Blackhawks take on the Kraken Tonight as Last Place is on the Line

Tonight on TNT the Chicago Blackhawks face the Seattle Kraken in a tilt against one team fighting for the playoffs and one team that suddenly finds themselves at the bottom of the league. With just a game in hand, the Blackhawks are now tied with the San Jose Sharks for the fewest points in the league. If the Blackhawks lose tonight in regulation, they will be also tied in point percentage with the Sharks.

The Kraken on the other hand are a team that finds themselves trying to figure out if they will be true playoff contenders soon. Riding a 4 game losing streak, Seattle will undoubtedly see tonight's matchup as a must win if they are going to stay in the race.

With March 8th (the Trade Deadline) in just 44 days, time may be running out on Seattle's playoff hopes though. A surprise 100 point team a year ago, it looks like the NHL's newest franchise could see their expectations come back to reality as they may prove to be sellers at the deadline.

With upcoming unrestricted free agents to be on the roster such as Jordan Eberle, Justin Schultz, and Alexander Wennberg (sure to get some interest) it may be Brandon Tanev that nets the most in a return. The hard to play against veteran forward has another year remaining on his deal and despite missing time in the lineup this year, is seen as a player that would be a good playoff roster addition for any team looking for middle 6 help.

The Blackhawks on the other hand have been signing their supposed trade candidates having already locked up Jason Dickinson and Nick Foligno with the expected extension of Petr Mrazek coming soon. Either way you look at the matchup, this is a winnable game for the Blackhawks whom are coming in after playing well against the Winnipeg Jets (the leagues best team standings wise).

Can the Blackhawks come into Climate Pledge and defeat the Kraken? The odds may be in their favor for once.