Final Buzzer: Tolvanen Shines

On a night when numerous Kraken veterans made their 2023 preseason debut, 2021 fifth-round draft choice Jacob Melanson opened the scoring with the primary assist going to 2022 first-rounder Shane Wright.

Kraken veterans took over from there to secure a 3-1 win over division rival Vancouver in front of a raucous Climate Pledge Arena crowd. Forward Eeli Tolvanen, picked up on waivers last December and inserted in the lineup for good on January 1st, scored an unassisted goal in the third period to stake a 2-1 lead. Tolvanen connected again for a second goal with 2023 playoffs linemates Yanni Gourde and Oliver Bjorkstrand getting the assists. Just like old times, which, of course, are not that ancient in the case of the Kraken.

Tolvanen’s powerplay goal, which turned out to be the game-winner, was a positive and encouraging indicator of Wednesday's extended special teams drills. The man-advantage unit looked organized and in a smoother flow than earlier power play attempts this preseason.

Back Together on Gourde Line

Tolvanen scored the power play tally in the slot by intercepting an attempted clear by a Vancouver defender and showing patience to wait for a stickless Canucks defender to slide by attempting to block any shot from the Kraken wing. Though no teammates were credited with assists, Tolvanen benefitted from pressure applied by a Yanni Gourde shot set up by Kailer Yamamoto’s quick offensive-zone entry and a deft pass from Shane Wright. Gourde’s rebound eventually led to Tolvanen’s first goal of the preseason after picking an assist Monday in the 5-3 win at Calgary.

After playing on a line with Wright and Yamamoto Monday, Tolvanen was reunited with 2023 linemates Gourde and Oliver Bjorkstrand. His second continued what coach Dave Hakstol calls “good chemistry, they like playing together.” Tolvanen took a pass from Bjorkstrand and converted on a gaping open net, but Tolvanen noted that Gourde’s saucer pass was even better.

“They read off each other really well,” said Hakstol post-game.

“We’ve been talking a lot during camp,” said Tolvanen, who noted the line is picking where they left off last May in terms of knowing what each player likes when receiving passes and where his linemates might be in all zones.

Goaltender Report

The Kraken played a solid defensive game, holding the visiting Canucks to 17 shots on goal. Philipp Grubauer started and made nine saves, allowing one goal to Vancouver’s Conor Garland while Joey Daccord stopped all seven of the shots he faced. Daccord, looking to make the roster as Grubauer’s backup, made some acrobatic saves late in his third period of play to keep the game from getting back to a tie, especially reacting and saving a net-front shot that caromed off of young defenseman on the rise, Ryker Evans. 

Going Fourth (Line)

The aforementioned Wright played another solid game on both ends of the ice. On Melanson’s goal, Wright noted linemate Devin Shore (NHL-tested free agent signee) forcing a turnover and wheeled 360 to claim the loose puck and rapidly shoot. Vancouver goalie Thatcher Demko made the first save, but Wright snagged the rebound to send a no-look pass to Melanson.

“He’s a hard-working guy and earned that goal,” said Wright. “I saw him in the corner of my eye and slid the puck for a back-door shot.”

Wright enjoyed his shifts with Melanson and Shore, the latter among those teammates looking for potential fourth-line minutes during the upcoming regular season.

“It was a fun night,” said Wright. “We competed, won battles, and played in the O-zone as much as possible.”