KEEP PLAYING LITHIUM UNTIL THE HABS CAN HEAR IT IN THEIR NIGHTMARES
But First, the Highlights!
Game Notes
- Your TOI leader was Adam Larsson, who logged 22:31 tonight.
- The Kraken got this massive goal explosion as a result of three things:
- First, they took ample advantage of some truly reprehensible goaltending on the part of both Sam Montembault (who coughed up a .500 SV%), and Cayden Primeau (who finished the game with a .769 SV). The Kraken didn’t take a ton of high-danger shots tonight early on, but when they took their shots from the point? They went in with a stunning amount of regularity. The Kraken shouldn’t get comfortable with something like that being a regular occurence, but frankly it’s just nice to be on the other side of that for once!
- Second, The Habs just kind of…ceded the front of the net entirely. It’s been a hot minute since I’ve seen a team so completely ensure their goaltenders, who were already having a bad night, received zero help. Seattle was allowed to just kind of…experiment. That Eeli Tolvanen goal was a wonderfully executed play, but at that point in the game the Habs were more interested in trying to start something in order to preserve what little pride they had left. They just didn’t have it in them tonight, and got pissy about it as a result. Typical of their station.
- The Habs put a lot more shots and attempts on Daccord than either of Montreal’s goalies, and for the most part I think he handled himself admirably. Finishing the night with a .933 SV% and getting ample goal support definitely helped. I’m sure he might want to re-think trying to play the puck from behind the net, however. Caufield’s goal started on account of the turnover made by him. Otherwise? Solid performance indeed.
- Seattle’s power play hasn’t exactly been great through the first ten games, but capitalizing on about half of them from 6 opportunities? I think that’s the shot in the arm they’ve needed. Let’s see if they can keep up the momentum against Toronto!
- While I liked the hustle, and I loved the cashing in on just about every chance given, one thing I wasn’t a fan of was the Kraken sort of sitting back for an entire period and allowing Montreal to control the play after it became 4-0. I realize they were well on their way to blowing them out, but a better team will make them pay for that kind of behavior. Hell, they should already know what that looks like from the opening game. Gotta clean that up when they face Ottawa and Toronto.
- Pity that Shane Wright didn’t get a point tonight. I think he would’ve enjoyed being part of this goalfest more than anybody.
- Montour’s hat trick was the first Kraken hat trick since Jared McCann’s against the Blackhawks in January of 2023, and frankly he deserved his first star; he’s been a firecracker that this team badly needed on the blueline.
Let’s Give a Hand To…
- Jamie Oleksiak! For starting this whole thing less than 30 seconds into the game!
- Chandler Stephenson! For actually tying in points with Brandon Montour tonight with 4, all on assists! Special mention for his assist on Jaden Schwartz goal, in which he basically tore through the Habs defense unimpeded. Excellent work indeed from Ronnie F’s free agents this evening.
- Jaden Schwartz! Who had three points in this game, including hammering home that Stephenson pass mentioned earlier.
- Ollie Bjorkstrand! Who put a bullet past Montembault to truly put the game entirely out of reach for Montreal.
- Eeli Tolvanen! for putting home a goal that was the result of some putrid defense and some excellent play recognition by the Kraken.
- Joey Daccord! The Mayor got himself a .933 SV% on 30 shots. He’s making a pretty solid case for himself to be the starter…just don’t be too aggressive with the behind-the-net passing, alright?
- Jordan Eberle! He only had an assist tonight, but he critically came together to Matty Beniers’ defense against Arber Xhekaj. I dunno if that’s a trade the Kraken would’ve wanted to make, but good on him for sticking up for the kid.
- And of course, for his absolutely unreal first star performance and hat trick, let’s all give a huge hand to Brandon Montour. Easily one of the best signings Ron Francis has made to date.
The Charts, as provided by NaturalStatTrick.com
The funny thing about goaltending, is that when you don’t have it, it becomes the story, even if you played well.
The Kraken continue their road journey across Eastern Canada as they face the Toronto Maple Leafs on their home turf at 4pm this Halloween evening.
We’ll see you there, and as always my friends
Keep Calm, and Post Zoidberg When We Win