Kraken Hockey

The first preseason game of this season was against the Vancouver Canucks on September 21st at 5pm. This game was a must watch for the start of the season, we got to see a penalty shot, a fight, and of course most importantly a Kraken win!

This game was exciting from the start, luckily the coaching staff decided to play this more like a regular season game rather than the Canucks who played it like preseason. The best way to truly know what the team is going to look like in the regular season is to see what they look like in the preseason. In the game they switched between goaltenders Nikke Kokko and Joey Daccord, both did very well and were integral to getting us a win. The defense was definitely protecting the goalie better than they did last season, instead of leaving the goalie out to dry they were constantly trying to keep both goaltenders protected.

Some stars of the night were, Jani Nyman, Kaapo Kakko, and John Hayden. Jani Nyman not only scored twice, but he also assisted on John Hayden’s goal as well. I am hoping that Nymans performance last night is going to help push him towards being a Kraken this regular season, since currently he is playing with the AHL affiliate the Firebirds. Kaapo Kakko assisted on both of Nymans goal along with trying to make some moves himself, the line combo of Kakko Nyman and Beniers has been a great addition to what the Kraken have to offer. Kakko is an up-and-coming player in the Kraken organization, and I think this season will truly show off his talent. John Hayden is a great enforcer on the ice, I am excited to see what he might be able to do for the Kraken defensively during the regular season. While Hayden has been moved up and down continuously between the Kraken and the Firebirds, I am hoping that he has proved himself enough that he will have earned himself a spot permanently on the Kraken roster. Hayden has not only proved himself scoring wise, but he has also proved himself as the kind of defensive offensive player we need and have been lacking lately.

Overall, this Kraken game was an amazing way to kick off the preseason, it makes me very excited for what is to come when we hit the regular season. One other thing I have been impressed with is the difference in coaching styles; Lane Lambert may have been just what the Kraken have needed. Having a coach with a more defensive background is a great idea for a team that has overall had a problem in the defensive department. I believe that the first game of the preseason is a good way to tell what is going to happen throughout the season as a whole, and the Kraken have proved that they should be a team to watch rather than a team to push off to the side.