Eberle’s absence is dearly felt and is gonna be dear felt for awhile.
But first, the Highlights
Game Notes
- Your TOI leader was Brandon Montour, who logged 24:38
- The Kings were as advertised: a team that has a stranglehold on the puck and makes the experience of taking it from them a living nightmare. To their credit, Seattle did what they could to keep the Kings on their toes, but the difference, unfortunately, was goaltending and penalty killing.
- Nobody can prepare for the one or two times a month Dave Rittich decides he’s a Vezina candidate. He was absolutely lights out today; including some truly ridiculous saves that kept the Kraken out of the net for all but 58 minutes of this game. Big Save Dave can strike at any time, please make sure your children are aware.
- Joey’s SV% does not reflect the absolutely back-breaking work he put in with the Kings trying to put the puck behind him on multiple breakaways. The most egregious was making a gigantic stop on a 2-on-0 chance shorthanded. It’s a shame his skaters couldn’t give him the goal support necessary.
- The loss of Jordan Eberle for the forseeable future means the Kraken are going to need to dig deep to create their chances, and that means that the forwards need to be way, way better. Especially against a division foe.
- Power play went 0-for-3 on this one. Gonna need more on the man-advantage. Waaaay more.
Was there anything good about this game?
- Brandon Montour was by far the most impressive player on the ice for the Kraken; he scored the only goal, was one of the highest impact players on the team, and was all over the ice.
- Ollie Bjorkstrand and Yanni Gourde put in some serious work to get through the Kings’ defense to get Monty his goal, and both should also receive some credit for it!
- The Kraken scored with their own net empty and didn’t give up an empty netter! If they can do this in a game that’s closer, then they can be a dangerous team!
The Charts, via NaturalStatTrick.com
Even if they didn’t control play tonight, I’m glad they hammered the net-front. That’ll win you games if you’re not playing David Rittich when he locks all the way in.
The Kraken go to the hotel for some rest, then make their way to Anaheim to face the Ducks for a home-and-home; starting on Monday evening. That game drops the puck at 7pm PT.
We’ll see you there. Thank you for reading, and as always…
Keep Calm, and Post Zoidberg When We Win.