Mandatory Credit: Joe Puetz-Imagn Images
WHEW.
Alright, let’s do that again tomorrow!
…What do you mean, “your heart”? The Kraken have enough of that for everybody!
But First, the Highlights!
Game Notes
Your TOI Leader was Vince Dunn, who logged 24:13 tonight!
So! You entertained yet? After St. Louis got two quick goals in the first period, the Kraken did not bend (much) after that; harrying the Blues throughout the entire rest of the game until the very last minute. They kept the pressure on, they didn’t get discouraged, and they didn’t let up even when they had defensive SNAFUs. That they managed to pull this together without Joey in net is an even bigger boon; it shows that they can grow from a bunch of issues they routinely showed
They critically also controlled the shot share nearly from jump, which has not been a major part of their game recently. That’s a massive step for them, and I hope they keep it going; this team is capable of a lot more than their low-event contests have shown lately.
Oh Ryan, oh Ryan Ryan Ryan. You’re gonna hear about that pass for a good long time at practice, slugger. I’ll let you off the hook today given that 90% of the time the puck moves in the correct direction when you have it…but you can’t have a game like that for more than a night at a time.
Philipp Grubauer did alright, given the circumstances. Dvorsky’s goal probably could’ve been a save, but he never should’ve been put in a position to keep making saves like he had to on Kyrou’s goal, and well…it takes a pretty good goalie to survive that kind of shot.
Let’s Give A Hand To…
Ryker Evans! Coming back from injury and getting the ball rolling is not an easy task, but ol’ Garth isn’t gonna let something like being hurt keep him down. It’s also very good to know he’s not struggling with rust. He got a goal and then assisted on Shane Wright’s game winner. Glad to have you back, buddy.
Eeli Tolvanen needed a game like tonight, where he got an all-important assist to help get the Kraken into it, set up Wright for his game winner, and then notched his first tally of the season on a rebound so juicy it could cure scurvy. Excellent 3 point night from him!
Chandler Stephenson could not have picked a better time to contribute to the scoresheet, as he was the reason the Kraken even got a point out of this game, scoring with less than 5 seconds left in regulation. A heroic effort down the stretch and a much-needed one. Well done indeed.
Shane Wright. His work in OT in cutting to the net was exemplary, and he caught Hofer too deep in his net to adjust. Excellent play recognition, and a well earned First Star.
The Chartz, via NaturalStatTrick.com
There’s no rest for the wicked, as the Kraken go to work tomorrow night against the Dallas Stars in Tejas! That game is at 4pm PST.
We’ll see you there, and always remember
Keep Calm, and Post Zoidberg When We Win.