Blackhawks vs Kraken Game 77: Kraken Playoff Hopes on Line

Blackhawks vs. Kraken Game 77 Preview: Everything You Need to Know for Tonight's High-Stakes Matchup

Saturday night's clash between the Chicago Blackhawks and Seattle Kraken at Climate Pledge Arena is one of the most lopsided games in terms of urgency you'll find this late in the NHL regular season. One team is playing out the string. The other is fighting for its playoff life. That combination makes for some of the most compelling hockey of the year — and if you're a fan of either side, here's everything you need to prepare, watch, and gear up for Game 77 on April 5, 2026.

Whether you're a die-hard Kraken fan desperately hoping your team can claw back into the wild-card race, or a Blackhawks supporter looking for a spoiler victory in an otherwise disappointing season, there's plenty at stake tonight. We break down the key storylines, players to watch, and the best gear and viewing options for fans of both clubs.

The Stakes: Why This Game Matters

The Blackhawks (27-35-14) were officially eliminated from playoff contention after a 3-1 loss to the Edmonton Oilers on Thursday, April 2. For Chicago, the remaining games are about pride, development, and setting the table for a future rebuild. But don't mistake "eliminated" for "easy win" — teams with nothing to lose can be dangerous spoilers.

The Kraken (32-31-11) are in a dramatically different position. Seattle sits at 75 points through 74 games and is four points behind the San Jose Sharks, Nashville Predators, and Los Angeles Kings — all three of whom are tied for the second Western Conference wild-card spot. With only eight games remaining, the math is brutally simple: the Kraken need to pass five teams to make the playoffs. As CBS Sports notes, the out-of-contention Blackhawks are now in the business of sending others in their same direction.

Puck drop is scheduled for 9:00 p.m. CT at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle.

1. Seattle Kraken Fan Jersey — Game Night Essential

For the Fan in the Building

If you're heading to Climate Pledge Arena tonight, showing up in full Kraken colors is a must. The team needs the crowd behind them. Seattle's blue-and-red color scheme has produced some of the most visually striking jerseys in the league since the franchise's 2021 launch.

• Key Feature: Authentic Adidas Adizero construction, customizable with player names
• Best Player Choices: Jordan Eberle (24 goals, 52 points — team leader), or rising trade-deadline pickup Bobby McMann
• Pros: High quality stitching, true-to-on-ice look, great resale value for a playoff push season
• Cons: Authentic versions run expensive; replica versions vary in quality
• Price Range: $80–$200+

Seattle Kraken NHL Jersey

2. Chicago Blackhawks Fan Jersey — Support the Rebuild

For Blackhawks Nation

Even in an eliminated season, Blackhawks fans are known for their passionate road presence. Chicago travels well, and tonight's fans in Seattle will be hoping to see their team play spoiler. The classic red-and-black Blackhawks jersey is one of the most iconic in professional sports.

• Key Feature: Iconic logo, classic NHL color scheme, available in vintage and modern cuts
• Best Player Choices: Nick Lardis (watch his status — he suffered a left-hand injury Thursday but is expected to play), or any veteran fan favorites
• Pros: Timeless design that never goes out of style regardless of the team's record
• Cons: Current roster is in flux as the team rebuilds — harder to pick a "forever" player number
• Price Range: $75–$200

Chicago Blackhawks NHL Jersey

3. NHL Center Ice Streaming Subscription — Watch Every Game

For the Cord-Cutter Fan Who Wants Every Remaining Game

With the Kraken needing to win as many of their final eight games as possible, you don't want to miss a single one. An NHL Center Ice Streaming Subscription gives fans access to out-of-market games across the league.

• Key Feature: Access to live out-of-market regular season games, multi-game view, DVR capabilities
• Pros: Essential if you're tracking wild-card standings obsessively and want to watch the Sharks, Kings, and Predators simultaneously; great value late in the season
• Cons: Blackout restrictions apply to local markets; playoff games not included
• Price Range: $33–$80 depending on remaining games and platform

Tonight's game can also be found through regional sports networks. Check Yahoo Sports' full viewing guide for channel and streaming details.

4. NHL Hockey Puck Display Case — For the Hardcore Collector

Memorabilia for a Memorable Season

Whether it's commemorating Joey Daccord's dominant performances against Chicago this season (51 saves on 54 shots across their first two meetings) or Jordan Eberle's goal-scoring milestones, serious fans know the value of preserving the moment. A quality NHL Hockey Puck Display Case is a staple for any hockey memorabilia shelf.

