We won’t assume anything, that’s always dangerous, but the Seattle Kraken are in an excellent position to make the 2023 Stanley Cup Playoffs. They have a nine-point cushion ahead of the closest non-playoff teams, the Nashville Predators and the Calgary Flames, in the NHL’s Western Conference.
“You continually take care of the day,” Kraken Head Coach Dave Hakstol said Tuesday morning. “Keep everything in perspective, know exactly where you’re at, and focus in on the short term goal and opportunity of the day. Every two points is extremely valuable, so it’s enjoyable to come to the rink with this group and prepare to go out and work for the next step.”
Meanwhile, the Anaheim Ducks are close to being the ‘leaders’ in the race for the best odds in the upcoming NHL Draft Lottery. They’re presently tied for the third fewest points in the NHL, 50, ahead of just the Chicago Blackhawks and Columbus Blue Jackets.
Kraken Masked Men
The hot Seattle Kraken goalie du jour is Philipp Grubauer, who gets another start tonight. He’s won his last three appearances, two starts and a match in relief of Martin Jones and has given up a grand total of five goals over those three games.
Up front the Kraken lines have been juggled a bit over the last handful of games, particularly with early season leading scorer Andre Burakovsky out of the line-up for four weeks. “Burkie” has been skating on his own and is week-to-week, but getting closer.
The Kraken are riding a four game win streak, all of the victories coming on the road. A win tonight would bring Seattle a win streak of five-games of longer for the fourth time this season.
“I don’t think we had our best, especially early in that Colorado game; I like how we stuck with it, never really gave up, and kind of knew in the dressing room we were going to tie it up, and we did that, and did the job in overtime,” Kraken D-man Justin Schultz recalled Thursday.
“Simmer’s Morning Skate” Tuesday morning featured a visit with Kraken radio voice Everett Fitzhugh, who discusses that playoff picture, special teams, goaltending, and of course we have some fun.
Enjoy the Hockey Action !!
