Kraken Sophomore
Kraken 2nd-year center Matty Beniers has had a tough go in 2023-’24 thus far.
That would be at the offensive end of the ice, at least until Thursday night when he returned to his hometown of Boston to post a goal and two assists in a 4-1 win over the Bruins. It was his first three-point game since November 27th, 2022 against the Anaheim Ducks and just the third of his career.
“I’ve been playing the right way,” he said postgame. “I’ve been able to see, get some points, everything you guys see. As long as we’re winning, I’m happy.”
Also happy were his parents, grandparents, cousins and friends in attendance, many from his Boston “South Shore” community of Hingham, Massachusetts.
Despite his scoring droughts, Beniers has posted six two-point games this season. It’s a matter of finding consistency.
After Thursday’s morning skate, Kraken head coach Dave Hasktol said he wasn’t worried about the 21-year-old’s offense.
“He continues to grow as a player,” Hasktol said. “The thing that never wavers is his competitiveness, his confidence, the type of teammate that he is … as he goes through the challenges of year two in the NHL, those elements remaining a constant are a real positive.
“Great to see Matty get on the board with a big goal for us the other night,” Hakstol added, “he played extremely well and I believe he’ll carry that into to tonight’s hockey game.”
Beniers scored in the win against the Islanders on Tuesday, his first goal in eight games and just his second point in twelve.
Postgame in Boston, Hakstol put a wrap on his prophetic thoughts.
“When you’re a guy that wants to provide offense and you feel that responsibility for your team, to be able to do that a couple of nights in a row is really important,” he said. “I hope that felt good for him, especially in front of a lot of friends and family tonight.”
Previous Kraken:
— Kraken Prospect Firkus Flourishing Atop Major Juniors
