So Michael Misa looks pretty good.
Here is what I am required to refer to as “Highlights”:
Game Notes
- Your TOI leader was Vince Dunn, who played 25:40.
- I said it in the gamethread but I think it’s easier to make this point now; the defensive structure of this team is just absent on a lot of shifts and it’s driving me up the wall. I’ve seen a good chunk of these players do solid things in their own end, I’ve seen them be responsible with the puck, I have the numbers to back up they can do this! For whatever reason…it just isn’t coming for them; if they’re not puck-watching, they’re being completely inattentive to what’s going on on the ice around them. This complete lack of focus, more than anything else (except one thing but we’ll get there) is costing them game after game recently. Something’s gotta change with it if they keep running into this issue.
- Also, the Kraken desperately need to find a way to actually attack the net. Not the corners, not weird bounces that they can maybe pop in, actually become a threat in the net-front and deliver upon it. Shane Wright last game said they wanted to be a physical, difficult-to-play against team and frankly I don’t know how they plan on doing that when they aren’t making life difficult for their opponent in front of their goalie. It seems like every time they try they effectively just end up in a scrum off to the side of the net. It’s just maddening.
- It also ties into an issue of the forward offense just not being there right now, and that must change; full stop. Tolvanen having a good night was a nice first step, but someone in the top 6 needs to start finishing some chances here; it’s a little ridiculous how poorly they’ve managed some quality chances they themselves create.
- 0-for-3 on the power play. At this point I genuinely believe they should instate a rule that says you can decline power plays if you want, because it may just never be coming for Seattle. The penalty kill was good though, even if they were called upon only once throughout the night.
- Grubauer got pulled. That’s all you need to know about how he did. Do I think Joey Daccord would’ve been any better? Probably not; the Kraken defense has been making life extremely hard for their goalies, but I’ve said it over and over and over again; he was the 2nd best goaltender walking into the game, and he played like it. I like him as a person and as a brand ambassador…but I’m at my wits end with this player, man. I should not be coming into games that he plays in wondering how they’re going to overcome the other team’s backcheck and also their own goalie.
- While I don’t really want any team out East to win right now, if there’s any team I’m okay with winning thanks to the absolutely horrendous circumstances to start their year, it’s probably Columbus. Just jettison Provorov at the deadline and we’ll be cool.
- I really hope that change is coming for this team that isn’t just calling up a Firebird to play 10 minutes on the 4th line. This just isn’t tenable.
Was there anything good about this game?
Sure.
- Eeli Tolvanen had a pair of goals tonight in what was ultimately a very good night for him. We could use a couple more nights like this from him!
- Again, the Penalty Kill was pretty good, even if it made a single appearance.
- Still in the running for a Top 5 Pick!
The Charts, via NaturalStatTrick.com
I am so tired of decent efforts going completely to waste.
The Kraken continue this road trip by heading out to Buffalo to face the enormously inconsistent Sabres. That game is tomorrow night on January 11th, and it is set for 1pm PT.
We’ll see you then, and as always
Keep Calm, and Post Zoidberg When We Win