This sort of Vancouver woe will make some Kraken fans wary that Thursday represents a trap game of sorts, the Kraken appear to be prospering from consistent line combinations and defensive pairs. While the forwards are getting the accolades for goal scoring, the return of Jamie Oleksiak (three-game suspension) and Justin Shultz (two games lost to injury) has fortified the team effort during 5-on-5, power play (Schultz) and penalty kill (Oleksiak).
Before Tuesday's game, coach Dave Hakstol said his squad would need to be heads-up in the neutral zone to stymie St. Louis' penchant for rush-scoring chances and setting up shop in the offensive zone. That plan worked (the Blues had three rush chances all game), especially during the first two periods.
Make no mistake: Hakstol will preach a similar stop-them mid-ice mentality, especially looking to slow down defenseman and elite puck carrier Quinn Hughes (27 assists). Hakstol attributed the breakdowns Tuesday (two St. Louis goals in the final period and the need for monster saves by Martin Jones in the middle 20 minutes) as Kraken players being "a little too loose on our return [to the defensive zone] ... we need doubles [two forwards getting defensive position quickly], we need help down low to kill plays and start the other way."
From Kraken colleague Lindsey Brown, who preps media with all sorts of fun notes: "Among NHL players averaging fewer than 11 minutes of ice time per game, three of the four top scorers are Kraken players: Daniel Sprong has 17 points (eight goals, nine assists) in 10:37 of average ice time and leads all skaters averaging less than 11 minutes per game. Linemate Morgan Geekie is second with 12 points (4 G, 8 A) in 10:04 of average ice time, while Ryan Donato (recently moved to pair with Yanni Gourde) is fourth with 10 points (7 G, 3 A) in 10:59 of average ice time. Donato could set a franchise record Thursday; if he scores, he will be the first SEA player to tally a goal in five straight games.
