That’s Kraken Hockey Baby! Seattle Wins Game 4 in OT
The Seattle Kraken beat the Colorado Avalanche 3-2 last night in overtime. The win evened the series at two games a piece and was the first home playoff victory in Kraken History. What makes this win even more special is how the Kraken were able to defeat the defending Cup champs.
In a must win game the Kraken came out scoring first, as they have this entire series. I have been calling out Jared McCann this entire series and wouldn’t you know, he gets a break away and almost shuts me up. Cale Makar makes a great defensive play and then did something very un-Makar like.
He lays a cheap shot in the back of McCann, injuring our 40 goal scorer. The Injury suffered was from a dirty move, away from the play.
I am not really sure why the officials went from no call, to a major, to a minor. I am not sure which was more surprising; the confused officials or the stupid look on Makar’s face after he wiped out McCann from behind.
Either way, the hit fired the Kraken up and they responded with a big goal to go up 2-0. Fitting that the goal came from Daniel Sprong filling in for the injured McCann.
The theme of this series has been the Avalanche’s superstar talent, and the Kraken’s depth. After McCann left the game, the Seattle depth filled in and won the game. Matty Beniers, Jaden Schwartz, Jordan Eberle, and goalie Phillipp Grubauer were outstanding.
The player who stepped up the most was Beniers. The 20 year old rookie looked like a seasoned two-way center. His vision and speed stomped out Nathan MacKinnon, and had the announcers raving from the second period on. The Jordan Eberle overtime goal will go down as one of the biggest moments in franchise history. If you were watching, you were a part of something special.
As mentioned, I believe the Kraken are going to win this series in 6 games, but will have their hands full Wednesday night in Denver. The winner of this game should win this series. The Kraken have the clear advantage with depth, while Colorado’s big 3 are starting to show signs of wear and tear. MacKinnon, Makar, and Rantanen have been leaned on heavily.
Unless Colorado’s bench beyond their 3 starts can get it going, Seattle should have be able to take this series.
Last night’s win gives Seattle the momentum heading back to Colorado. The Avalanche will not go down without a fight. Expect the two teams to take some chances and throw some ‘haymakers’ as they both will be in a ‘win now’ mode. Game 5 is a must win game for both teams.
It’s win or go home, do or die. Lots of unanswered questions heading into this game. Will Makar be suspended? How long will McCann be out? What will the lineup changes look like? How will Colorado adjust? Game 5 will be one to not miss.
Expect fireworks, hits, and probably a few fights as both teams are going for broke. The Kraken and Avalanche continue tomorrow night.
Fear the deep!