Seattle Kraken 3 Keys to a Round 2 Victory

Jonathan West |

May 2, 2023

Brandon Tanev (Photo by Jenn Goldberg, via Emerald City Hockey)

Even Better Goaltending

Martin Jones helped the Seattle Kraken backstop a winning mindset earlier this year. And Philipp Grubauer rebounded during the second half of the season.

Now after an exhausting seven-game campaign to open the playoffs, Gru needs to keep earning that massive contract. He can do it by closing open windows on shooters.

During the regular season series, the Seattle Kraken used all top-three goaltenders against Dallas, while the Stars gave consistent work to Jake Oettinger- who, in my opinion, is one of the best goalies to ever play at Climate Pledge Arena.

“The German Gentleman” has a top-three playoff save percentage (.926%), but his Goals Against Average ranks eighth (2.44). And the only win against Dallas this year belongs to Joey Daccord, now in Palm Springs for the Firebirds AHL playoff run.

Grubauer is such a powerful skater, but there are times when he pushes into the shot. Which leads to problems downstream as he abandons his crease. Rantanen's goal is a good example. If his feet were set, no forward motion, probably different outcome
— Mike McKenna (@MikeMcKenna56) April 29, 2023

Tonight ESPN will showcase Game 1, and Game 2 will air Thursday on TNT. Two years ago, sports bars across the PNW, like Moonshine BBQ, the Angry Beaver, and Queen Anne Beer Hall, would not have been so invested.

But now, after seven playoff games? They still believe- with their Kraken tentacles on the ground and reaching for the stars. ⚓