Jessica: Jon-Randall Avon just scored his first career hat trick against the Flames, and now they’re back in town. This isn’t just a rematch; it’s a statement game.
Jessica: Welcome to Beatline, America’s number one daily sports podcast network. I’m Jessica, and this is your Seattle Kraken preview for September 25th, 2026.
Mark: And I’m Mark. We are coming off a dominant 4-2 road victory in Calgary, and today we’re breaking down exactly how Seattle keeps that momentum going at home.
Jessica: Here is what we are tackling today. First, the tactical matchup: can the Kraken’s forecheck neutralize Calgary’s speed again? Second, the injury report: Jonathan Huberdeau is out, and Jake O’Brien is day-to-day, so who steps up on the lines?
Mark: Third, we’re looking at Jon-Randall Avon’s breakout performance and whether he can carry that scoring touch into the home opener against the team he just torched.
Jessica: We’ve got three things for you: the matchup angles, the line combinations to watch, and our keys to the game. Let’s dive right into Segment One.
Jessica: Okay, Mark, let’s start with the big picture. The Kraken are sitting at 2-0-0, first in the Pacific Division. That’s a perfect start. But we know the NHL is a grind. How do you view this specific matchup against Calgary heading into tonight?
Mark: It’s fascinating because it’s a mirror match of Tuesday night, but with home-ice advantage. Tuesday, Seattle won 4-2 in Calgary. Aydar Suniev led the Flames with two goals, and Abram Wiebe had an assist. But the Kraken’s defensive structure was tight.
Jessica: Right, and Suniev was a factor, but he couldn’t get past Joey Daccord. That goaltending was steady. Now they come to Seattle. What’s the biggest storyline here beyond the score?
Mark: The storyline is consistency. Can Seattle replicate that neutral-zone play? Calgary is fast. They rely on transition. If the Kraken let them cross the blue line with space, it’s trouble. But if the forecheck is aggressive, like it was Tuesday, Calgary gets stuck back.
Jessica: So, it’s all about the forecheck pressure. You mentioned the neutral zone earlier. Do you think Calgary adjusts their entry game knowing Seattle is waiting for them?
Mark: They have to. If they don’t, they’ll get turned over. And turnovers in the neutral zone lead to odd-man rushes the other way. Seattle’s penalty kill has been pristine, so if Calgary gets caught on the power play, they’re in trouble.
Jessica: Let’s talk about the offensive side. Jon-Randall Avon had that hat trick. He’s the leader in goals for Seattle with that performance. Is he the focal point now?
Mark: He’s definitely the focal point. But it’s not just him. It’s the depth. Matty Beniers and Chandler Stephenson provide that secondary support. If Calgary focuses solely on shutting down Avon, they leave gaps elsewhere.
Jessica: Exactly. And Jared McCann on the left wing brings that physicality. He’s a key piece in that top-six mix. So, the takeaway is: Seattle needs to control the pace and punish Calgary’s mistakes.
Mark: Agreed. Control the neutral zone, win the face-offs, and let Avon hunt. If they do that, the Flames’ speed becomes their own enemy.
Jessica: Stick with us after this break. We’re going to break down the injuries and the line combinations that might surprise you.
Jessica: Hey friends, before we get into the nitty-gritty of the lines, I want to take a quick second. Putting together these daily previews, digging into the stats, and getting you the best analysis every single morning takes a lot of coffee and late nights.
Mark: It really does. And having a community that supports us makes it possible to keep this show free and fresh for everyone. If you enjoy the breakdowns, please consider chipping in via the link in the episode description.
Jessica: Every bit helps keep the lights on and the hockey rolling. Thank you for being part of the Beatline family. Now, let’s get back to the ice.
Jessica: Welcome back. Let’s talk injuries. Jonathan Huberdeau is on Injured Reserve. That’s a significant loss for the top six. Who steps up in his absence?
Mark: It’s a big hole. Frederick Gaudreau and Barrett Hall need to step up. We talked about this yesterday. Gaudreau’s experience is crucial for stabilizing that middle-six forward group.
Jessica: And Barrett Hall? He’s young, but he’s been getting looks. Do you see him seeing more time on the second or third line?
Mark: Absolutely. Hall has the skill to create chances. If he can link up with Avon or McCann, he could be dangerous. Calgary will respect him more than they respected Huberdeau, which opens up space for others.
Jessica: What about Jake O’Brien? He’s listed as Day-To-Day. If he’s out, that affects the bottom six physically.
Mark: If O’Brien is out, Bobby McMann or Mitchell Stephens might see increased ice time. They bring that grit. The Kraken need that physical presence to disrupt Calgary’s cycle in the offensive zone.
Jessica: Let’s look at the defense pairings. Maxim Agafonov is the only defenseman listed in the brief, but we know there are others. How do you see the blue line matching up against Calgary’s top unit?
Mark: Agafonov is solid, but the Kraken need their veteran defenders to log heavy minutes. Shutting down Suniev and Wiebe is priority number one. If those two get behind the net, Seattle is in trouble.
Jessica: So, defensive discipline is key. And then there’s the special teams. Power play opportunities seem limited based on recent penalties. How important is it to generate offense even-strength?
Mark: Critical. Even-strength goals build leads that make penalty kills easier. Avon, Beniers, and Stephenson need to drive possession. If they can sustain pressure in Calgary’s zone, shots will fall.
Jessica: It’s about sustained pressure. Not just dumping and chasing, but actually entering the zone with control. Zone entries are vital.
Mark: Exactly. Smart entries beat aggressive ones when the opponent is set up defensively. Seattle has the skill to execute this.
Jessica: Let’s move to Segment Three. Keys to the game. What’s the one thing Seattle must do to win this rematch?
Mark: Win the face-off circle. Especially in the defensive zone. If Calgary wins draws behind the net, they can set up their power play. Seattle needs to clear the puck and reset.
Jessica: That’s a great tactical point. And the second key?
Mark: Avon stays hot. He’s the spark. If he finds the back of the net early, Calgary has to chase the game, and that plays into Seattle’s hands.
Jessica: Love it. So, face-offs and Avon’s scoring touch. Any bold predictions for tonight?
Mark: I’m predicting a 3-2 Seattle victory. Avon scores again, maybe a goal and an assist. Daccord makes a highlight-reel save in the third period to seal it.
Jessica: Ooh, bold! I agree with the 3-2 scoreline, but I think Barrett Hall scores the winning goal. Remember, we predicted that yesterday too, and Hall has been itching for his moment.
Mark: Hall could do it. He’s skilled enough. But I’ll stick with Avon. He’s in the groove.
Jessica: Alright, we’ll see who’s right tomorrow morning. Final thoughts from both of you before we sign off?
Mark: Just remember, this is a rivalry game. Expect intensity. Seattle needs to stay disciplined and trust their system.
Jessica: Beautifully said. That wraps up our preview. Seattle vs. Calgary, September 25th. Don’t miss a second of the action.
Mark: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review us on your favorite platform. It helps more fans find the show.
Jessica: Thanks for listening to Beatline. Go Kraken!