip passes through lanes that other centers can’t. So, locking down Avon might actually open up Beniers.
Jessica: That’s a great point. Double-teaming Avon leaves Beniers isolated. Does that mean we see Berkly Catton or Shane Wright getting more ice time on the second line to balance the attack?
Mark: Shane Wright is a possibility. He’s young, but he’s learning how to read defenses quickly. If the coaching staff wants to exploit the gaps left by the double-team on Avon, Wright’s vision could be valuable. However, I think we’ll see more minutes for veterans like Justin Miettinen or even Barrett Hall to provide stability.
Jessica: Barrett Hall has been consistent. He’s not putting up huge stats, but he’s always in the right place. On the wings, Jared McCann and Jordan Eberle are our top scorers. How important is it that they stay healthy and productive for this rematch?
Mark: Critical. McCann and Eberle provide the experience and the finishing touch. If the middle lines are grinding it out, the top line needs to capitalize on the opportunities. Calgary’s defensemen might be tired from chasing Avon and Beniers. That’s when McCann and Eberle strike. They know how to exploit fatigue.
Jessica: Fatigue is a factor. The Flames played hard on Tuesday. Do you think their legs will be heavy for the home game, or will the home crowd energy lift them up?
Mark: Home crowd energy helps, but hockey is a grueling sport. If they played a heavy forecheck on Tuesday, they’ll be gassed. That’s why depth matters. Guys like Kaapo Kakko or Loke Krantz on the third line need to step up and keep the pace high when the big names slow down.
Jessica: Kaapo Kakko has flashes of brilliance. When he’s locked in, he’s dangerous. But consistency is the issue. Do you think he’s ready to be a consistent contributor in this playoff push?
Mark: He’s getting closer. His shot release is quick, and he’s improved his positioning. If he can just commit to the full 20-minute shift, he’ll find his rhythm. The coaching staff needs to trust him more in high-leverage situations.
Jessica: Trust is earned. And speaking of earning trust, let’s talk about the goaltending. Joey Daccord has been solid. Two wins, 4-2 score both times. Is he settling in well as the starter?
Mark: Daccord looks confident. He’s making the routine saves, which builds momentum. But the real test is the tough shots. Calgary has shooters like Suniev who can hit the netmiller. Daccord needs to be sharp on the glove side. If he makes those stops, the rest of the team feeds off that confidence.
Jessica: And what about the backup? Is there any concern if Daccord gets hit with a cold streak?
Mark: The roster list doesn’t show another goalie explicitly named in the main group, so Daccord is carrying the load. We need him to stay healthy. One bad stretch could swing the series. But right now, he’s playing well enough to keep the lead.
Jessica: Stay focused, Joey. Okay, we’ve talked lines, injuries, and goaltending. Now, let’s get tactical. What are the keys to the game for Seattle on September 25th? If you had to pick three things, what are they?
Mark: Number one: Win the faceoffs. Especially in the defensive zone. If we win the draw, we clear the danger. If we lose it, we’re under pressure. Faceoff percentage will dictate our tempo.
Jessica: Matty Beniers is excellent at that. He’s one of the best in the league. Does that give us an edge right away?
Mark: It does. But Calgary has good draw specialists too. It’s a chess match. Number two: Penalty kill efficiency. If we take penalties, we can’t afford to give up easy goals. The PK unit needs to block shots and clear the crease aggressively.
Jessica: Aggressive clearing. That’s the Kraken way. No hesitation. And number three?
Mark: Transition speed. When we win the puck in the neutral zone, we need to attack immediately. Don’t settle. Hit the seams. Force Calgary’s defense to make decisions under pressure. That’s how we create high-danger chances.
Jessica: Attack the seams. I love that. It’s simple, but it’s effective. Now, let’s talk prediction. Last time, we predicted a 3-2 win for Seattle. This time, with the home ice advantage and the rematch, do you think the scoring goes up or down?
Mark: I think it stays low. Teams play tighter in rematches. They know each other’s tendencies. I’m predicting a 2-1 Kraken win. Maybe a goal in the second period and a late insurance marker. It’ll be gritty, physical, and decided by special teams.
Jessica: 2-1. Gritty. I’m sticking with my prediction too. Another narrow victory. Jon-Randall Avon scores again, maybe not a hat trick this time, but a key goal. Who do you think finishes it?
Mark: I’ll go with Barrett Hall. He’s been quiet, but he’s due. A snipe from the circle. It fits the narrative of the unsung hero stepping up.
Jessica: Barrett Hall with the winner. I’m buying it. Alright, folks, that’s our preview. The Kraken are 2-0, riding high, but the Flames are waiting. September 25th. Be there.
Jessica: Thanks for tuning in to the Beatline Podcast Network. We’ll be back tomorrow with more Kraken coverage. Subscribe, rate, and review us wherever you listen. Help us keep this daily show going by checking the link in the episode description. Go Kraken!