The Kraken came into their matchup against the Tampa Bay Lightning with two huge wins under their belt. Hopes were high that the streak would continue, but Tampa Bay had other ideas. From the first puck drop, the Kraken were on their heels as the Lightning set the pace. They dominated offensively, and the Kraken were unable to establish any sustained offensive production.
Before Seattle could manage a single goal, Tampa Bay was up by three. The newest Kraken, Bobby McMann, continued his point streak and got the Kraken on the board 1:07 into the second period off a feed from Matty Beniers. Jared McCann managed to notch another tally for Seattle just over eight minutes later (goaltender Philipp Grubauer got credited for thesecondary assist), but that is where the scoresheet ends for Seattle.
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March 17: Kraken Celebrate McCann Goal photo by Candace Kludt | The Hockey News
The momentum from the second period died in intermission, and the Lightning took over. Adding goals four, five, and six in the 3rd period, Tampa Bay took home the win with a 6-2 victory. Nikita Kucherov led the scoring with a hat trick and two assists on the night.
It was a tough loss at a time when the Kraken need all the wins they can get. With just two points keeping the team in the second wildcard spot, every loss is another chance to slide out of playoff position. Seattle heads out the road Wednesday morning. With twelve points on the table during the 6-game road trip, the Kraken need to win more than they lose to hold on to the posssibility of a playoff run.
There are only five home games remaining on the regular season; the next is April 2nd when the Kraken will face the Utah Mammoth.