It’s a testomony to how rapidly issues evolve when late September hits. We thought we’d let the weekend slide and are available again on Monday to jot down a information recap, however a lot has occurred with the Seattle Kraken since Friday afternoon and Monday is already one other preseason gameday, so why not a Sunday replace? Extra prospects have been despatched dwelling, a pair of preseason bouts, harm information, and a brand new sponsorship accomplice. Let’s talk about.
Kraken Enhance vs. Canucks and Oilers
The Kraken’s preseason curtain raiser once they have been trounced at dwelling by the Calgary Flames is beginning to really feel like a very long time in the past. Are issues excellent? No, in fact not. Head coach Dan Bylsma and his workers are nonetheless determining line combos, and giving younger weapons some ice time, and the membership has misplaced extra typically than it has received, however there may be way more cause for optimism because the facet travels to Calgary for a Monday night time showdown.
On Friday the Kraken accomplished their home-and-home with the Vancouver Canucks and returned the favor of Tuesday’s 3-1 loss with a victory by the identical scoreline. Seattle utterly dominated the faceoff circle, profitable 39 of 59 alternatives for a 66.1% success price. That was after edging the Canucks within the circle within the earlier tilt (52.1%) regardless of shedding the match. The excellent news was that each Brandon Montour and Eeli Tolvanen tallied. Montour is likely one of the crew’s new offseason acquisitions and Tolvanen signed a two-year extension. Netminder Joey Daccord additionally resembled his 2023-24 self, repelling 19 of the 20 pictures despatched his means.
There was no time to rejoice. The Edmonton Oilers awaited at dwelling on Saturday night. This was a vastly totally different affair in tempo and elegance. The Kraken couldn’t maintain on to a 4-2 benefit, ultimately succumbing to Edmonton’s velocity and ability in a 5-4 defeat. Whereas the consequence was disappointing, Seattle confirmed that it can also skate with the most effective. The crew – reinforcements included – regarded excellent at occasions. Jacob Melanson (2021 draft class), Eduard Sale (2023 first-round choose), John Hayden, and Ben Meyers (offseason signing) all scored.
There is no such thing as a disgrace in shedding to final season’s Stanley Cup finalists, particularly in a high-scoring affair with Connor McDavid and Ryan Nugent-Hopkins on the ice. The loss upset, however the Kraken went toe-to-toe with a supremely well-oiled machine, pardon the pun.
Kokko, Winterton, and Buddies Despatched to Coachella Valley
On Friday and Saturday, many gamers have been despatched down south to Coachella Valley to prepare for the Firebirds’ upcoming American Hockey League (AHL) marketing campaign. Goaltenders Niklas Kokko and Victor Ostman had been round because the begin of coaching camp however had not seen any ice time within the crew’s quarter of preseason video games.
Ahead Lleyton Roed was despatched packing, however not earlier than placing on an excellent present in Friday’s Canucks recreation. He orchestrated a superb sequence within the center body by stealing the puck at heart ice, racing down the left facet and serving a move into the crease for Ryan Winterton to place in.
Jagger Firkus, the 2022 Draft choice who has terrorized the Western Hockey League for the previous couple of seasons, can be becoming a member of the Firebirds. Sadly, his solely preseason ice time got here in that dreadful Flames recreation on Sept. 22, to not point out that he completed a minus-2 that night. He’s a tremendous expertise, however possibly not NHL-ready but. It’s necessary to needless to say he’s solely 20 years previous.
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22-year-old Logan Morrison, a participant who was teased final season (4 video games) will proceed to hone his craft on the AHL degree.
Defensemen Ty Nelson and Nikolas Brouillard (cleared waivers) are two different names that obtained a possibility this September however will in the end line up for the Firebirds. Brouillard’s destiny may need been sealed in the identical method as Firkus’ on condition that his solely contest was the loss towards the Flames. Nelson was a participant within the defeat in Vancouver final week.
Standing Replace on Dunn and Burakovsky
With recreation recaps and cuts out of the best way, what in regards to the meat and potatoes? With greater than per week of coaching camp within the books and 4 preseason matches performed, isn’t it a bit humorous that defenseman Vince Dunn hasn’t seen a lot motion?
To be truthful, he has been on the ice for some drills. He’s been paired with Adam Larsson most frequently throughout camp. To carry readers on top of things, Dunn had a tough 2023-24, lacking a complete of 23 contests due to accidents. The Mississauga, Ontario native noticed motion solely twice in March earlier than returning for a pair of matches in April.
As we’ve written earlier than, Dunn is a critically necessary a part of this crew’s success and cohesion. That he hasn’t hit the ice in preseason is each good and unhealthy. It’s unhealthy insofar as his absence from the lineups means he’s not 100% but. It’s good as a result of, properly, if he’s not 100% then he shouldn’t be tussling in September hockey. Relating to Dunn’s probabilities of taking part in a bit earlier than the common season, coach Dan Bylsma advised the media that “he’s progressing that means.”
As for Burakovsky, his harm will not be so unhealthy that he can’t skate together with his mates. By the identical token, he’s carrying a crimson follow uniform, which suggests contact is a no-no. This isn’t the primary time this week Bylsma expressed the necessity for warning with Burakosvky. Mid-week the Austrian was fully absent from follow and that was for “upkeep” causes. Now the crimson shirt is for “precautionary” causes. Clearly this isn’t enjoyable information, but when there may be ever a time when not taking part in video games doesn’t damage the membership that a lot, it’s through the preseason.
Slick Seattle Shoe Deal
The Kraken run on Brooks. That’s appropriate. Not skate. Run. In our final bit of reports, on Sept. 26 the membership and Seattle-based sportswear firm Brooks introduced a partnership. Based in 1914, Brooks used to make ice skates, however since 2001 have largely targeted on trainers.
As such, at any time when Kraken gamers need to hit the treadmill, one other gym-bound exercise, or train outdoor they’ll be adorned in Brooks gear. The information comes simply in time for the Kraken’s 5K Enjoyable Run, which is able to happen on Saturday, Oct. 5 and assist elevate funds for the group’s most cancers basis. Brooks will assist the occasion as properly.
Because the Kraken head into the ultimate week of camp/preseason, the crew is taking form. There aren’t many cuts left to make, some gamers want the following 10 days or so to get into higher form or heal from accidents, and a pair of preseason bouts stay. The Kraken keep in Alberta for an additional couple of days, with a rematch towards the Flames on Monday night time.