Both the Kraken and the Canucks, the region’s two NHL squads, have suffered through a rash of early-season injuries. Seattle has somehow managed to keep some positive momentum going, to the tune of a five-game (3-0-and-2) streak of unbeaten-in-regulation.
The next challenge visits Climate Pledge Arena on Wednesday night; the young San Jose Sharks.
Key D-man Brandon Montour returned a little more than a week ago and has been a huge re-addition. Kaapo Kakko bounced back from an injury that affected him since training camp and has played in two games. He faced his former team, the New York Rangers, the club that selected him 2nd-overall at the 2019 NHL Draft, on Saturday night and then played again against the Blackhawks on Monday night.
The Kraken lost in OT to the Rangers 3-2 and beat the Blackhawks 3-1.
Next up could be Ryker Evans. The 23-year-old left-shot blueliner hasn’t played a game this season, but although not taking contact, is skating again with the club. It’s an upper-body injury.
All-time franchise leading scorer Jared McCann remains out with a lower body issue, likely related to the malady that slowed him down last season and led to surgery this past summer. Head coach Lane Lambert didn’t confirm that and was hush hush on any details, other than to say McCann was day-t0-day. One wonders if that’s an optimistic appraisal.
Summer center acquisition Freddie Gaudreau is on injured reserve and likely has another two to three weeks with his upper body issue.
In the meantime, “buy in” is everything, and Lambert seems to be getting it from his club. The team is winning with hard work and discipline to systems, despite icing a number of inexperienced youngsters. See forwards Berkly Catton, likely to be shipped back to Major Juniors shortly, Jani Nyman, and Ryan Winterton, still looking for his first NHL goal after 33 games.
Earlier Kraken:
— Kraken ‘Never Had A Shot’ In 3-2 OT Loss To Rangers
