The Seattle Kraken arrived in Helsinki on Sunday to prepare for the 2026 NHL Global Series against the Carolina Hurricanes, following a 4-3 loss to the New York Rangers that left Seattle with a 9-6-1 record. The team will spend the week in Finland for two games against the defending Stanley Cup champions, with the first matchup scheduled for Thursday, November 12 at 7 p.m. EET (12 p.m. ET) and the second on Saturday, November 14 at 8 p.m. EET (1 p.m. ET).
Team Bonding in the Land of a Thousand Lakes
Before the puck drops, the Kraken are focusing on team bonding with activities that include saunas, sautéed reindeer, and salmon soup. Defenseman Brandon Montour said the trip is "good for team bonding, especially early in the season." Captain Jordan Eberle, in his 17th NHL season, called it a unique experience: "I've never done anything like this. It's as much about bonding as it is about winning games."
The extended stay in one location contrasts with the team's recent five-city, nine-day road trip. Forward Kaapo Kakko, one of four Finnish players on the roster, noted the value of staying in Helsinki for a week: "You go somewhere, you play a game, and you go to the next place. Now we have a chance to stay in one spot."
Finnish Contingent Leads the Way
Kakko, Jani Nyman, Ville Ottavainen, and recently recalled goaltender Niklas "Nikke" Kokko are serving as local experts for their teammates. Head coach Lane Lambert praised Kakko's leadership: "He's done some things and prepared some things for the guys and the entire team to experience while we're here in Finland. He's shown a great deal of leadership." Kakko expects more than 30 friends and family members to attend the two-game series, a meaningful homecoming after most of his family could not travel to the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics where he won a bronze medal with Finland.
Lessons from the Rangers Loss
In Saturday's defeat, the Kraken outshot the Rangers 14-1 in the third period and scored three goals — from Kakko, Eberle, and Vince Dunn — to pull within one goal. Rookie center Berkly Catton extended his point streak to eight games with two assists but took an interference penalty with 2:34 remaining, leaving Seattle shorthanded as they chased the tying goal. Lambert called it "another learning experience for a young player." Eberle emphasized the need to start faster after the Rangers built a 3-0 lead despite a narrow first-period shot advantage.
Hurricanes Arrive as League's Top Team
Carolina enters the series with a 14-3-2 record and a league-best plus-33 goal differential. The Hurricanes have dominated recent opponents, including a 7-0 win over Winnipeg, a 5-3 victory against the Islanders, and a 9-2 rout of Chicago. Forward Andrei Svechnikov has scored three goals in his last two games after a nine-game drought.
