Kraken Looking Ahead to Game-3
Seattle Kraken head coach Dave Hakstol credited the Dallas Stars with raising their compete level after the Kraken won Game-1 in overtime.
“Their intensity was a major factor in game number two (a 4-2 Stars victory),” Hakstol said after practice on Saturday. ‘We weren’t able to match that. I saw a little bit of fatigue in our guys, and that’s why we went optional (with practice) today. That gives everybody the ability to recover to what suits them best over two days. Now it’s upon each of us individually and collectively to raise that level in Game-3.”
Kraken forward Jordan Eberle hopes to harness home ice advantage Sunday night at Climate Pledge Arena.
“With this crowd, it’s one of the best I’ve played in front of as far as energy,” Eberle said Saturday.
However, the Kraken went just 1-2 at home in the first round.
“Honestly, it’s more just a mental thing,” Eberle continued. “You look at the stats, we’ve had more success on the road. You have to be a good home team if you want to win the Cup. It’s just that simple.”
The Jack Adams Nomination
Hakstol learned via phone call, just before Friday’s official announcement, that he was one of three finalists for the Jack Adams coach of the year award. The other nominees are Jim Montgomery of the Boston Bruins and Lindy Ruff of the New Jersey Devils, with the winner to be announced June 26th.
The Kraken coach earned the honor by improving his team’s performance by 19 wins and 40 points from their expansion season. Characteristically, Hakstol spread praise around the organization.
“It’s a real indicator of the good work our players have done,” Hakstol said. “It’s nice recognition of the hard work of the entire staff. Maybe more importantly, it’s an indicator of the steps that we’ve taken through the regular season.
“You learn everywhere you go, and you apply your own principles. I’m a believer you stay true to who you are. You try to grow, evolve, develop. I’ve been fortunate that every place I’ve been, whether as a head coach (Philadelphia Flyers) or an assistant (Toronto Maple Leafs), I’ve had great people to work with.”
Although a high honor, the Jack Adams is sometimes jokingly referred to as the coaching “kiss of death.” Last year’s winner was Calgary Flames coach Darryl Sutter. The Flames fired Sutter on May 1.
That’s not the first time it’s happened.