Dave Hakstol discussed the importance of the 2024 Discover NHL Winter Classic and the Seattle Kraken’s games leading up to it on the latest episode of the “NHL @TheRink” podcast.
Speaking with co-hosts Dan Rosen and Shawn P. Roarke, the Kraken coach also discussed the struggles his team has had with depth scoring and figuring out ways to win in games that go past regulation.
Seattle's depth scoring carried it to a 100-point season in 2022-23 and the Western Conference Second Round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, where the Kraken lost in seven games against the Dallas Stars. This season, that depth scoring isn't as prominent and as a result Seattle is 29th in the League in goals per game (2.68). The Kraken are fifth in the Pacific Division with 33 points (11-14-9).
The nine losses after regulation were also a topic of conversation.
The coach said he knows if half of those games are turned around the Kraken's place in the standings and playoff race would look different, and said the good news is that they know they're going to be in games, that they're good enough, and that should fuel confidence.
