Are the Kraken Moving Away from the 50/50 Goalie Split?

Early Season Performance: Grubauer vs. Daccord

The Kraken started the season with Grubauer in net for a 3-2 loss to the St. Louis Blues. Grubauer was solid except for a disastrous two-minute stretch in the second period when he conceded three goals, ultimately deciding the game. Despite that short lapse, Grubauer’s overall performance was stable. But as the season progressed, a trend became apparent: when Grubauer played, the Kraken struggled to find wins, amassing a 1-3 record under his watch, including a recent loss to his former team, the Colorado Avalanche.

Daccord, on the other hand, had a 3-0 record and has shown promise, with each win building his case for more starts. Some fans pointed out that Daccord’s victories were against slightly less competitive teams, but his most recent games have quelled much of that skepticism. Thursday’s matchup against the Winnipeg Jets, one of the league’s hottest teams, showcased Daccord’s potential against top-tier competition. He stood firm against reigning Vezina Trophy winner Connor Hellebuyck, blanking the Jets through the first period and pulling off a highlight-worthy cross-net save in the second. Though the Kraken fell in overtime, Daccord’s performance held the Kraken in the game, securing a point that felt like a victory against a league powerhouse.

A Back-to-Back Start Against the Hurricanes

After Daccord’s impressive showing against the Jets, head coach Dan Bylsma made the call to start him again against the Carolina Hurricanes—a first this season for any Kraken goalie. While Seattle fell 4-1, Daccord’s performance was again a standout. Under constant pressure, he made 35 saves, 16 of which came during a relentless Carolina power play. His effort didn’t go unnoticed; Daccord earned the game’s first star despite the loss, a testament to his resilience and skill under fire.

Breaking Down the Numbers

Statistically, Daccord has outperformed Grubauer in key areas. Daccord now holds a 3-1-1 record with a .910 save percentage, compared to Grubauer’s 1-3-0 record and .881 save percentage. Daccord’s recent games have demonstrated a steadiness that Seattle fans are beginning to rely on. When Daccord is in net, the Kraken seem more defensively cohesive, bolstered by his calm under pressure and his ability to make clutch saves, even against top-ranked offenses.

A Turning Point for Seattle?

It’s too early to officially crown Daccord as Seattle’s starting goalie, but it’s clear that he’s making a case. Coach Bylsma’s decision to give him consecutive starts may be an experiment, a signal to Grubauer to step up, or a test to see how Daccord handles a heavier workload. Either way, Kraken fans are already voicing their preference, noting that when Daccord is in net, the team appears more competitive and confident.

Seattle is still defining its identity with a new head coach and a roster that’s showing signs of growth. Establishing a reliable presence in net could be the next step in this evolution. If Daccord continues to deliver, Bylsma might decide to let him take the reins more consistently. While the Kraken may still officially rotate their goalies, Daccord’s back-to-back appearances and high save percentage suggest that Seattle might just be moving away from the strict 50/50 split.

For Kraken fans, there’s a tangible excitement with Daccord in net, a feeling that the team has a better chance of success. If Bylsma decides to ride the hot hand, Daccord might just be the goalie who finally gives the Kraken that edge they’ve been searching for since joining the league.