{"id":404112,"date":"2026-01-12T22:27:11","date_gmt":"2026-01-12T22:27:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/404112\/"},"modified":"2026-01-12T22:27:11","modified_gmt":"2026-01-12T22:27:11","slug":"seattle-kraken-week-ahead-schedule-storylines-increased-swagger-montour-update-beniers-and-more-the-hockey-writers-seattle-kraken","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/404112\/","title":{"rendered":"Seattle Kraken Week Ahead: Schedule & Storylines – Increased Swagger, Montour Update, Beniers and More – The Hockey Writers – Seattle Kraken"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Seattle Kraken are entering a critical stretch of their season this week. Fresh off a 10-game point streak that helped them climb into the Pacific Division playoff picture, they now face the challenge of sustaining that momentum during a tough East Coast road trip while managing key injuries.<\/p>\n

East Coast Road Trip Gauntlet<\/p>\n

The Kraken are in the midst of a demanding five-game road trip. After a tight 3-2 loss<\/a> to the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday, they stay on the East Coast to face the New York Rangers, New Jersey Devils, and Boston Bruins before heading to Utah to play the Mammoth. This stretch is a major test of their legitimacy as a playoff contender.<\/p>\n

Performance Surge & \u201cSwagger\u201d<\/p>\n

Despite back-to-back losses (one in OT) to end the week, the Kraken have been one of the hottest teams in the NHL, recently riding a 10-game point streak<\/a> (8-0-2). Head coach Lane Lambert has noted an increased \u201cswagger\u201d and confidence in the group, even when they aren\u2019t playing their \u201cA\u201d game.<\/p>\n

Montour Update<\/p>\n

Brandon Montour\u2019s return is near. He has returned to practicing<\/a> with the team, albeit in a no-contact jersey. He has been out for 12 games, requiring surgery for a hand injury sustained in a fight with Colorado Avalanche defenseman Josh Manson.<\/p>\n

Matty Beniers Heating Up<\/p>\n

Center Matty Beniers has found his offensive rhythm, currently riding a four-game point streak with five points (three goals, two assists) in that span. He scored a brilliant unassisted goal<\/a> against Carolina, stepping up in Jordan Eberle\u2019s absence.<\/p>\n

Depth Scoring<\/p>\n

With top players out, the Kraken\u2019s depth has been vital. The fourth line of Ben Meyers, Ryan Winterton, and Jacob Melanson has contributed crucial minutes and points, keeping the team competitive.<\/p>\n

Kraken Schedule Jan 12 \u2013 19<\/p>\n

DateMatchupTime (ET)Time (PT)VenueContextMon, Jan 12@ NY Rangers7:00 PM4:00 PMMadison Square GardenA historic venue test against a Metro Division opponent.Wed, Jan 14@ NJ Devils7:00 PM4:00 PMPrudential CenterThe first half of a road back-to-back.Thu, Jan 15@ Boston Bruins8:00 PM5:00 PMTD GardenA physical matchup on zero rest.Sat, Jan 17@ Utah Mammoth5:00 PM2:00 PMDelta CenterThe final leg of the road trip against the league\u2019s newest franchise.<\/p>\n

AI tools were used to support the creation or distribution of this content, however, it has been carefully edited and fact-checked by a member of The Hockey Writers editorial team. For more information on our use of AI, please visit our Editorial Standards<\/a> page.<\/p>\n

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