Kraken vs. Ducks PREVIEW: Once More, With Feeling

The Need to Knows

• The Time: 7pm PT 
• The Place: Climate Pledge Arena, Seattle, WA
• Place to Watch: ROOT Sports Northwest, ESPN+
• Place to Listen: KJR 93.3-FM
• An Opposing Viewpoint: Anaheim Calling

Game Preview

A shutout victory over the Anaheim Ducks on Tuesday should have cleared the Kraken locker room of the angst holding them winless over the prior eight games. But keeping wins coming after snapping a losing skid— against the same team— presents a unique challenge for Seattle, at least according to head coach Dave Hakstol.

“Be[ing] ready to play at the start of our hockey game is very important. We’re playing a team that we just played two nights ago— that usually presents a real challenging situation coming back on night number two. Game number two is going to be a little more difficult and a little more competitive.”

Preparation at puck drop is key. Just as the Kraken have figured out the recipe for success versus their Pacific Division foes, the Ducks know what they’ll have to change in their approach to reap their own rewards. Shutting down Eeli Tolvanen, Matty Beniers, and Oliver Bjorkstrand, a fearsome new top-line combination which contributed 63.6% of Seattle’s four goals and eleven points, will be crucial. With Philipp Grubauer due to start instead of Joey Daccord, the need to penetrate and shoot from the inside intensifies— Grubauer’s better at handling pucks in the paint, but struggles more with shots from the surrounding area. And, 12 total shots on goal will never suffice against any team. Expect increased pressure, zone time, and a higher volume of shots.

Defensive concern underlined Seattle’s performance on Tuesday, making for a hidden vulnerability with disastrous potential had Anaheim pulled themselves together long enough to exploit it. Better structural integrity in the Kraken’s own zone will be absolutely necessary— perhaps gaining Ryker Evans will help.

According to Hakstol, there’ll be some “game-time decisions” when it comes to defensive pairs tonight. Both Gustav Olofsson and Evans participated in morning skate today.