Went in like a lion but you went out like a gopher. (gopher)
Over? (No Sir)
///Extremely Hail Mary Mallon voice
But First, the Highlights
Game Notes
- Your TOI Leader was Ryker Evans, who logged 23:20 tonight.
- You’re gonna see it clear as day in the charts, but this was very much the tale of a game slowly slipping away from the Kraken as they had a genuinely excellent start, they had the Canucks on their heels through the first half hour of game time, and then the Canucks just kept coming, and coming, and coming; like all of their NHL regulars suddenly realized that they were playing, and more importantly, getting nearly run out of the building, and promptly turned up their effort level in the second half of the game. By the third period, Jake DeBrusk’s goal was the straw that broke the camel’s back; the final push that got them to where I think they would like to be in most games they’re playing recently; in full control of the game.
- To the Kraken’s credit, they largely kept the Canucks in check…for a given definition of the word. I would say that it’s a good sign that the most impactful players in Deep Blue tonight were players that are trying very hard to make the team, and the start against a mostly complete Canucks roster was very encouraging! It was the finish that definitely raised some eyebrows. Players who were doing well to start the game, suddenly began to feel the pace creep up on them, and mistakes that otherwise wouldn’t have happened in the early part of the game became major opportunities that Vancouver capitalized on. Just rookie jitters, I guess.
- Matt Murray played alright. He finished the night with a .917 SV% on 36 shots; the overwhelming majority of which came from the late 2nd period and most of the 3rd. The first goal-against was a deflection out in front of him, so unless he experienced brief but powerful precognizance he probably wasn’t making that one, and he certainly wasn’t asking Jani Nyman to effectively give Filip Hronek a golden opportunity, but yeah, he had an easy night that his skaters made a lot harder for him over the course of the game. It’s encouraging that he can survive that with his head above water; something not every Kraken goalie has been able to do, but he certainly needs a little extra help.
- Coachella Valley Firebirds training camp begins on Sunday, and one can imagine there’s a mess of cuts coming for that before they return home. If I were a betting man, I’d imagine there’s a couple of players who might stay ’till the very end of camp, and it might not be all the 1st rounders who make it the whole way; Oscar Fisker-Mølgaard has responded to this preseason exceptionally well; being a pretty solid presence out there for the Kraken tonight and in other games this preseason, so I can see them taking a good long look at him.
Was there anything good about this game?
Absolutely.
- While the second half of the game definitely reminded us that he’s still a rookie, Jani Nyman has absolutely taken this preseason by storm for the Kraken, leading the team in goals through the mere 4 games they’ve played.
- Tyson Jugnauth got his first goal in a Kraken uniform tonight with a belter of a shot thanks to a very nifty pass from Ryan Winterton; capping off the strong net-front efforts of Ben Meyers.
- As previously discussed, Oscar Fisker-Mølgaard wasn’t exactly a factor on the scoresheet, but this is another game where he was honestly quite strong in on-ice possession with an effort that stood out predominantly in how it didn’t get worse; unlike a lot of the Kraken who began to struggle consistently. I think the young Dane will be sticking around a little longer than you might think.
- Still preseason, and still like an eighth of the team on the roster. Not worried at all.
The Chartz, as provided by NaturalStatTrick.com
The Kraken will have a couple of days off, likely send a good portion of their training camp to Coachella, and then resume their preseason with their penultimate preseason contest; another visit from the Calgary Flames, this time at CPA.
We’ll see you there, and always remember;
Keep Calm, and Post Zoidberg When We Win.