{"id":540146,"date":"2026-04-04T12:10:11","date_gmt":"2026-04-04T12:10:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/540146\/"},"modified":"2026-04-04T12:10:11","modified_gmt":"2026-04-04T12:10:11","slug":"the-hawks-tango-with-the-kraken","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/540146\/","title":{"rendered":"The Hawks Tango with the Kraken"},"content":{"rendered":"

Tonight, the Chicago Blackhawks<\/a> continue their road trip against the Seattle Kraken<\/a>. Welcome to this edition of NHL Predictions! Each day, our writers here at Last Word On Hockey analyze the day\u2019s games and provide in-depth analysis. We break down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then make predictions based on how they might play out. Don\u2019t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025-26 season.<\/p>\n

NHL Predictions: Chicago Blackhawks vs Seattle Kraken<\/p>\n

Time:\u00a010:00 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (EDT)<\/p>\n

Season Series:\u00a0Seattle leads 2-0<\/p>\n

How to Watch<\/a> TV:\u00a0ESPN+, CHSN, KHN, KONG<\/p>\n

Location:\u00a0Climate Pledge Arena<\/p>\n

Connor Bedard<\/a> and the Chicago Blackhawks take on Jordan Eberle<\/a> and the Seattle Kraken.<\/p>\n

The Kraken won the first matchup between these two in convincing fashion. Jamie Oleksiak<\/a> and Matty Beniers<\/a> gave the Kraken a 2-0 lead before Andre Burakovsky<\/a> brought the Hawks to within one. Captain Jordan Eberle scored in the third period to cement the Seattle victory and give Joey Daccord<\/a> the win. These two met two weeks later in the Windy City, with the Kraken once again coming out victorious. Tyler Bertuzzi<\/a> and Teuvo Teravainen<\/a> gave the Hawks a 2-0 lead in the second period to open the scoring. However, goals from Tye Kartye<\/a>, Shane Wright<\/a> and Jaden Schwartz<\/a> in the third period earned Seattle the hard-fought victory. Seattle is looking to sweep the season series and keep their fleeting Stanley Cup Playoff hopes alive.<\/p>\n

Credit Image: \u00a9 Alex Cave\/ZUMA Press Wire<\/p>\n

Blackhawks Looking for Positive Momentum<\/p>\n

The Hawks kicked off their West Coast road trip with another tough loss to the Edmonton Oilers<\/a>, officially eliminating the team from playoff contention. Much of the first part of the game was dominated by Edmonton, but the Hawks began to settle into their game and earn some scoring chances. Thanks to helpers from Connor Bedard and Teuvo Teravainen, Nick Lardis<\/a> cashed in for Chicago\u2019s lone goal. The new look line consistently pushed the play and generated chances. Spencer Knight<\/a> made 31 saves, but ultimately earned the loss. We will find out who is between the pipes tonight.<\/p>\n

The Hawks\u2019 overall team game was better than in previous efforts. With Connor McDavid<\/a>, the Oilers are a dangerous offensive group. They generated 38 shots, with double-digit shots in each period. The Alex Vlasic<\/a> and Louis Crevier<\/a> defensive pairing was put back together and turned in a better effort than it has in recent games. Offensively, head coach Jeff Blashill continues to mix up the lines. Youngster Anton Frondell<\/a> has developed some nice chemistry with Bertuzzi and Ilya Mikheyev<\/a>. While not on the score sheet, that line saw a ton of ice time and should continue to be together. On the injury front, Andrew Mangiapane<\/a> joined the team in Edmonton, but his lineup status is uncertain for tonight. As always, be sure to check social media for starting lineups and starting goaltender information.<\/p>\n

Andrew Mangiapane will travel with the Blackhawks. He won\u2019t play in Edmonton, but he could later on the road trip.<\/p>\n

\u2014 Scott Powers (@ByScottPowers) April 1, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Kraken Fighting for Their Playoff Lives<\/p>\n

Seattle suffered a brutal loss for their playoff hopes Thursday night against the Mammoth. The team jumped out to a 2-0 lead, thanks to goals from Jordan Eberle and trade deadline acquisition Bobby McMann<\/a>. However, the team fell apart after that point. Utah netted six straight goals and cashed in three times on the man advantage. The Kraken penalty killers really struggled, and the team as a whole allowed Utah to generate chances. Daccord was between the pipes and struggled to thwart Utah\u2019s chances. The Kraken are seeking a bounce-back performance from their netminders.<\/p>\n

Bobby McMann was Seattle\u2019s big trade deadline acquisition. Since coming to the Kraken, McMann has played well, netting eight goals in just ten games played. However, the Kraken have really struggled and have dropped out of a playoff spot. The team\u2019s 3-7-2 record since the deadline leaves the team four points out of the postseason. They have a big opportunity to pick up two points tonight. Aside from McMann, Kaapo Kakko has five points in his last five games. The Kraken need scoring from wherever they can get it. On the injury front, Shane Wright missed Thursday\u2019s game, so we will find out if he is back tonight. The Kraken are desperately seeking a win, and tonight is a good night to begin the climb back into the playoffs.<\/p>\n

Game Prediction<\/p>\n

As mentioned, the Kraken desperately need a win on home ice. Expect an inspired effort and for the Kraken to come out victorious.<\/p>\n

Prediction: Seattle wins 3-1<\/p>\n

Prop Bets<\/p>\n

Matty Beniers Anytime Goalscorer\u00a0(+240)<\/p>\n

Frank Nazar Anytime Goalscorer\u00a0(+290)<\/p>\n

Main Photo Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports<\/p>\n

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