Seattle, WA – The Seattle Kraken losing streak extended to six games with a loss at home to the Colorado Avalanche this Friday, November 19th.
Defenseman Vince Dunn brings the puck up
It was known that this would be a tough game for the Kraken, as Colorado were betting favorites to win the Stanley cup this offseason. This is yet another loss that can be attributed to defensive breakdowns, a slow start, and an inability to finish. Those three issues have played a big role when it comes to why Seattle has lost 13 of 17, and are in desperate need of a bounce back.
While Seattle was able to capitalize on the power play late and net their first two goals of the game because of it, the Kraken are still searching for a way to score in the opening period. The Avalanche were able to score twice in the first period, with Seattle being a few inches away from getting on the scoreboard and keeping pace. Good saves by Colorado goaltender Darcy Kuemper, who was brought in to replace Philipp Grubauer, unlucky misses and poor finishing continue to haunt the Kraken.
Speaking of Grubauer, the German born goaltender did not start in goal against his former team in this game. It would be Chris Driedger, who has now been deemed fully healthy, who would get the nod. When asked about the decision to not play Grubauer against his former team, head coach Dave Hakstol had this to say “That’s always something that we look at. Ultimately, the decision is based off of what’s right for the team. What’s right in terms of schedule, performance, and everything else that comes into play.”
The goaltenders have been a hot topic of discussion for the Kraken, particularly the play of Philipp Grubauer. Many fans have said that Grubauer has been the reason that Seattle has been losing games, but as can be seen coming out of this game, the defensive issues run deeper than the man in net. In the postgame press conference, Colin Blackwell was asked about the play of the goaltenders and stated “Those guys work their asses off. It has nothing to do with them... I respect the hell out of those guys.”
Backup goaltender Chris Driedger had a tough night
If Seattle wants to turn things around and get back on the winning track, then it will take a huge effort. Seattle faces Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals on Sunday November 17th, and Washington ranks third in the league in points. Their next few after that? Second place Carolina, 11th place Tampa Bay, and first place Florida. Things will not get easier for Seattle, so the Kraken will have to do some serious self-improvement work to get back on the victory trail.
Photo credit to Megan Connelly of Fi360 news
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