A mitigating factor – and perhaps a costly one – in the Seattle Kraken’s lopsided Tuesday loss to Vegas was the exit of defenseman Ryan Lindgren.
Just 15 seconds into the 1st period, the Golden Knights’ Marc Gatcomb (#17 in below sequence) smashed Lindgren (#55) into the side boards from behind. He received a two minute boarding penalty, though it could have been more. It certainly was more to the 28-year-old Seattle blueliner.
The defenseman tried to tough out the injury, skating six shifts and four minutes TOI in the period. But he didn’t return after intermission. Other than saying Lindgren left with an upper body injury, the team has made no other comment about the extent of the injury, or how long it will keep the Burnsville, Minn. native out of the lineup.
We know this because Simmer checked in late Wednesday with Kraken VP of communication Chris Brumwell, who said the next update could come from coach Lane Lambert after Thursday morning’s practice.
The Kraken are carrying eight defensemen, so Josh Mahura or Ville Ottovainen (both healty scratches against Vegas) could be called upon when Seattle begins a five game road trip Friday in Detroit.
Kraken ‘Warrior’ Has Misssed Time Before
Lindgren has an injury-plagued history, mostly because of courageously putting himself in the way of opponents’ shots. The man who in the past has earned the nickname “the warrior” has 715 blocks and 642 hits in 485 NHL games for the Rangers, Avalanche and Kraken.
But because of his rugged style, Lindgren was limited to 51 games in one New York season, 63 games in another, and 72 games split between the Blueshirts and Avs in 2024-25. He signed a four-year, $18 million deal with the Kraken in the summer of 2025.
Earlier Seattle:
— FIGHTS! Seattle Vs. Vegas; The Why?
Earlier Canucks:
— Feisty Canucks Finish Strong Over Flames
Tuesday night’s POSTGAME VIDEO:
