What worked for the Kraken during a 5-1-1 run (11 out of a possible 14 standings points) wasn't just scoring first - though that always helps. It was more about responding to any opponents' goals with strong next shifts from the Kraken.
It was about keeping to Hakstol's systems of pushing shots to the outside in the defensive zone, disrupting foes in the neutral zone (winning the puck back or at least slowing down speed of scorers rushing the Seattle net) and forechecking/defending against opponents coming out of their defensive end.
All of that sounds good for defense, but in fact during the 5-1-1 streak, sticking to the plan generated offensive chances, too, whether creating odd-man rushes, sudden net-front passes emanating from a forecheck (a particular skill of Yanni Gourde and Jaden Schwartz) or allowing a defenseman to join the offensive attack (Jamie Oleksiak enjoyed a four-game point streak). Even a 10-goal scorer and sharpshooter Jared McCann says, "We have to play defense first and the chances will come."
As part of reviving his team's 'compete' level, Hakstol added an extended one-on-one puck battle drill into Tuesday's practice. Winnipeg coach Paul Maurice did the same for his Jets squad (see below) at Wednesday's practice after a 4-2 home loss to Carolina Tuesday. Both coaches clearly are reminding their players that the simple act of winning 50-50 puck battles can change a team's fortunes in fast transit.
Post-game Monday, alternate captain Jordan Eberle (he scored his team-leading 11th goal after missing two games with a lower-body injury) focused on "simple stuff we have to fix," including knowing individual assignments on every faceoff (the second of three Pittsburgh goals Monday is Exhibit A with Sidney Crosby winning the faceoff then scoring after the Penguins cycled the puck with little Kraken intervention). That's something to observe Thursday versus the Jets.
Another Eberle insight to watch: He mentioned "bad pinches," which is typically defensemen deciding to make an offensive move at the risk of the opponent breaking up the play with resulting time and space to attack the Kraken goal. A forward covering for a defenseman joining the offensive rush has pinch choices at times, too.
