Avs strike back, Push the series to Game 7 in 4-1 Kraken loss

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Sunday it is, then.

If you can stand it, the Highlights of the game:

Game Notes:

• Your TOI leader was Adam Larsson, with 24:52 logged.
• This was the first game in this entire series where you got to see the Colorado Avalanche play like we thought they might. Sure they didn’t get the first goal, but they made good and goddamn sure that Seattle didn’t get goals 2, 3, or 4 by playing smart, dangerous hockey. The Avs adjusted to being up against the wall with aplomb, and the Kraken had no answer for it.
• Part of it was just how well the Avs attacked the greatest strength of the Kraken: the transition game. Colorado made traversing the neutral zone a nightmare for the Kraken; Seattle couldn’t complete passes without stumbling over the puck or passing into skates. Say what you will of their play, the Avs showed up like they wanted to win and play like champions.
• This was also one of the first games that Colorado’s depth really looked like they matched Seattle’s tempo. A lot of their offense came from Mikko Rantanen and Artturi Lehkonen, but they’re starting to find some depth who can score for them. It’s a bit disconcerting, but if they can find a way to lock down Rantanen…there’s hope yet.
• Jordan Eberle’s hit against Andrew Cogliano might is already drawing comparisons to Makar’s hit on McCann, and while Eberle’s hit was absolutely idiotic and absolutely unwarranted in a game they needed him to get some goalscoring, I don’t anticipate him seeing a hearing on Saturday. For one thing, Cogliano returned to the game and was near the puck, so while the hit was illegal, there’s already a penalty for what he did; it’s called boarding, and he got rightfully called for it. If he does get discipline however…that’s probably more than the Kraken can bear to lose.

Were there any bright spots?:

A couple, but I’d understand if you feel a little unhappy and anxious.

• The Kraken once again scored the first goal of the game with Vince Dunn getting it. That’s six games in a row where the Kraken were the opening scorer.
• David Hakstol was on the right side of an offside review that got the Avs’ first real scoring chance pulled off the board!
• Philipp Grubauer had some absolutely monster stops and finished his night with a .921 SV%, giving this team ample time to try and come back.
• It took the Avalanche six games to play like they’re the Avalanche, and are still under monumentally more pressure than the Kraken are.
• In spite of the gruesome hit, Andrew Cogliano finished this game with 11:01 TOI played. So at least he’s alright for the time being.
• They get another crack at Colorado on Sunday. This is far from over.

Let’s Grouse about the result after we read some NaturalStatTrick.com Charts:

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With tonight’s loss…the Kraken and Avs put it all on the line on a Game 7. After that, we’re either previewing for Dallas…or thanking you for coming on this ride and telling you a little about what the offseason looks like.

Personally, I know which one I’d rather be at. It starts with Jason Robertson and those bright green sweaters.

Game Seven is in Colorado and drops the puck at 6:30pm PT.

We’ll see you there.

Keep Calm, and Post Zoidberg When We Win.