NHL Predictions: February 28th, Vancouver Canucks at Seattle Kraken

Welcome back to NHL Predictions. Each day, our writers here at Last Word On Hockey look at the games and give in-depth analysis. Our team breaks down the key matchups, storylines, and stats, then makes predictions based on how they might play out. For this edition, we will look at the Vancouver Canucks taking on the Seattle Kraken. Don’t forget to check out more NHL Predictions, as our writers continue this series throughout the 2025-26 season.

NHL Predictions: Vancouver Canucks at Seattle Kraken

2025-2026 Season Series: Vancouver 1-1 Seattle

Time: 10:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST) | 7:00 p.m. Pacific

How to Watch: Sportsnet+, CBC, SN, CITY, TVAS, KONG, KHN/Prime, ESPN+, NHL Centre Ice

Location: Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, Washington

The Vancouver Canucks visit Seattle for a quick one-game road trip in another edition of the I-5 Rivalry on Hockey Night in Canada. Vancouver sits at 18-33-7 after 58 games, with 43 points, while Seattle sits at 27-22-9 after 58 games, with 63 points. This marks the third of four meetings between these two teams. In their last meeting, Seattle defeated Vancouver, 4-3, in a shootout on January 2nd.

The Canucks Story

Culture building is the main objective for this rebuilding Canucks squad. The results shouldn’t matter too much at this time, as they continue to sit in last place in the NHL. Playing for each other, playing for pride, and playing for team culture are all that’s on the line for now. There are many rumours surrounding the team as the trade deadline approaches, and the players will have to try to block the outside noise for a while longer. Tyler Myers did not play in the last game for roster management, and that may remain the same for tonight.

The Kraken Story

Although they came into the Olympic break strong, their first two games after the break have been less than ideal. With a 4-1 loss to the Dallas Stars, followed by a 5-1 loss to the St. Louis Blues, the Kraken look to regain confidence tonight. Since the last meeting with the Canucks, it has been much of the same for the Kraken. They do not score many goals, but they also do not allow many goals. Their offensive production has improved, as they are now 24th in the league in goals for, compared to being in last place at the start of 2026. They currently sit in the second wild-card spot in the Western Conference. They need to be more consistent to close the door on teams chasing them.

Starting Goalies

Below are the projected starters for tonight’s game. Please check social media for the most updated information before locking in your daily fantasy lineups.

For Vancouver, we expect Kevin Lankinen to get the start. He has returned from the Olympic participation with Team Finland, and it is back to work for him. He has struggled immensely this year, with a 7-19-4 record, a 3.67 goals-against average, and an .876 save percentage in 32 games this season.

Joey Daccord will likely be in the net for Seattle. In 34 games this season, he has a 16-13-5 record, a 2.84 goals-against average, and a .903 save percentage.

Prediction and Best Bets

Both games between the Canucks and Kraken this season have gone to a shootout. It should be another close game tonight, but as the Canucks get healthier, it is reasonable for them to see a few more wins come their way.

Prediction: Canucks win 4-3.

Best Bets

To wrap things up, here are our anytime goal scorer picks. On the Vancouver side, we will pick Elias Pettersson to get a goal. For the Kraken, we will pick former Canuck Jared McCann to score.

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