It’s hard for me to be so critical of a team that comes out every night with a legit chance to win any game they play. When this team is on the ice this team is buzzing. They play a fast and hard-fought game for the majority of each game. They just can’t find ways to win. What do the Kraken need in order to get back in the win column?
The answer seems simple. Goals, chemistry, and urgency. This team in particular, however, needs to tighten up the defense. Both forwards and defense need to tighten up the defensive structure. They can’t continue leaving their goalies out to dry. The Kraken are 27th out of 32 teams in goal differential with a -13 goals. They are 28th in average goals against per game at 3.7. The problem isn’t giving up the quantity of shots, it’s the quality of shots and the high danger scoring chances they get caught giving up.
So, is there a change on the way? It appears the Seattle Kraken have sent scouts to watch multiple other games. The one that personally sticks out the most to me is the Colorado Avalanche. Colorado has great, and really young, defensive depth. Could we see Ron Francis try to go after the team’s next franchise defensemen, knowing that Captain Mark Giordano is getting up there in age? Time will tell, however something worth keeping an eye on.
It wouldn’t be another Kraken article if I didn’t point out more Kraken accomplishments in the previous games I have yet to cover. The Seattle Kraken scored their FIRST EVER Power Play Goal at home in Climate Pledge Arena. Congrats to everyone that predicted that in the last article. I know fans were getting antsy with that one, so I’m glad the boys were able to get it done for all of you.
As stated above, this goal marked Marcus Johansson’s, who after an unlucky start to the season due to injury and COVID, first goal as a Kraken.
Jordan Eberle stays hot. That’s all that needs to be said.
Colin Blackwell played his first game in a Kraken uniform. So, it was an exciting night for the team, yet the Kraken still couldn’t pull out a win.
The Kraken fortunately have had 5 days off from game action, meaning there has been time for practice. Hopefully tomorrow night will display how useful those 5 days off can potentially be.
Not so great moments:
The Kraken are currently on a 4 game losing streak. Something they look to break tomorrow on TNT against the Chicago Blackhawks.
Riley Sheahan was sent to the minors to open a spot for Colin Blackwell. You all know I’m a big fan of Sheahan. He’s one of the best fourth line centers in the league. Extremely reliable in all parts of the ice and a great leader on and off. I do like what Blackwell will bring to the lineup with his speed and physicality.
Finally, these line combinations. Coach Hakstol has to figure something out. These guys lack chemistry. They can’t read the guys they are playing with well enough yet which is causing more and more turnovers. Hakstol changes the lines way too often and the guys just can’t get comfortable with one another. He needs to set them for consecutive games and adjust from there.
My personal thoughts on line combinations:
Schwartz – Gourde – Eberle
Jarnkrok – Wennberg – Donato
Tanev – McCann – Blackwell
Johansson – Geekie – Donskoi
They have to roll these lines though. I don’t want to see Tanev on the ice for only 9 minutes like the previous game. All of us Kraken fans want to see that guy on the ice buzzing around hitting people and scoring goals.
The Chicago Blackhawks are picking up wind after the firing of head coach Jeremy Colliton. Let’s see if the Kraken can snap their current losing streak tomorrow night on TNT, as two of three Vezina finalists go head-to-head on different teams for the first time.
The Morning Skate 