The Gang That Couldn’t Shoot Straight was a 1971 crime-themed comedy film. The Gang That Couldn’t Shoot At All was the Seattle Kraken Saturday at Climate Pledge Arena against the New York Rangers. Seattle’s near-refusal to shoot in a 3-2 overtime loss wasn’t a comedy, but darn near a crime.
By the time the Blueshirts’ Will Cuylle scored at 2:42 of OT, the Kraken had fired a franchise-low 13 shots at Igor Shesterkin. Chandler Stephenson beat Shesterkin cleanly on a 1st period power play, and Brandon Montour – his third goal in two games – did the same in the 2nd period after extended Kraken o-zone pressure driven by Matty Beniers.
But besides that, Seattle could only muster 10 SOGs through regulation, none in the first eight minutes of the 3rd period. Coach Lane Lambert credited the Rangers for getting in lanes, but lamented that, “We passed up too many shots when we did have good opportunities. We had opportunities to shoot pucks even from bad angles and create a second opportunity.”
Kaapo Kakko returned ahead of schedule from a thumb injury to play 14:16 against the team that once drafted him 2nd overall. He admitted that his first appearance of the season was tiring and “could be better.”
On a line with unfamiliar linemates Mason Marchment and Stephenson, “I usually played with Matty (Beniers) last year, so it always takes time playing with new guys.” He also mentioned this being the first time “playing against a lot of good friends” with the Rangers.
Goalie Joey Daccord, who made 24 saves, gave insight on how he helped get an apparent Rangers lead goal overturned in the 2nd period. “The rebound was sitting right in front of my pad. Their guy (Cuylle) pitchforked my leg and spun me completely. I stood up (after the puck crossed the line) and very politely was like, ‘Hey Jordan (referee Jordan Samuels-Thomas), he speared my leg. He was like, ‘All right, we’ll talk.'”
The officials did huddle, eventually washing out the goal. Daccord explained how diplomacy in a heated situation was a must. “If you swear at them, they’re not too thrilled about that.”
About the outcome, Daccord as always was both succinct and eloquent. “Just sucks losing in overtime.”
