Fri Jan 31 08:50:00 IST 2025: ## Kraken Aim to Curb Turnovers, Face Sharks in Thursday Night Matchup

**SEATTLE —** The Seattle Kraken look to improve their puck possession and limit turnovers when they host the San Jose Sharks Thursday night at 7:30 p.m. Coach Dan Bylsma expressed concern over the team’s giveaways in their recent game against Anaheim, emphasizing the need to reduce “free opportunities” for opponents.

The Sharks present a significant offensive challenge, boasting young talent like top prospect Macklin Celebrini, William Eklund, and Fabian Zetterlund. Despite their recent struggles (2-8-0 in their last 10 games), San Jose snapped a six-game losing streak with a victory over Pittsburgh on Tuesday. The Kraken, meanwhile, will hope to build on Eeli Tolvanen’s recent three-goal streak. Tolvanen called for a team reset, aiming to win at least two out of every three games leading up to the 4 Nations Faceoff break.

Adding to the Kraken’s pre-game news, goaltender Philipp Grubauer was placed on waivers Wednesday and subsequently cleared, assigning him to the AHL’s Coachella Valley Firebirds. This move, according to Bylsma, is due to the team’s dense schedule, limiting Grubauer’s opportunities for practice and game time. In his place, the Kraken have called up goaltender Ales Stezka and defenseman Cale Fleury from Coachella Valley. Grubauer finishes the season with a 5-15-1 record and a .866 save percentage. Joey Daccord will continue to be the starting goalie for the Kraken.

The game against the Sharks marks a crucial test for the Kraken as they aim to turn their season around.

Read More