Shane Wright sparks resurgence after returning to the lineup

After spending three games in the press box, Shane Wright has stormed back into the Seattle Kraken lineup with a vengeance. The brief time off served as a reset, allowing Wright to analyze his game and refine his approach. Since returning, the results have been undeniable: five points in three games (three goals and two assists) and a rejuvenated presence on the ice.

In his first game back, Wright wasted no time making an impact. He scored a crucial net-front goal in the first period, showcasing his ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities. Later in the game, he won a pivotal face-off that led directly to Brandon Montour’s go-ahead goal, which ultimately decided the game.

The following game saw Wright continuing to deliver, assisting on Oliver Bjorkstrand’s game-tying goal in the second period. While the Kraken ultimately fell short in that contest, Wright’s contributions were a silver lining, proving his ability to generate scoring chances in key moments.

Then came Wright’s pièce de résistance, a two-goal performance against the Sharks, both on the power play. The goals were almost identical, with Wright finding soft spots in the defense down low and converting slick passes from his teammates. Notably, both goals gave the Kraken the lead in a back-and-forth game. Perhaps more impressively, those tallies snapped the Kraken’s scoreless streak on the power play, which had reached 22 opportunities before Wright’s heroics.

Analytics back up the eye test

Wright’s impact is not just showing up on the scoresheet. His possession numbers have seen a noticeable improvement since his return. Over the three-game stretch, his Corsi-for percentage (a measure of shot attempts while on the ice) sits at 53.2 percent, indicating that the Kraken are generating more chances than they allow when Wright is on the ice.

Additionally, his face-off success rate has been a steady 54 percent, providing stability in an area where the Kraken have struggled. These stats suggest that Wright’s influence extends beyond goals and assists, helping to tilt the ice in Seattle’s favor.

Building trust and confidence

What is perhaps most encouraging is the increased trust from head coach Dan Bylsma. In Wright’s first game back, he logged the lowest ice time of any Kraken skater but still managed two points. Over the next two games, his minutes steadily increased, a clear indication that Bylsma is rewarding Wright’s strong play.

Wright’s recent performances also show a player who is more confident and decisive. He is no longer overthinking his decisions on the ice, which is a common issue for young players, and is instead letting his natural talent shine. The synergy between Wright and Bylsma is becoming evident, with both player and coach demonstrating mutual trust.

A glimpse of the future

Yes, it is worht noting that all three of these games came against the Ducks and Sharks, teams currently near the bottom of the standings. The Kraken lost once to each team, highlighting ongoing struggles against opponents they might be expected to beat. However, Shane Wright’s standout performances were a clear bright spot, showcasing his ability to rise above difficult circumstances and deliver when the team needed a spark.

This three-game stretch may be a small sample size, but it could mark a turning point for Wright and the Kraken. In a season where consistency has been elusive, Wright’s resurgence is a reason for optimism. He is proving that he belongs, and his ability to elevate his play in key moments is exactly what the Kraken need moving forward.

If Shane Wright’s recent surge is a glimpse of what is to come, Seattle fans should be excited. As the Kraken continue to navigate their challenges, Wright’s growth could be one of the foundational pieces that helps this team rise to the next level.