The Kraken headed out on the road for the first time this preseason to line up against a veteran-heavy Vancouver squad. While most of the Seattle players had seen some preseason action it was the first outing for Tye Kartye, Cameron Hughes, Austin Poganski and Matt Tennyson. And there were many lessons to learn about the levels of competition in the NHL. But that is the point of preseason play.
The Kraken fell down on the scoreboard early with the Canucks scoring two goals in the first ten minutes of play, but they were able to steady themselves and maintain play in the second period before building a comeback in the final twenty minutes of regulation to force overtime. . In extra time, back-and-forth play filled the majority of the bonus minutes before Ryan Donato got off on the breakaway and beat Arturs Silvo for the game winner with forty seconds remaining on the clock.
An impressive comeback all around for the young Kraken squad.
- After giving up two goals to the Canucks in the first period, the Kraken did get on the board thanks to Tye Kartye who was playing in his first preseason game. Seattle was playing with an extra skater after Andrei Kuzmenko (who had scored the two aforementioned goals) tripped. Morgan Geekie. Shane Wright fired a shot from the right flank – where he’s been practicing on the power play in training camp. That shot was stopped by Thatcher Demko but Kartye jumped on the rebound and his second attempt found the back of the net.
Video: SEA@VAN: Kartye scores in 1st period
- The first period was a chaotic and chippy one with Seattle getting dinged for six infractions and Vancouver earning five penalty calls. And arguably specialty teams became the difference maker. The Canucks would convert two of their three opportunities on the power play while Seattle had only two chances, converting one. However, play settled down in the second with only one two-minute call (between outside fisticuffs John Hayden and Dakota Joshua after Joshua laid a hit on Michal Kempny that resulted in the veteran defenseman leaving the game). With more time at even strength, the Kraken were able to find a bit of a groove and generated a few more scoring chances for themselves. There were a few calls in the third but play remained fairly steady.
- As Seattle settled down, the Kraken were able to find more of a scoring touch. The third frame saw two goals go in. First, Cole Lind was able to tuck the rebound of a Will Borgen Shot behind Silvos. And then, tone setter John Hayden – who brought the physicality and had two fights – added a tying point off a pass from Cameron Hughes. Donato – who’s known for his offensive contributions – then added the final goal of the night.
Video: SEA@VAN: Lind puts home a puck in the crease
NOTABLES
- Forward Joonas Donskoi Collided with Kole Lind along the boards and left the bench shortly after. He, along with Kempny did not return to play.
- Shane Wright continues to look more and more comfortable. He notched his first preseason point with the helper on Kartye’s goal and contributed in all three zones. The 2022 draftee was strong on the puck, generated quality scoring chances, and was noticeable for his back check as much as his offensive drive. It’s all in the details and Wright is showing his attention to so many.
- Joey Daccord turned away 18 of the 21 pucks he faced. In relief (the game was once again intentionally split between both goaltenders) Martin Jones stopped all 15 pucks he faced.
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