• Key Feature: UV-resistant acrylic, wall-mountable or shelf-display options, fits standard NHL pucks
• Pros: Protects autographed or game-used pucks; clean presentation for any man cave or office
• Cons: Pucks must be acquired separately; quality varies between brands
• Price Range: $10–$40

5. Kraken or Blackhawks Knit Beanie — Cold-Weather Fan Gear

Seattle Nights Get Chilly

Climate Pledge Arena is indoors, but getting to the game in Seattle on an April night means being ready for Pacific Northwest temperatures. A team-branded knit beanie is practical, affordable, and shows your colors on the way in. Both franchises offer solid options.

• Key Feature: Embroidered team logos, one-size-fits-most, available in primary team colors
• Pros: Affordable gift or game-day add-on; easy to find in both franchises' color schemes
• Cons: Lower-end versions may lack durability over a full season of wear
• Price Range: $20–$45

Seattle Kraken Knit Beanie | Chicago Blackhawks Knit Beanie

6. Hockey Training Stick — For the Youth Fan Inspired by Tonight's Game

For the Next Generation of Kraken or Blackhawks Stars

Games like tonight's — where a young player like Nick Lardis battles through a hand injury to suit up, or where trade-deadline acquisition Bobby McMann (8 goals in 10 games since joining Chicago) proves his worth — inspire the next wave of hockey players. If you've got a young fan at home, a quality Youth Hockey Training Stick could be the right post-game gift.

• Key Feature: Composite or wood construction, various flex ratings for younger players, street or ice options
• Pros: Great entry-level option for kids inspired by tonight's game; durable for driveway use
• Cons: Composite sticks at youth level can still snap; sizing needs to match player height
• Price Range: $25–$80

Key Players to Watch Tonight

Seattle Kraken

• Jordan Eberle — The team's offensive engine with 24 goals and 52 points. The Kraken need him to show up in the biggest games of their season.
• Joey Daccord (G) — Has been perfect against Chicago this year (2-0, 51/54 saves). His ability to steal games has never been more essential.
• Bobby McMann — Eight goals in 10 games since arriving from Toronto at the trade deadline. A legitimate momentum player.

Chicago Blackhawks

• Nick Lardis — Injured his left hand late Thursday but is expected to dress. His availability is worth monitoring ahead of puck drop. See the projected lineup update here.
• Sam Rinzel / Louis Crevier — The two defensemen have switched spots on Chicago's top pairings, a lineup change worth noting heading into tonight.

Notable Absence: Shane Wright is expected to miss tonight's game for the Kraken, a significant blow to their offensive depth at the worst possible time.

Comparison Summary: Where Each Team Stands

Category	Chicago Blackhawks	Seattle Kraken
Record	27-35-14	32-31-11
Playoff Status	Eliminated	4 pts out, 8 games left
Last 15 Games	Mixed results	4-11 (brutal stretch)
Series Record (2025-26)	0-2	2-0
Top Scorer	Bobby McMann (hot streak)	Jordan Eberle (24 G, 52 Pts)

FAQ: Blackhawks vs. Kraken — April 5, 2026

What time does the Blackhawks vs. Kraken game start?

Puck drop is scheduled for 9:00 p.m. CT (7:00 p.m. PT) at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle. Check your local listings or regional sports network for broadcast details.

Can the Kraken still make the playoffs?

Mathematically, yes — but it would require a near-perfect run. Seattle is four points behind three teams (San Jose, Nashville, and Los Angeles) all tied for the second wild-card spot, with eight games remaining. The Kraken have lost 11 of their last 15 games, so the team needs an immediate turnaround starting tonight.

How has Joey Daccord performed against the Blackhawks this season?

Daccord has been dominant in both prior matchups. He went 2-0 with a combined 51 saves on 54 shots, giving him a save percentage well above .940 in the series. His confidence and familiarity with Chicago's attack is one of Seattle's biggest advantages tonight.

Is Nick Lardis playing tonight for Chicago?

Lardis suffered a left-hand injury late in Thursday's loss to Edmonton but is expected to play in Saturday's game. Monitor the latest lineup news closer to puck drop for any last-minute updates.

Fan Buying Guide: What to Get Before Tonight

• If you're attending in person: Prioritize a Kraken jersey or team beanie to show your colors. Climate Pledge is a loud arena when the crowd is into it — and tonight they need to be.
• If you're watching from home: An NHL streaming package lets you track wild-card games across the league simultaneously — critical when standings are this tight.
• If you're shopping for a young fan: A youth hockey stick pairs perfectly with tonight's game as inspiration fuel.
• For the memorabilia collector: A puck display case is an affordable, lasting way to mark a significant moment in a season full of them.

Tonight's game won't just be two teams going through the motions. For Seattle, it's win or watch the door to the playoffs close a little tighter. For Chicago, it's a chance to be the reason someone else's season ends — and in hockey, spoiler wins carry a surprising amount of satisfaction. Don't miss it.

Sources: CBS Sports | Yahoo Sports Game Preview | NHL.com Blackhawks Preview | MSN NHL Predictions