After weeks of steady reliance on Joey Daccord, the Seattle Kraken appear to be leaning on Philipp Grubauer more in recent games. Grubauer, who struggled early in the season, has seen a resurgence, and head coach Dan Bylsma’s decision to start him against the Tampa Bay Lightning raises questions about the Kraken’s goaltending strategy moving forward.
The season so far: Daccord's emergence
The 2024 season began with a near-even split between Daccord and Grubauer in net. However, Daccord quickly emerged as the team’s top option, posting a 12-6-2 record with a 2.42 goals-against average (GAA) and a .916 save percentage across 20 games. In contrast, Grubauer’s early-season performance led to a 1-7 record in his first eight starts, with a concerning 3.62 GAA and .862 save percentage.
Daccord’s consistency and ability to secure wins made him the go-to netminder, but a recent illness temporarily sidelined him and opened the door for Grubauer to reclaim the crease.
Grubauer’s redemption arc
Grubauer’s recent starts have been a mix of results but have included moments of brilliance. After a tough 3-2 loss to the New Jersey Devils on the second night of a back-to-back, he rebounded with a morale-boosting 7-5 victory against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden. While allowing five goals in that game, Grubauer’s performance marked a step forward and gave the team its first-ever win at MSG.
The following game saw Daccord return to action, holding the high-powered Florida Panthers to just one regulation goal in a 2-1 shootout loss. However, Daccord’s gritty effort led to a much-needed rest, allowing Grubauer to start against the Boston Bruins.
In what was arguably his best performance of the season, Grubauer turned aside 33 shots and allowed only a penalty-shot goal to Brad Marchand, securing a 5-1 win. It was the kind of performance that showed why the Kraken initially signed him as a marquee free agent in 2021.
In Grubauer's last three games, he has been 2-1 with a .916 save percentage and a 3.03 GAA, providing a glimpse of the consistency the Kraken had hoped for when they signed him.
Looking like it’ll be Philipp Grubauer’s Net tonight vs Tampa Bay (first goalie off the ice at morning skate). #SeaKraken
— Mike Benton (@Benton_Mike) December 14, 2024
What’s behind the shift?
Reports indicate that Grubauer was the first goalie off the ice during the morning skate, suggesting he’ll start tonight against the Tampa Bay Lightning—one of the NHL’s highest-scoring teams. This decision prompts several questions:
- Hot Hand or Strategic Shift? Is Bylsma simply riding the hot goalie, or is this part of a broader strategy to reduce Daccord’s workload?
- Trade Showcase? With Daccord recently signed to a long-term deal, could the Kraken be showcasing Grubauer for a potential trade? Teams like Colorado have already shown interest in bolstering their goaltending depth this season.
- Injury Precaution? Daccord’s illness or potential minor injury could be influencing this shift, with the team opting for caution.
The road ahead
If Grubauer can replicate his recent success, the Kraken will have the enviable problem of possessing two reliable goaltenders. His recent resurgence provides flexibility, whether as a trade asset or a dependable veteran presence to support Daccord.
For now, the decision to start Grubauer against Tampa Bay indicates the Kraken’s confidence in his ability to handle high-pressure games. Whether this marks a temporary adjustment or a longer-term shift in strategy, it’s clear that Seattle’s goaltending situation remains fluid. Having two capable netminders could be a significant advantage as the team battles through the rigors of the NHL season.