The Fixer! Kraken Light Oettinger Up, Win Game 3

The Seattle Kraken ‘released the Kraken’ during the second period last night. The boys lit up Dallas goalie Jake Oettinger and won 7-2. A high flying second period saw the Kraken score 5 goals (4 on 5 shots), as Dallas looked thunderstruck. The Kraken did what they do best; score goals from all over the lineup.

In Game 2 we saw a Kraken team that looked ice cold. Enter, the Fixer. In the word’s of Eddie Vedder “When something’s cold, let me put a little fire on it”.  A fire has been lit and we fought to get it back again. The offense is back, and so is our lead in this series.

The Kraken are the first team this postseason to score 5 goals in a single period. This game had everything; big hits, big saves, goals, speed, and more goals. The ‘feeling out’ period in this series is officially over.

This was a statement win for the Kraken. Dallas needs to take notice- the Kraken are for real. Be afraid.

As mentioned yesterday, Jordan Eberle needed to be a factor and my guy showed up with the first of Seattle’s 5 second period goals. What a high hockey IQ goal by Eberle too. He got down low, made a slick move in front of Oettinger (after the puck struck Miro Heiskanen in the face), and buried the puck. Four goals in under nine minutes- that’s Kraken hockey baby.

The Kraken did what I suggested they do. Shoot stick side on Oettinger (see notes on the Game 2 preview). Three of the five second period goals were scored stick side on ‘Otter’. Marinade on that.

We found the kinks in the armor, we solved the Oettinger problem.

What makes this even sweeter is the play of Oettinger’s opposing goalie Phillipp Grubauer. On the other end of the ice Gru has been lights out. Grubauer is the best player on both teams in this series. HE looks like he has solved Dallas’ ability to score.

For the Kraken to win this game we needed Eberle, Matty Beniers, and Yanni Gourde to score (all three did), Grubauer to stand on his head (he did) and for us to control the time of possession (we did). Dallas won more faceoffs than we did, but we did have 3 times as many takeaways as the Stars (15-4).

Nailed it.

A few interesting developments to pay attention to before Tuesday night’s Game 4. First, the health of Jared McCann. He has been seen at recent practices wearing the red noncontact jersey. The fact that he has been on the ice is a great sign. Yesterday morning, he practiced in a white jersey (not the same as noncontact), which is incredibly promising. Something to pay attention to for sure. His 40 goals would be a welcome addition moving forward.

Second, the health of Dallas defenseman Miro Heiskanen. After taking the puck to the face in the second, his cheek looked like it exploded. He never returned to the game. Heiskanen is by far their best defensemen, and if they have a weakness, it is their blueline. I seriously doubt that he will miss Game 4 but nonetheless, this is a situation to keep an eye on.

Lastly, the mental toughness of Dallas goalie Jake Oettinger. He allowed 5 goals in the second period and did not play in the third. Obviously Dallas is not going to start Scott Wedgewood in Game 4, but it will be interesting to see how Oettinger rebounds (if he does at all).

Game 4 on Tuesday night will be fire! Kraken lead this series 2-1.

Fear the deep!