The Seattle Kraken lost Game 5 last night, 5-2 . A game that was entertaining to say the least, showcased the strengths of the Dallas Stars’ ‘star power’ and the impact of home ice in the playoffs. Dallas came out in the first period and scored two goals in less than six minutes. Not exactly the start that the Kraken were hoping for. To our credit we did settle down and finish the first strong.
The second period started the same as the first for the Kraken.
Enter Joe Pavelski. Less than 35 seconds into the period and Pavelski did Pavelski things. Dallas went up 3-0. The game looking like it was out of hand became a ‘focus on getting one’ type of game. The Adam Larsson scored and then as predicted Jared McCann got on the board. McCann finally came through. The Momentum shifted, and the Kraken were suddenly back in this.
The Kraken really controlled possession and momentum for majority of the third period. The bar down goal from Roope Hintz (the puck went in and out of the net so fast that Toronto had to review the goal) was the dagger. The goal was the second of the game for Hintz. Jason Robertson finally showed up for Dallas as well, he had 3 assists in this one. Robertson is one smart hockey player. His hockey IQ is off the charts.
The Kraken never looked out of this game, just out played by at team that had home ice advantage. This is good news.
It is important to find positives right now as the Kraken head home facing elimination for the second time this postseason. Only this time, the team doesn’t close out a series with a win, they stay alive for a game 7.
The Kraken will look to make the needed adjustments and get back to playing Kraken hockey. We need to win more faceoffs and control puck possession. Period. Dallas has owned us in the faceoff circle, it is frustrating to watch.
I say, we have Dallas right where we want them though. We slide back into the underdog role and this makes us scary. This postseason, both Colorado and Dallas have overlooked us. They have overlooked our speed, our depth, and our tenacity. Oh, and more good news; Jared McCann got the monkey off of his back. Heading home, all we have to focus on is winning one home game. That’s all. Win one game in front of the best hockey fans on the planet. Game 6 will be loud. Game 6 will be another historic night in Seattle sports history.
Mark my words.
The pressure is on. We have to win or the season is over. The pressure is on Dallas though. They were ‘supposed to be here’ and we weren’t. Lets get back to our game, in front of our crowd and fans, and send the series back to Dallas for Game 7.
We have to win Game 6 first. We will.
Do not panic Kraken fans. Get loud, get amped, get excited. We get to host Game 6.
Fear the deep!