Seattle Kraken (5-4-1) vs. Toronto Maple Leafs (5-4-1)
When: Thursday, 7 p.m., Scotiabank Arena
TV: TSN4 Radio: TSN 1050
Odds: Kraken +180, Maple Leafs -225
The buzz
After losing badly to Columbus and St. Louis last week, the Leafs finally responded properly on Monday with a sound beating of the Winnipeg Jets, previously 8-0-0. Key against the Kraken will be using the same kind of direct forechecking game that had the Jets reeling … Seattle ended a three-game losing streak on Tuesday in convincing fashion, spanking the Montreal Canadiens 8-2 to begin a five-game trip … The Kraken has visited Toronto three times in its short history. The Leafs won two of those meetings. In Seattle, the Leafs have won all three games between the clubs … The Kraken’s Matty Beniers, winner of the Calder Trophy in 2023, has just two goals in 10 games and both came in a loss against Winnipeg on Oct. 24 … The game will feature the Tanev brothers — Chris with the Leafs and Brandon with the Kraken. If you want to refer to it as the Tanev Cup, you can, but don’t be discouraged if it fails to catch on.
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The quote
“They’re a quick team, play a fast game. Right from their first year, I thought they were difficult team to play against with their transition game and their quickness. We’re going to have to be ready and on our toes.” — Leafs coach Craig Berube on the Kraken
The Leafs lineup
Forwards
Matthew Knies-Auston Matthews-Mitch Marner
Max Pacioretty-John Tavares-William Nylander
Bobby McMann-Max Domi-Pontus Holmberg
Steven Lorentz-David Kampf-Ryan Reaves
Defence
Morgan Rielly-Oliver Ekman-Larsson
Jake McCabe-Chris Tanev
Simon Benoit-Conor Timmins
Goalies
Joseph Woll
Anthony Stolarz
The injuries
TOR: D Jani Hakanpaa (knee), F Connor Dewar (shoulder), F Calle Jarnkrok (lower body); SEA: D Vince Dunn (upper body)
The prediction
The Leafs will build off their impressive victory in Winnipeg on Monday. Make the final 4-2 Toronto.