Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
What was any of that (complimentary)
But first, the Highlights!
Game Notes
Your TOI Leader was Adam Larsson, who played 25:04 tonight!
The Kraken and Ducks do not like each other, and boy did the Kraken gain a bunch of fun new reasons to dislike Anaheim. Historically, a pest-first attitude has been a major point of success for the Ducks, and it’s looking like they’re unfortunately back to their old ways; late hits, stupid hits, punk-ass shots thrown, even if they have all this talent they really cannot help themselves. Mercifully, the Kraken didn’t fall to their level entirely, and they buckled down and got away with two points.
THE PENALTY KILL WAS PERFECT TONIGHT! OH MY GOD! THEY CAN STILL DO THIS SOMETIMES!
Ross Johnston needs to get his head screwed on straight because jesus christ he was doing dumb things all over the ice, highlighted by a late mugging of Tye Kartye. Just a fantastic example of the Ducks brand of hockey bubbling back up to the surface once again.
Vince Dunn got rocked in such a way that he had to be pulled from the game for reasons of Concussion Protocol, and was not happy about it whatsoever. We’re hoping he just got banged up badly, because I don’t know what this defense is gonna look like without two of it’s most dynamic skaters out for any length of time.
Philipp Grubauer probably played his best game in a Kraken uniform that didn’t involve playoff stakes. He absolutely earned the first star of the evening.
Let’s Give a Hand To…
Frederic Gaudreau got the ball rolling with a slick third chance shot on the door step on the power play. Never give up on any play, and as Freddie shows here…you never truly know!
Jordan Eberle got a pair of goals; first to get the Kraken up for good, and then an empty netter! The Cap showed the way once again!
Kaapo Kakko had a pair of secondary assists tonight; keeping the play alive in front of the Ducks’ net for Gaudreau’s tally, and getting the initial steal to spring Matty and Eberle for the game winner. Hardworking night for him!
Philipp Grubauer. Man. What else do you gotta say about facing 41 shots and only 1 of them gets through you? Just an incredible night, a well-earned .976 SV%, and the star of the game. He’s also getting up to being like .911 SV% on the season which like…you could probably trust him with some more starts??? Is that where we’re at now??? The German Gentleman Redemption tour??????
The Chartz, via NaturalStatTrick.com
No rest for the Kraken, as they play today in Los Angeles against the Kings! That game is on at 7pm PST!
We’ll see you there, and as always
Keep Calm, and Post Zoidberg When We Win.