Another positive: The Kraken penalty killers kept a clean sheet, shutting down the potent VGK power-play unit twice, once in each of the first two periods. Meanwhile, after Vegas outscored the visitors 8-4 in Class A scoring chances in the first period, Seattle rallied with five high-danger chances to Vegas’ three, according to Natural Stat Trick.
Power outage, missed opportunities late in game
Seattle allowed four shots on goal in the first 40 minutes of six power play minutes, a rate that fell short of Dave Hakstol’s goal of better than 21Yingshi During last season’s NHL games, Coach Kraken often mentioned this intention when asked about the preseason power play. Hukstall also lamented Seattle’s bad reputation last year, and he is even more worried about frequent “drought periods” in 2022-23.
Kraken’s power play had a chance to save the day, with a five-minute grand slam calling Vegas an illegal hit to the head of Brandon Tanev, who appeared to have a knee as he fell to the ice. Sprained. Jordan Eberle had a chance to shoot from close range early in the five minutes, but Adin Hill blocked his effort to thwart all attempts. One of Vegas’ PK players that night was Nicholas Roy, who was originally drafted by Ron Francis when he was GM in Carolina.
First shot and first stage dilemma
In Tuesday’s season opener, the Kraken took their first five shots on goal in the first seven minutes of the game, including a tantalizing open shot from Andre Burakovsky. Blocked by Vegas goalie Adin Hill, the home team’s second line played a tic-tac-toe game. Defeated Philipp Grubauer. It was truly a banner night for Vegas, and the crowd once again cheered when captain Mark Stone passed the puck to teammate Brett Howden, who accurately Pass to Chandler Stephenson’s stick cutter and get past a sprawling Grubauer while gliding from right to left.
It needs to be quickly added that Grubauer saved several threatening shots and scoring opportunities in the 2023-24 season opener, allowing his teammates to maintain two points in the standings. Best example: Grubauer missed the aforementioned Stephenson’s Grade-A scoring chance just outside the crease in the 11th minute, just after Kraken came up empty on a power play early in Game 2.
But with five minutes left, fourth-line Brandon Tanev appeared to intercept VGK’s midcourt pass on the Seattle end and was about to clear the puck, bringing the puck back to the end boards in a move that would have made him last spring’s Vegas season. Postgame MVP Jonathan Marchessault smartly managed to poke the puck-checking the puck past an unsuspecting Grubauer, which was understandable. There were no bad guys, and there was no surrender that night.
To his credit, Grubauer maintained his trademark composure and made another stellar save on VGK’s 10 shots in the first period. In the opening two minutes, he blocked a direct shot from Michael Amadio.
Tanev’s troubles in third quarter
It wasn’t the best outing for fan favorite Brandon Tanev. In the first quarter, in addition to the own goal, Tanev’s head was also impacted and his knee was twisted. Tanev immediately left the ice and headed to the Kraken locker room. There is no update on his condition. Please check back with the Kraken app and website for updates. Vegas forward Brett Howden was whistled for a five-minute major for an illegal hit to the head, but the Kraken were unable to convert on the power play. Vegas center Jack Eichel sealed the game with a late goal.
