This is the funniest/most infuriating team in the NHL that has playoff position. By far. Can’t think of one that’s even close.
But first, the Highlights!
Game Notes
- Your TOI Leader was Vince Dunn, who logged 26:21
- This game was wacky. Both sides were shooting from every which way to create offense, and the Kraken found that rhythm first; showing some real impressive passing that opened up lanes and flummoxed the Canucks. That would’ve probably been enough, but Vancouver does still have some pretty individually talented forwards. If the usual issue (the PK) had kept it’s death creep towards competency it might’ve been a much easier game than it turned out to be, but frankly I’d rather take the first Shootout win since April of 2025 if it means beating the Canucks. ESPECIALLY AFTER…
- That penalty on Catton in overtime was a level of bogus only reserved for 1990’s surfer comedies. Just a cavalcade of bad decisions made at once on the game winning play and it paid off because a Canuck dove. Puck don’t lie, but apparently Vancouver stretches the truth enough to stop it temporarily.
- This fourth line really has some juice, doesn’t it? Ben Meyers, Ryan Winterton, and Jacob Melanson have been just the ticket to finding a more balanced attack throughout the lineup; something sorely needed as the schedule heats up just before the winter olympic break. I’ve been high on Winterton previously, but all three have seemingly found a way to feast on their limited minutes and make other teams sweat.
- The Penalty Kill once again fell down into hell again and gave up 2 goals on 3 penalties to the Canucks. The shame of it is if it was even something like 20th it’d probably be seen as bad, but it wouldn’t be nearly as automatic as it’s been for the Kraken. Something has got to change.
- The .870 SV% Joey walked away from this game from seriously understates just how much work Joey Daccord was putting in tonight as the Canucks tried some real tricky stuff to beat him a 4th time, and he just wouldn’t give it to them. He also stonewalled Vancouver in the shootout, which, if nothing else, is something the Canucks should be pretty good at with some of the players on their team. He had to make some pretty spectacular stops and did what he could to keep this game even.
- With this win, the Kraken have almost completely flung off the throes of their December and late November loss streak, and are back in the playoff mix again. This time holding position with the San Jose Sharks. What a baffling year this has been for the NHL.
- The February game of this series is gonna be bloody. I can feel it.
Let’s Give A Hand to…
- Cale Fleury, who put a missile straight past Demko to get things going!
- Chandler Stephenson, who has once again found a real niche for himself lately in power play minutes, put home a power play goal! His 4th point in 5 games!
- Ben Meyers, who’s aggressive move to the net was well rewarded by Ryan Winterton, who found him for the Kraken’s 3rd goal of the night.
- Matty Beniers, who broke a 4 game streak of shootout losses for the Kraken and won them the game ultimately. Excellent move to get Demko to bite as well.
The Chartz, via NaturalStatTrick.com
The Kraken take a couple days off for travel, and then get right back to it against the Calgary Flames on Monday night. That game is at 6:30pm PST
We’ll see you there! Thank you for reading, and as always
Keep Calm, and Post Zoidberg When We Win.