The Seattle Kraken are set to face the New York Islanders in an important NHL matchup tonight at 6:30 p.m. The Kraken will aim to break a troubling trend of conceding shorthanded goals as they look to regain their footing in the playoff race.
Stop the Shorthanded Goals
The Kraken have recently allowed shorthanded goals in three consecutive games, a franchise record they need to reverse. Head coach Lane Lambert emphasized the importance of addressing this issue after their last game against the Pittsburgh Penguins. Despite managing to tie that game, the team struggled to prevent their opponents from quickly responding with go-ahead goals.
Against the Penguins, Seattle’s penalty-killers faced challenges. After conceding an early shorthanded goal, they managed to thwart two additional power-play attempts from Pittsburgh, which has the second-best power play in the NHL. The Kraken currently find themselves two points behind the San Jose Sharks for the wild-card spot, although they hold a game in hand.
Winterton’s Rising Star
Rookie Ryan Winterton has been a standout player for the Kraken, contributing significantly on the ice. Over the past 12 games, he has recorded one goal and six assists, showcasing his scoring ability that led to his selection in the third round of the 2021 draft. His recent performance includes assisting on crucial goals, which has drawn praise from coaches and teammates alike.
Winterton attributes his success to improved speed and physical play, emphasizing his focus on creating turnovers and generating offensive opportunities. His efforts have made a positive impact, and continuing this momentum could yield impressive statistics for his rookie season.
Know the Opponent: New York Islanders
The Islanders currently sit second in the Metropolitan Division and are aiming to maintain their position. Their last encounter with the Kraken resulted in a shootout victory for New York. This time, they are expected to start their top goalie, Ilya Sorokin, who has been performing exceptionally well with a .915 save percentage.
Seattle will counter with Philipp Grubauer, who has a .917 save percentage this season. Both goaltenders have been integral to their teams, helping them stay competitive in the league.
- Projected Lineup:
- McCann – Beniers – Eberle
- Catton – Stephenson – Tolvanen
- Schwartz – Wright – Kakko
- Winterton – Meyers – Gaudreau
- Dunn – Larsson
- Oleksiak – Montour
- Lindgren – Evans
- Grubauer (Goalie)
This meeting between the Kraken and the Islanders promises to be a compelling contest as both teams strive to solidify their playoff positions. The game is pivotal for the Kraken as they seek to improve their defensive play and harness the energy of rising stars like Winterton.
