13 Seconds of Fame.
In hockey, sometimes 13 seconds is all it takes to win a game. (Subtle Foreshadowing)
The Kraken started off looking to run a marathon against the Stars with a slower start and some energy conservation to start it off. That’s to say, the team at the start of the game tonight was not the team of the last two contests. (Subtle Foreshadowing)
The Stars were able to neutralize the Kraken, and although the Kraken did seem to be more responsible defensively, they seemed to forget about the offensive key to their game: getting to the net. This slow start meant that 10 minutes into the period, the Kraken were held to a measly 1 SOG. However, their defensive play against the high-flying Stars did pay off at first as Dallas was held off of the score sheet for the majority of period one. (Subtle Foreshadowing)
Along with defense, Grubauer was the Kraken’s story of the night and he started with a quick save right off the bat. The Dallas Stars team would capitalize on any disengagement from the Kraken and strike with plays that seemed to come out of nowhere. Stankoven, Seguin, and Robertson come to mind when thinking of Grade A chances that Grubauer was able to stop 1-on-1. Overall, the defense did well to protect him, but Dallas simply generated more high danger chances. (Subtle Foreshadowing)
The Kraken PK was also a highlight, able to kill 3/3 penalties, getting sticks on the ice and bodies in the way.
As the 1st period ticked on, the Kraken started to wake up. On a play where they had control of the puck, and momentum building, the puck snuck past Mahura on the wall onto the stick of Harley. Sensing this shift, he snapped the puck to Blackwell, who sent it across the ice to Steel, who sunk it past a net-front Borgen, who simply wasn’t quick enough with his stick. This deadly strike at 16:17 would not see the Stars taking any mercy on their seasick opponents. (Subtle Foreshadowing)
As the Kraken reset and took a breath of relief, the Stars only seemed to strike faster as Jamie Benn cleanly entered the zone, sauced the puck back to Wyatt Johnston, and beat Grubauer blocker side at 16:30.
Understandably, two goals in quick succession seemed to rock the boat for the Kraken, who hit the gas pedal in the final minutes of the period, but were unable to produce any goals.
To be honest, beyond this point, there were some good chances for the Kraken, but they simply weren’t able to capitalize on any of Dallas’ mistakes. They seemed unsure of their mission. Finding the way to win seemed to be a muddle, rather than a balance, between “get to the net” and “keep holding defensively.” These are the moments when I would like to see that grinding mentality kick up a notch, rather than players hanging their heads in defeat far too early. They know a two-goal deficit is beatable, they proved it last night, and I think with more structure, they could have stood a fighting chance.
Of course, it’s not that simple, and Dallas’ shutdown defense and confidence coming off a shutout against the New York Islanders last night surely contributed to their momentum and speed.
These are the growing pains the Kraken must face with a new coaching staff and new, key players. Montour was a standout in this game, his resilience should inform the entire team moving forward. Grubauer’s steadfast play in net should not be overlooked either, despite the two goals against. He kept the Kraken in the game with some beautiful stops and game management, and the team should find confidence in knowing he is behind them this season.
In hockey, sometimes 13 seconds is all it takes to win a game– it’s what you do with the remaining time that can make all the difference.