Blues Host Kraken in Key NHL Matchup

St. Louis and Seattle return from Olympic break for crucial clash

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The Seattle Kraken will visit the St. Louis Blues at the Enterprise Center on Thursday, February 26, with both teams looking to regain momentum after the Olympic break. The Kraken (27-21-9) are coming off a loss to the Dallas Stars, while the Blues (20-28-9) have struggled recently, losing two straight and enduring a five-game skid earlier. Injuries are a factor for both sides, with key players like the Kraken's Ryan Lindgren and the Blues' Robert Thomas sidelined.

Why it matters

This NHL contest is a crucial matchup as both the Kraken and Blues aim to improve their standings and build momentum heading into the final stretch of the season. The game features several Olympic standouts, including the Kraken's Ryker Evans and the Blues' Dalibor Dvorsky, who set a rookie record at the Games.

The details

Seattle's forward lines are expected to feature McCann, Beniers, and Eberle on the top line, along with Tolvanen, Stephenson, and Gaudreau. On defense, the Kraken will rely on Dunn-Larsson and Oleksiak-Montour, with Daccord and Grubauer splitting goaltending duties. For the Blues, projected forwards include Holloway, Dvorsky, and Snuggerud leading the first line, alongside Neighbours, Buchnevich, and Kyrou. The defensive unit features Tucker-Faulk, Broberg-Mailloux, and Fowler-Kessel, with Hofer and Romanov in goal.

  • The game is scheduled for Thursday, February 26, 2026 at 8:00 pm EST.
  • Both teams are returning from the Olympic break.

The players

Ryker Evans

The Kraken's lone scorer in their recent loss, Evans will be a player to watch in this game.

Dalibor Dvorsky

The Blues' rookie forward broke the Olympic record for most points by an NHL rookie with six, surpassing the previous mark set by Alexander Ovechkin.

Ryan Lindgren

The Kraken defenseman is listed as day-to-day with an injury.

Robert Thomas

The Blues' center remains on injured reserve.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

Both teams have quick turnarounds after this game. Seattle faces the Vancouver Canucks on February 28, while St. Louis will play against the New Jersey Devils the same evening. These upcoming matches will be important for each team as they try to improve their standing and momentum in the NHL season.

The takeaway

This game features several Olympic standouts looking to make an impact as their teams return from the break. Injuries will be a factor for both sides, but the Kraken and Blues will be eager to regain their footing and secure a crucial win in the playoff race.