Kraken shake things up with new line combos

The Seattle Kraken are searching for answers, and after their first quarter struggles, head coach Dan Bylsma isn’t shying away from big changes. Following the last game, where Shane Wright was a healthy scratch and the third line saw limited ice time, today’s practice unveiled a fresh set of forward combinations that could lead to more balanced scoring and stability.

First line: Consistency amidst adjustments

The top line remains unchanged in the wake of Jordan Eberle’s injury, with Jared McCann and Matty Beniers anchoring the group alongside André Burakovsky. While Burakovsky is still chasing his first goal of the season, his skating has shown improvement, and he seems poised to break through. Matty Beniers’ defensive play continues to make him indispensable on this line, though some might argue Chandler Stephenson could also thrive in this role. For now, Beniers’ chemistry with McCann keeps this duo intact as fans hope his offensive game takes another step forward.

Second line: Daniel Sprong moves up

Ding dong—Daniel Sprong is moving on up! Today’s practice gave Daniel Sprong a fresh chance to make an impact, as he was slotted alongside Jaden Schwartz and Chandler Stephenson—a pairing he hasn’t worked with before. Known for his sharp shooting and offensive flair, Sprong could thrive in this new role. With Schwartz’s ability to control the puck and Stephenson’s dynamic playmaking, the line has the potential to provide a much-needed offensive boost. This is uncharted territory for Sprong, but if he clicks with his linemates, this trio could be a game-changer for the Kraken.

Third line: Fresh faces for Yanni Gourde

Eeli Tolvanen and Oliver Bjorkstrand joined Yanni Gourde to form a newly crafted third line. This is a notable shift, as Gourde had been consistently paired with Tye Kartye and Brandon Tanev for most of the season. The adjustment gives Gourde two offensively gifted wingers and could provide the third line with the identity and spark it has been missing. Fans have long called for Gourde to see more ice time, and this move offers a chance for him to shine in an expanded role.

Fourth line: A make-or-break role for Shane Wright

The fourth line featured Tye Kartye and Brandon Tanev as expected, but Shane Wright split reps with Ben Meyers, adding intrigue to the group. Wright has struggled early this season, and his minutes have gradually declined, culminating in his recent scratch. This setup could be an opportunity for Wright to rediscover his game alongside two high-energy players who simplify play. Alternatively, if Meyers outshines him in this role, Wright could face more time on the bench.

What does it all mean?

It’s worth noting that these changes came during practice, and there’s no guarantee they’ll translate to the next game. However, breaking up the long-standing “Chaos Crew” line of Kartye-Gourde-Tanev could help distribute the workload and provide more balance across the lineup. With Gourde moving up and Wright potentially gaining a spark, the Kraken might finally find the offensive depth they’ve been searching for.

Additionally, the defensive pairings and goaltending remain unchanged, signaling confidence in those areas while the focus shifts to retooling the forwards. As fans eagerly await Vince Dunn’s return, it’s clear the coaching staff is doing everything possible to find the right formula up front.

Change can be a good thing, especially for a team that’s struggled to find consistency. The Kraken have leaned heavily on their bottom trio to bail them out during tough stretches, but these adjustments could relieve that pressure and open opportunities for others to step up. Lines are fluid in hockey, and these tweaks could be just what the Kraken need to find their stride.