Slow Start, Grubauer Then Revs Up

This weekend did not start anywhere near ideal for the Kraken. Saturday morning, the team announced that starting goaltender Joey Daccord did not make the Central Division road trip, staying back to get further evaluated for an upper-body injury. The news clearly offered an opportunity to Seattle’s other two goaltenders, with Philipp Grubauer getting the start in goal on this stop in St. Louis.

A bit more than five minutes into the opening period, Seattle forward Ryan Winterton snared a loose puck in the left corner of the defensive zone, quickly deciding to send a cross-ice pass to Ben Meyers inside the right point of the Blues’ end. But Blues winger Dylan Holloway intercepted the puck and flung it past Grubauer for a 1-0 St. Louis lead.

A couple of shifts later, Grubauer made a point-blank, Grade-A save on Blues center Robert Thomas and collected a couple more before the Kraken took a penalty for too many men on ice. That mid-period slip-up led to an STL power play score just 28 seconds later. From there, Grubauer made some quality saves, the best on a high-danger, wide-open shot from veteran center Nick Bjugstad.

Grubauer, Murray Both Team First

With the news about Joey Daccord staying back in Seattle to get an upper-body injury further evaluated, the weekend’s pair of games will take full advantage of the decision to carry three goaltenders on the roster. Saturday’s starter, Philipp Grubauer, and free agent signee Matt Murray have both traveled with the team, getting in as much work with goalie coach Colin Zulianello as possible to stay sharp and ready. Each has been afforded one start over the first 13 games. Grubauer started Oct. 16 (three weeks ago) and Murray got the starting nod Oct. 21 (two-and-a-half weeks). Zulianello has worked extensively to keep both veterans sharp. Lambert has praised Zulianello’s diligence and creativity to keep Grubauer and Murray in rhythm and said the same Saturday about his players between the goal posts.

“It’s not easy for them,” said Lambert after morning skate in St. Louis. “They’re not playing a lot. They’re working and showing their work ethic. There’s been no complaining whatsoever. They’ve done very, very well as a tandem [backing up Daccord]. It’s an unusual situation. They’ve handled it both like professionals. Now they’ll get a chance to play, and we’re looking for them to play well.”