The problem was that the Kraken were not producing much offense, in both scoring chances and offensive zone time. After 40 minutes, the Avalanche had outchanced Seattle, 19 to 3. At game end, the scoring chances count was 24 to 4 with nine high-danger chances for Colorado and three for Seattle, per Natural Stat Trick.
“I thought we competed; certainly, they were quicker,” said Lambert. “As a result, we spent some time in our zone. At times, we looked a little tired. I think the back-to-back we had is ridiculous. Last two games of the year, when you lose a time zone and get in at three o’clock in the morning, playing the number one team in the league. Call it an excuse. Call whatever you want. I thought there were times when we didn’t have much in the tank. We did our best and tried to stay committed.”
Backstopping the AHL Firebirds
Ostman and fellow Firebirds goaltending stalwart Nikke Kokko provided strong work this week in the absence of Joey Daccord and Philipp Grubauer. Ostman’s goalie coach at AHL Coachella Valley, Vince Stalletti, provided some context for an Ostman outing that doesn’t surprise him.
“What Victor is just naturally very good at, and where he has taken strides this season, is being really consistent,” said Stalletti this week. “In executing the game plan, he has played consistently this season, starting quality hockey games almost every night. In the second half of the year, he’s gonna give you a chance to win, and you know he’s actually. He has stolen a couple of games too [for the Firebirds and with goal support could well have done in Thursday’s finale].”