Wanna blog? Start your own hockey blog with My HockeyBuzz. Register for free today!
 

Random Thoughts Through Pre-Season

September 29, 2022, 2:53 PM ET [9 Comments]
Sean Maloughney
Seattle Kraken Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
Seattle has played two pre-season games, scoring three goals in each and not allowing a single goal against. Obviously we can expect this team to run 82-0 in the regular season, scoring 246 goals and allowing 0.

Alright, maybe that might be a little overkill but there are some positive things to glean from these first two games. In no particular order, let's go through some of the main bullet points.

- Beniers picked up where he left off in his limited cup of NHL coffee last season with the first pre-season goal for Seattle. The thing that impresses me the most about Beniers is just his general poise on the ice. Despite his youth, you don't see him overextend or try to do too much on his own. He uses his linemates well and it's promising to see him and Bjorkstrand clicking early. While the competition Beniers faced wasn't world class (Edmonton basically iced an AHL team) the way Beniers was playing could be effective regardless of the type of competition. A great start.

- Shane Wright the other young potential future franchise player had a great first appearance in Kraken colors. While he didn't end up on the scoresheet, Wright was flying at both ends of the ice and generated a ton of shot chances. It was interesting to see how Hakstol used Wright, ie, in literally every situation. Wright played on the PP, 5 on 5 and on the penalty kill as well. It still isn't a given Wright will make the team out of camp but if he does he might need to be killing some penalties or playing in a bottom six role to start.

- It's tough to look at pre-season games as the real thing but still it was great to see Philip Grubauer stop every shot he faced. Goaltending was a major concern for Seattle last season and at least as of right now, the tenders look calm and poised.

- Jagger Firkus is a fun player to watch and while he is still at least a couple years away from any type of regular NHL time, you can see his raw talent on display when he hits the ice. Will be a fun player to keep track of.

- One rough point, the 19 year old, 205lb Jacob Melanson made a dumb play in the first pre-season game with a needless headshot against Oilers prospect James Hamblin. Melanson received a hearing and was given a two game suspension. Melanson is the first Kraken player to ever get a suspension if you enjoy that kind of trivia.

- Great seeing Brandon Tanev back on the ice. He led all forwards for Seattle in EV ice time in game 1 and was flying and landing hits just like he was last season before injury. Expect him to start on the third line in the regular season.

- Again it's early and so tough to gauge properly in pre-season but the offense as a whole looked far more confident. Players were taking shots from all angle and more importantly, finding ways to create second and third chances. With the potential for Wright and Beniers along with Bjorkstrand, Burakovsky and more on the opening night roster the hope was that the Kraken would be a higher scoring team. Actually scoring 6 goals in the first two pre-season games is great but the way that the forwards are moving should still translate into the regular season.

---

Seattle has also made a few cuts prior to playing their third game tonight: Jagger Firkus, David Goyette, Kyle Jackson, Jacob Melanson, Ty Nelson, and Tucker Robertson have all been sent back to their respective clubs.

What has stood out for you so far through the first two pre-season games?
Join the Discussion: » 9 Comments » Post New Comment
More from Sean Maloughney
» Wright Plays In Top Six
» Eberle Signing Looking Less Likely - Trade to Edmonton?
» Seattle Trades Wennberg To Rangers
» Wennberg Healthy Scratched For Trade Related Reasons
» Should The Kraken Trade or Keep Jordan Eberle?