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Game 5: Kraken @ Devils - Gourde Returns

October 19, 2021, 5:48 PM ET [27 Comments]
Sean Maloughney
Seattle Kraken Blogger • RSSArchiveCONTACT
Through the first 3 games of the season, the Kraken were a team with some holes and issues, but one with potential that was able to play tight hockey against their opponent. That was not the case in Game 4 against the Flyers. From start to finish Seattle was outmatched, could not keep up with Philly and while the overall shots were close, the ice was tilted heavily in Phillys favor.

It's been a rough schedule to begin for Seattle. The Kraken are playing their 5th game tonight while the Devils are gearing up for only their 2nd. This will also be the first back to back scenario for Seattle. The good news is that they should be rested because they really didn't play much yesterday. Here are five things to watch for tonight.

1) Gourde Returns: Gourde returning couldn't come at a better time for Seattle. McCann has done a respectable job anchoring the top line but the team needs some more veteran presence and a player with 60 point potential. Gourde checks both of those boxes and it will be interesting to see how he is used in his first game back.

2) Daccord Starts?: Goaltending has not been a strong position yet for Seattle. Grubauer had his worst game yet last night and Driedger was able to come in and stop the bleeding. It was expecting Dreidger would start tonight but now it's looking like the young Daccord will get his first game of the season.

3) Bounceback: It was the first real ugly game for Seattle on Monday night and seeing how the team bounces back will be one more indication on what to expect from this roster. Seattle should be coming kit hard and finishing checks early against the Devils and cannot afford to sit back and let the play come to them as they did last night.

4) Stand The Line: In preseason Seattle did a good job with their blueline at standing at the line to deny entry but they seem to have completely forgotten about that in the regular season. With guys like Larsson and Oleksiak it confounds me that Hakstol has these players attempting to outskate their opponents. Go back to the style that your roster is effective at instead of molding them in a different fashion.

5) Snakebit: Seattle didn't do nearly a good enough job at generating chances but early in the game Jordan Eberle almost scored a great goal but was ultimately robbed by Hart. If a guy like Eberle can get his first off of his back than others should follow. Hopefully that can happen tonight.
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