3 Game Essentials | Kraken at Penguins | Jan. 27

One: When to Shoot, When to Pass, Creating Chaos

"We turned two or three shots [to pass instead while bearing down on the Nashville net manned by a highly capable Juuse Saros]," Hakstol said.
Hakstol said he would much prefer "more pucks on net and chaos" in front of Saros or any other opposing goalies the Kraken face on the upcoming trip. No argument here.

Two: Focus on Kraken: Grubauer, Kuhlman-Sheahan-Blackwell Line

Hakstol was abundantly clear about Philipp Grubauer's performance Tuesday in which he surrendered the first two goals on outside shots farther from the net ("not his best"). Yet in his next comment, Hakstol added Grubauer "will be better in Pittsburgh." That's both a challenge and vote of confidence for the Kraken's No. 1 goaltender.
One reason young forward Morgan Geekie sat out Tuesday's game is Hakstol liked what he saw from newcomer Karson Kuhlman (acquired on waivers from Boston) playing alongside veteran center Riley Sheahan and high-energy winger Colin Blackwell in the impressive Sunday victory over Florida.
Look for the line to stay together Thursday in Pittsburgh. Kuhlman and Blackwell both had some good looks at the net and Sheahan appears to have elevated his passing game.
Kraken colleague and ROOT SPORTS Northwest analyst Alison Lukan reported in our "Instant Post-Game Analysis" the trio proved the Kraken's "most offensively effective line" Tuesday, matching up primarily with Nashville's fourth line. The line earned 57.14 percent of all shot attempts in 6:07 of ice time and 64.59 percent of all shot quality.

Three: Pittsburgh Penguins (27-10-5, second in the Metropolitan Division)

The Penguins enjoyed a recent 10-game winning streak and have kept the trend with 17 victories in their last 19 games. Future Hall of Famer Sidney Crosby notched his 12th career hat trick last week. Integral and clutch goal scorer Jeff Carter, 37, just signed a two-year extension. Goalie Tristan Jarry continues his big-time bounce year with a 23-7 record, .926 save percentage and 2.12 goals against average.
All is looking up in Penguindom - or you embrace some local media who think the Pens are looking too sloppy to go deep in the playoffs. The road trip won't get any easier. Pittsburgh is 8-2 in its last 10 games, while the New York Islanders (Saturday matinee) are 7-2-1 after a dismal season start. The New York Rangers (Sunday matinee) are 7-3 in their last 10 and so is Boston (Monday night).