3 Game Essentials | Anaheim at Kraken | Nov. 11

One: Watching the 'Response' Shifts

Fans can take the "response shift" concept and apply it to the first shifts of games and periods for forward lines, defensive pairs and goaltenders (the latter more about handling early shots). How well is each line controlling the puck and keeping it in the offensive zone, whether by possession or winning pucks back on the forecheck (when forwards press opponents in their own end)?
Are defensive pairs finding ways to cleanly exit the defense zone by outlet passes or carrying the puck to start an offensive rush? Are goalies making the initial save, especially crucial if there is a defensive breakdown (D-men or forwards), are they controlling the rebounds or allowing second chances?

Two: Kraken in Focus

Forward Jared McCann was back at practice Wednesday and skating for the first time in 10 days after being in the NHL's COVID-19 Protocol. He reported he was "hit hard on the fourth day" with significant fatigue and loss of taste and smell. He said he felt good physically during and after practice, during which he worked at center between Jared Schwartz and Jordan Eberle. He is without a doubt one of the team's best shooters and difference-makers on the power play. McCann was activated to the 23-man roster Wednesday and forward Max McCormick was reassigned to AHL Charlotte.
Yanni Gourde is another high-impact player for Seattle with skills at both ends of the ice. He's "day to day" with a lower-body injury suffered when blocking a shot late in the third period in Vegas. We will update his status on the Kraken app and website when a decision is made about whether he plays Thursday. McCann can help fill some of his offense and same with Ryan Donato, who will be a "game-time decision" after inadvertently crashing into the end boards during Saturday's game at Arizona.

Three: Know the Foe

Anaheim is in rebuild mode with several high-potential young players. The Ducks long-time general manager, Bob Murray, resigned Wednesday, one day after Anaheim ownership announced it commissioned an independent investigation into allegations of verbal abuse leading to an "abusive culture" in the organization. Murray said he will be enrolling in an alcohol abuse program and issued apologetic statements.
The Ducks processed the news, then won Tuesday, beating Vancouver on the road with goalie John Gibson making 41 saves. Leading scorer Troy Terry scored his 9th goal in overtime for a 3-2 final. Terry, a 24-year-old fifth-round draft choice in 2015, had 15 goals in his previous 129 NHL games.
Veteran defenseman Kevin Shattenkirk plus fellow long-time NHLers Ryan Getzlaf and Adam Henrique are pitching in significant goals and assists to bolster the rebuild roster. The Ducks are second in goals in the Pacific division, trailing only Edmonton.