Casey DeSmith decided we all had to witness his glory (?!?), and we just all had to sit there and take it.
I GUESS!?!?!?!?!
But first, the Highlights
Game Notes
- Your TOI Leader was Vince Dunn, who logged 23:58
- Hey Remember that one thing I stated the Kraken should specifically avoid doing for the W? You’ll never guess what happened. The Kraken largely controlled this game at even strength, which is good that they’re able to do that multiple games in a row…it just so happened that the Stars got their cheat codes out and used their power play to largely overwhelm the Kraken whenever they got the chance, and it was the difference between the Kraken imposing a result on them and more the Stars getting away with one. Seattle did pretty well on special teams…just not good enough against the Stars’ smoking gun; Their one big offensive strength came into play yet again.
- Matt Murray did pretty darn well. A .920 SV% against the Dallas Stars is a great result and he should be proud of his work. That Seguin goal is maaaaybe a little tough to swallow, but that one just felt fated; like it was following his pad the entire way before sliding in once he moved his foot. Not much you can do there. He does scare me a little with his lateral play; namely the moving of right to left and left to right with him feels like he’s committing his entire family to it and leaves him little room to adjust after the initial save. I think that can be smoothed out? Just needs more reps.
- That said, his work paled in comparison to the comical level of save that Casey DeSmith, of all people, was giving the Dallas Stars. I cannot believe that he of all people is still capable of that in 2025. Part of it was shot selection; the Kraken did not do a great job of attacking him from the middle of the ice and frequently failed to find second chance opportunities directly in front of him, but when they did…he was right there, man. He earned his first star tonight because largely the Stars put it in park and dared Seattle to score. Which is a weird thing for the Stars to be doing. Like, really, really weird. Isn’t this the team with all those high octane forwards?
- I’m getting real tired of this Wyatt Johnston kid, man.
Was there anything good about this game?
Sure!
- Jaden Schwartz had the presence of mind to tip the puck past Casey DeSmith, which after a fashion felt like Schwartz had just solved cold fusion. Good night for him!
- Mason Marchment was all over the ice against the Stars, and was clearly quite motivated. We’re gonna need to see that turn into goals eventually, but returning like this and getting the ovation that he deserved down in Dallas rocks. One of the better drivers of possession on the night, too.
- Matt Murray may have found himself a new job if things continue apace, because he looked pretty damn good out there. A 920 SV% on 25 shots is pretty solid work for a 3rd goalie!
The Chartz, via NaturalStatTrick.com
The Kraken return to the cozy confines of Climate Pledge Arena this tuesday, as they face the Columbus Blue Jackets at home, while the Jackets are on the 2nd part of a back to back. That game is at 7pm PST
We’ll see you there, and as always
Keep Calm, and Post Zoidberg When We Win.