While there were certainly areas to improve upon on the ice, the Kraken may be coming off their best game of the season from a fan’s perspective. Saturday’s 4-3 shootout win led by Matty Beniers provided a new high point in hope for the franchise’s future success. There was a level of anticipation and excitement in the arena that hasn’t been seen since the start of the season. The Kraken will look to recapture that magic tonight against the Ottawa Senators.
Opponent Spotlight – Ottawa Senators
Like the Kraken, the Senators are in the thick of the draft lottery race, with a top-10 pick this summer all but assured. It’s been a familiar spot for Ottawa over the last five years. The Sens have several exciting young players with high draft pedigree, but have yet to translate that talent into a competitive team.
While all the focus will be on Matty Beniers tomorrow, Ottawa has their own prolific former University of Michigan center. Keep an eye on Senators center Josh Norris. Last week, the 22-year-old became the first Senators player to have a 30-goal season in over a decade.
Three Keys
- Beniers factor – We saw it last game. Matty Beniers is capable of delivering special plays in a way no other Kraken player is. The Kraken are a better team when he’s doing his thing.
- Active D for a full 60 – The Kraken have had considerable success the last two games after making a tactical adjustment to involve defensemen more in the offensive zone. We saw it on Will Borgen’s goal last game, but we haven’t seen it consistently enough. Time for the D to stay aggressive for a full game.
- Fight for a spot – Last game, players fighting for roster spots made a difference in Seattle’s depth matchups. Daniel Sprong was dangerous offensively all game and Victor Rask had a key assist. The Kraken will continue to need depth contributions from those players.
Did You Know…
Did you know the Ottawa Senators were an expansion team 30 years ago? Despite having the same name as the original Ottawa NHL franchise, the modern day Senators, who were born in 1992, are considered an entirely separate franchise. The 1992 Sens were among the worst teams in NHL history, racking up 70 losses in an 84-game season. That said, unlike the Kraken, the Senators won their first ever game, even defeating the eventual Stanley Cup Champion in the process.
ECH Postgame Live
Join us after the game for ECH Postgame Live! After every Kraken game this season, RJ and Dylan will do a live postgame show on the Emerald City Hockey YouTube Channel. ECH Postgame live will include a postgame wrap-up, analysis, and a live Q&A with viewers. Join the community of Kraken fans who tune in after the game to talk Kraken hockey!
