3 Takeaways From Kraken’s Frustrating 6-2 Loss to Jets – The Hockey Writers – Seattle Kraken

On Monday, April 6, the Seattle Kraken took on the Winnipeg Jets for the third and final matchup of the season. Heading into the game, the Kraken had won the two prior games and led the season series. 

The Kraken struck first with a goal nine minutes in, but the Jets evened up the score three minutes later. Winnipeg struck twice again in the second period, giving them a two-goal lead. The Kraken tried to even the score with an early goal in the third, but the Jets scored three more goals to take a 6-2 win. Winnipeg might have won this game, but the Kraken at least take the season series. 

Eberle Struck First

Just nine minutes into the first period, the Kraken struck first. While the Jets tried to get the puck out of the Kraken’s zone, Matty Beniers picked it up along the boards and dumped it in. Jordan Eberle picked it up and skated it around the back of the net. He attempted a wraparound shot, but he was thwarted by Connor Hellebuyck. Eberle picked up his own rebound and skated it between the faceoff circles. He got the puck on his backhand and scored the first goal of the game. 

This goal marked Eberle’s 25th of the season. This marks his highest goal total in his time with the Kraken. He also has 28 assists, which brings his point total to 53. His highest with the Kraken is 63 points. There are only six games left for the Kraken this season, so Eberle would need to dig deep to try to tie or extend his career-high with the Kraken. He is still sitting at the top of the team’s leaderboard regardless.

Grubauer Exited Early 

Philipp Grubauer earned the start in this game, but he didn’t play the full 60 minutes. He played 33:20 and exited in the second period due to a lower-body injury. It was unclear what caused it, as he simply stopped the puck, but he skated off the ice, favoring one leg, and didn’t return. Joey Daccord entered the crease to close out the night. 

Related: 3 Takeaways From Kraken’s Embarrassing 6-2 Loss to Mammoth

Grubauer made 15 saves on 18 shots, earning him a save percentage (SV%) of .833. Daccord earned the same SV%, making 10 saves on 12 shots. 

Both goaltenders did their best to keep the Kraken in the game, but there’s only so much they can do when the defense is hanging them out to dry. Here’s hoping Grubauer is okay. 

Kraken Were Once Again Outplayed

The Kraken just couldn’t keep the pace with the Jets. Winnipeg answered back with a goal of their own, three minutes after Eberle put the Kraken on the board. The second period was all Winnipeg, as they scored two more goals to gain the lead. The Jets’ first three goals were all scored on power-play chances, keeping the Kraken’s penalty kill weak. 

The Kraken tried to get one back with a goal from Jared McCann, but the damage was already done. Winnipeg scored three more goals, two at full strength and one into an empty net, to take the win. 

The Kraken have the second-worst penalty kill in the league, sitting at 31st with a 71.7% success rate. The only team below them is the Vancouver Canucks. The Jets utilized this to their advantage and scored when the Kraken were at their most vulnerable. Seattle scrambled to get back into the game, which allowed the Jets to score three more goals in the third period. At the end of the day, there is simply no other way to put it than the Kraken were outplayed by their opponent. 

Kraken Play the Second Half of a Back-to-Back

The Kraken will take on the Minnesota Wild on Tuesday, April 7, for the second half of a back-to-back.