Could any one of these LA-Seattle games please consider being normal? Like we all watch and go “yes, this made sense and the right team won.” and we look forward to the next meeting where the Kraken kill them.
But First, the Highlights!
Game Notes
- Your TOI leader was Adam Larsson, who logged 25:57 tonight.
- Kraken-Kings games are nuts. LA put a gorillion shots on net to start the first 25 minutes and change…Turbo gets the first goal. They get more shots, the Kraken score the second one and sit on the Kings’ offense until it finally gives up. The only goal the Kings get? A one-in-a-million bad bounce in a normal situation every NHL defenseman sees. What a heroic effort by the defense and especially Joey D, but we’ll talk about him later.
- Dave Hakstol did a little gamesmanship, bringing Justin Schultz back and scratching Ryker Evans. Schultz was…okay. He had some smart keep-ins…but was also absolutely responsible for the shorthanded goal and for a pretty boneheaded boarding on Carl Grundstrom. Maybe it was just rust, and that’s fine…but Ryker Evans showed he can be pretty damn good, you’re gonna need to show your stripes.
- I’m so glad Matty got that assist off tonight; he’s had a couple of strong games where his ability to turn his play into goals is hamstrung by a poor shot selection or being simply incapable of getting the shot off altogether. Tonight? He was cool, calm, collected, and got a gorgeous transition pass off to Jordan Eberle. This is the Matty we need in order for the Kraken to be successful.
- Daccord is your starter. That’s just how it’s gotta be. Setting a new franchise record in saves and actively stole the Squids this hockey game. The only goal that got through him was a one-in-a-million bad play. Excellent work by him, well-earned first star, and a tidy .977 SV% well earned. You’re also the first star of my heart, Joey. Well done indeed.
- Can this team please treat an empty net like it’s empty and actually score on it? They had three misses down the stretch and could’ve iced this one easily at least twice.
- 9 points in 7 games. Definitely not done the prettiest possible way, but if you can believe it, they’re surging up the standings, and are now tied with Calgary in points at 31. Arizona is the next milestone at 34. Maybe this isn’t the year to go for another shot at the postseason…but you never know. Anaheim’s looking pretty rough, Philly’s had to play games close. It’s possible to catch up is all I’m saying.
Let’s Give a Hand To!
- Brandon Tanev! Turbo scored the first goal off a won faceoff, and showed everybody why attacking the net is always a good idea. Also set the tone of scrappiness that the Kraken exuded throughout this one.
- Matty Beniers! Had an exceptional contest; had the gorgeous helper on Jordan Eberle’s stretch goal, and was a net-positive throughout the entire night with a number of “Almost!” plays that kept LA pinned in their own end for stretches.
- Jordan Eberle! The game-winner was a bullet on Talbot; perfectly placed. That’s the kind of clutch goalscoring we need.
- Joey Freaking Daccord! .977 SV%, 42 of 43 shots saved, First star of the game, and THEE reason the Kraken won tonight. Accept no subtitutes.
The NaturalStatTrick.com Charts
Honestly? Not nearly as bad as I thought it would look after the 1st. Good job, Squids!
The Kraken continue their tour of California by going to the Honda Center to face the Anaheim Ducks on Saturday. That game drops the puck at 5pm PT. For some reason.
Anyway, thank you for reading, and as always…
Keep Calm, and Post Zoidberg When We Win.
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