Kraken, Philipp Grubauer

Kraken: Time For Grubauer To Step Up

Kraken Crease

Goalie Philipp Grubauer’s $5.9-million cap hit for another two seasons after this one is a heavy burden, one that Kraken General Manager Ron Francis is likely going to have to ride out.

For now, it’s time “Gruby” stepped in and stepped it up. Despite the fact Joey Daccord had excellent head-to-head numbers against the Senators in two games last season, I’d be surprised if Grubauer didn’t get the start on Saturday night in Ottawa given the fact that Daccord has started Seattle’s last four games.

There’s no reason to ride the club’s current number-one goalie too hard. Plus, it’s time Grubauer found his very expensive game. He’s 1-and-3 on the young season with a goals against average above three and a save percentage below 89%. Not good.

Success in net is tied directly to the amount of confidence the goalie provides his teammates skating in front of him. Right now the Kraken have more confidence in Daccord, but there comes a time when head coach Dan Bylsma has to share the goaltending load and that time has come.

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Last season on December 2nd, Daccord started in Ottawa and lost 2-0 to Anton Forsberg at the other end. Both goalies had outstanding numbers in the game. Grubauer was the back-up.

On January 4th with Grubi on the shelf with his annual injury, Daccord beat the Senators 4-1 at Climate Pledge Arena.

The last time Grubauer played against Ottawa was on March 9th, 2023, leading up to the Kraken making the playoffs. It was an ugly night. Seattle lost at home 5-4 to the non-playoff team with the German’s save percentage that evening at 83%.

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Rob Simpson

Rob Simpson has covered the NHL in five different decades. He’s authored 4 books on hockey and is a veteran TV and radio play-by-play man and reporter.