Pittsburgh Penguins vs Seattle Kraken Prediction | NHL 19.01.26

This regular-season matchup on January 19, 2026, at 5:00 PM in Climate Pledge Arena, Seattle, features two competitive NHL teams. The Pittsburgh Penguins, with a record of 22-14-11, face the Seattle Kraken, who hold a 21-17-9 standing. Both teams are actively vying for playoff positioning within their respective conferences, making this a crucial mid-season contest with significant implications.

The Penguins enter this game with a solid, though not dominant, record that underscores their competitive nature. Their primary strength lies in their veteran core and offensive firepower, consistently generating scoring opportunities. However, their tendency for inconsistency, particularly evident in their 11 overtime losses, suggests challenges in maintaining leads or closing out tight games. The absence of key defensive personnel could place added pressure on their goaltending and remaining blueliners. Pittsburgh will aim to leverage their experience and offensive zone entries to dictate the tempo against a disciplined Kraken squad.

The Seattle Kraken have established themselves as a resilient and well-structured team. Their record reflects a balanced approach, often relying on strong defensive play and a collective effort across four lines. While they may not boast a singular dominant offensive threat comparable to Pittsburgh’s, their consistent forecheck and ability to limit high-danger chances make them a formidable opponent. The Kraken’s success hinges on their commitment to their system and opportunistic scoring. Consistency in special teams and capitalizing on power-play opportunities will be crucial against an experienced Penguins lineup.

Considering the Penguins’ offensive capabilities, led by the formidable Sidney Crosby, and the Kraken’s structured defensive play, this game projects to be a tightly contested battle. The absence of Erik Karlsson is a significant blow to Pittsburgh’s offensive blue line, potentially impacting their power play and transition game. However, the Penguins’ top-tier talent and experience should ultimately provide them with an edge. Given both teams’ tendencies for strategic, defensive-minded hockey in crucial matchups, we anticipate a low-scoring affair. The predicted winner is the Pittsburgh Penguins, with the total goals prediction being Under 5.5.