Kraken Loose?
The first question from me to Seattle Kraken head coach Dave Hakstol relates to a phenomenon we’ve seen dozens of times over the many years involving teams getting comfortable with winning.
Confidence is wonderful, it’s one of the most important things in life. Momentum is collective confidence. All good.
However, so often, teams that win for awhile, start to get loose. Are recent 8-5 and 9-8 games, albeit victories, warning signs for Seattle? Symptomatic of a slip? We’ll find out Thursday night when the Kraken host the Washington Capitals at Climate Pledge Arena.
Let’s Skate !
For the second time in eight years, Pittsburgh Penguins defenseman Kris Letang has suffered a stroke. It’s not considered career or life threatening.
“Thus far, everything is looking as positive as it could be,” Penguins General Manager Ron Hextall stated.
“I am fortunate to know my body well enough to recognize when something isn’t right,” Letang said in a statement. “While it is difficult to navigate this issue publicly, I am hopeful it can raise awareness. It is important for me that my teammates, family and the fans know that I am OK. I am optimistic that I will be back on the ice soon.”
Mitch’s Heater
Mitch Marner has tied Darryl Sittler and Eddie Olczyk with the longest point scoring streak in Toronto Maple Leafs history at eighteen games. Marner managed to keep the streak alive Wednesday night by scoring an empty net goal with just more than a minute to play in Toronto’s 3-1 win over the San Jose Sharks.
It’s the Leafs 5th win in a row.
“It’s a special moment to have my family in the crowd, to have grown up in this city, be a fan of this team and have my name with a couple of unbelievable players,” Marner said after. “But winning the game is more important.”
The Leafs get a couple of days off; Marner will have to wait until Saturday to try and extend the record in Tampa against the Lightning. He still has quite a ways to go to catch Wayne Gretzky’s all-time NHL record of points in 51 games in a row.
Enjoy the Kraken Hockey Action !!
