The Seattle Kraken are shining in their second season in the National Hockey League (NHL), and their perfect trip to seven wins – a record – has certainly convinced some skeptics.
In turn, the Edmonton Oilers, Toronto Maple Leafs, Ottawa Senators, Montreal Canadiens, Buffalo Sabres, Boston Bruins and Chicago Blackhawks were knocked down by the Kraken. The last team to have joined the ranks of the league thus ranks second in the Pacific Division, two points behind the Vegas Golden Knights.
For head coach Dave Hakstol, it’s more the way of playing that is a source of optimism than this new record.
“These are the two points that count, hurried to say Hakstol, according to the official website of the NHL, before continuing. It’s a great achievement for players to be able to do that. This shows the constancy and the work they have done since the beginning of this journey. For me, it’s more important to see the players show consistency [que de balayer cette série de sept matchs].”
Some pleasure
Against the Blackhawks on Saturday, the Kraken scored no less than six goals in the first period. In the game as a whole, all attackers got at least one point. The game will be especially memorable for Jared McCann, who led the charge with his first career hat trick.
“It’s good, launched Jared McCann. To be able to score in a game like this is huge. Obviously we made history tonight so that was good. It is enormous. We didn’t have the best year last year, especially on the road. We were looking forward to the season. We have added new faces and strengthened our team.”
Adam Larsson meanwhile showed a +7 differential, which no player had done since January 11, 2003. The record is +10, signed by Tom Bladon in an 11-1 victory for the Flyers against the Barons of Cleveland, December 11, 1977 in Philadelphia.
“Honestly, I didn’t feel like I was involved in the top six [buts], commented the Swede. Everything we do seems to work. Obviously, we’ve been having a lot of fun lately.”
The Kraken will reunite with their fans on Monday when the Tampa Bay Lightning visit.