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Game Six: Canucks @ Kraken - Finally Home

October 23, 2021, 2:17 PM ET [89 Comments]
Sean Maloughney
Seattle Kraken Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
The good news is Seattle might have just gotten through the worst part of their schedule. Starting the season on the road for 5 games, the Kraken managed only 3 points and have lost their last 3 games straight. It wasn't a great way to start the season but the good news is the Pacific Division as a whole, aside from the Sharks and ugh... Oilers, hasn't been anything spectacular. A win over the Canucks tonight would put Seattle in a tie for third in the division. Tonight the Kraken will play the game that should have been their season opener; a matchup at their brand new arena against a team that should be considered a big rival for the team in the Vancouver Canucks.

The crowd tonight should be absolutely buzzing and hopefully the organization will have some fun and put on a bit of a show before the puck drops. Here are five things to watch for in tonight's game.

1) Good At All, Master of None: The Canucks don't have any specific player who is running away with their production in the first few games but they do have a bunch of players who have scored. As best as I can tell, through the first five games no team has more different players who have scored than the Canucks. Conor Garland leads the team in goal scoring with two but after that there are 11 different players who have each scored a single goal. Regardless of the line that comes out, Seattle needs to be wary of this team.

2) Line Swap: Coach Hakstol is trying to find a combination that will score his team some goals. Tonight Gourde will centre Schwartz and Jarnkrok while Wennberg will be between McCann and Eberle. Goal scoring has not come easy and Hakstol hopes this top six combined with home ice advantage will work.

3) Special Teams: Seattle and Vancouver are both in the middle of the pack when it comes to their powerplays but Seattle has a strong penalty kill while Vancouvers has been lacking. If Seattle can keep things even at 5 on 5, they might be able to push a win out based on this.

4) Starting At Home: In general Seattle has looked completely outclassed on the road in the last three games. Tonight everyone is hoping that home ice will help them out but no one more so than Philip Grubauer. After posting a 0.922SV% last season, Grubauer has a 0.867SV% in four games this year. Still unsure if Grubs is starting but he needs to get back to playing his brand of steady netminding.

5) DEFEND: Vancouver is currently second in the league in shots on net while the Kraken have the 29th best SV% against and have allowed the 8th most shots on net. I've said this repeatedly through the last few games but this defensive group should be far better at suppressing chances against. Teams are getting far too many grade A chances against and second opportunities.

Hopefully Seattle gives it's fans a great showing tonight and can record their first win in front of their fans.
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