New York Islanders vs Seattle Kraken Prediction | NHL 21.01.26

New York Islanders vs Seattle Kraken Game Analysis | 21-01-2026 | NHL

This regular-season matchup pits the New York Islanders (27-17-5) against the Seattle Kraken (21-18-9) on January 21, 2026, at 9:30 PM EST. The Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle will host what promises to be a compelling contest between two teams with differing trajectories in the Western Conference.

New York Islanders Team Performance

The New York Islanders arrive in Seattle with a strong record, showcasing consistent performance built on a foundation of disciplined defense and opportunistic scoring. Their recent form suggests a team capable of grinding out wins, often relying on stellar goaltending from Ilya Sorokin and a structured defensive system. While their offense isn’t always flashy, players like Mathew Barzal provide crucial offensive bursts. The Islanders excel at limiting high-danger chances against, making them a tough opponent on any given night.

New York Islanders Key Players

• Points: Mathew Barzal (40)
• Goals: Emil Heineman (14)
• Assists: Mathew Barzal (29)

Injury Report New York Islanders

• Bo Horvat (Out): The Islanders announced Friday that Horvat (lower body) is unlikely to join the team on its current road trip. His absence removes a significant offensive threat and face-off specialist from the lineup.

Seattle Kraken Team Performance

The Seattle Kraken have experienced a more inconsistent season, reflected in their sub-.500 record. While they possess flashes of brilliance, particularly at home, maintaining momentum has been a challenge. Their offense, often spearheaded by veteran presence, can be effective but occasionally struggles for sustained pressure. Defensively, they’ve shown susceptibility, which their goaltending tandem has worked hard to mitigate. Home-ice advantage will be crucial for them in this contest.

Seattle Kraken Key Players

• Points: Jordan Eberle (31)
• Goals: Jordan Eberle (17)
• Assists: Vince Dunn (23)

Injury Report Seattle Kraken

• Max McCormick (Out): McCormick will miss the entirety of the 2025-26 campaign after undergoing hip surgery, the team announced Tuesday. This is a long-term blow to their forward depth.

Prediction: New York Islanders vs Seattle Kraken

Considering the Islanders’ superior record and robust defensive structure, even with Bo Horvat sidelined, they are poised to control the pace of this game. Mathew Barzal’s playmaking will be critical in breaking down the Kraken defense. Seattle, while capable of generating offense through Jordan Eberle, will likely struggle to consistently penetrate the Islanders’ disciplined defense and quality goaltending. The Islanders’ ability to limit chances and capitalize on their own opportunities makes them the stronger side.

Predicted Winner: New York Islanders -1.5 (Spread)
Total Goals Prediction: Over 5.5