Kraken Travels
Remember that time the Seattle Kraken blew that third period lead in Chicago when the Blackhawks scored two goals in 13-seconds to win? Yeah, that was October 23rd, which just happens to be the last time the Kraken lost a road game.
That’s right, it’s been over a month. Part of that has to do with the fact there was a six-game homestand that unfolded during the month of November, but the rest of it has to do with the Kraken being road warriors. With a win tonight, the club would sweep its second consecutive three-game road trip, coming off victories in Vegas 4-2 and in Anaheim 5-4.
If “if’s and but’s were candies and nuts, it’d be Christmas every day”. Imagine if the Kraken hadn’t blown the two goal lead in Anaheim on opening night and lost in OT and then had that big oopsie in Chicago against the overmatched Blackhawks … Seattle would be 9-and-0 on the road! That’s how close they’ve been from perfection away from Climate Pledge Arena.
Water under the bridge, however. Game on tonight in Los Angeles against a Kings team that should be highly motivated by revenge and the Pacific Division standings. The Kraken beat them 4-1 in LA on the second night of the season and then again 3-2 in overtime in Seattle ten nights ago. Plus, the Kings are in third place just two points behind the Kraken, although LA has played three more games.
Big one tonight. Until puck drop …
Let’s Skate !
Through the weirdness and nastiness that is social media trolling, a series of fabrications actually led to my “competitors” in a different market proposing the myth that I somehow made light of sexual assault. Sort of a long story which I’ll get to at some point, but it’s preposterous, offensive, and impossible. I’ve had loved ones affected. It’s visceral.
In a different way, but along the same lines, so are my feelings about A.L.S., or ‘Lou Gehrig’s’ Disease, named for the legendary baseball player who died of the disease.
I’ve lost two very close hockey friends to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Scott Matzka, who played hockey at the University of Michigan and won an ECHL championship with the Atlantic City Boardwalk Bullies in 2003, died at age 40 in 2018.
John Martin, a larger than life personality and camera guy for New England Sports Network, whom I worked with constantly and joyously for three NHL seasons, died the same year at age 51.
Mark Kirton, a former NHLer who I’ve profiled recently for the wrong reasons, he’s presently battling the disease, is a strong voice behind finding a treatment or cure … before his time runs out. He believes the recent death of Toronto Maple Leafs legend Borje Salming, although tragic, will help raise the overall awareness of the disease.
Let’s hope something good comes out of something so horrible.
Along those lines, the Maple Leafs announced Tuesday that they will raise funds for the ALS battle, and honor Salming on Wednesday with the sale of sweaters and special tribute patches. The Leafs host the San Jose Sharks.
Want a unique hockey item and have some disposable income? Check out the game worn sweaters at the Real Sports Auction site from Wednesday at 12 noon to Saturday at 8 pm.
You can also learn more at ALS Action Canada and in the US search for a number of donation options including at the Mayo Clinic.
Thank you.
Enjoy the Hockey Action !!
