The Kraken faced the Calgary Flames on Monday night at the Scotiabank Saddledome in their second meeting of the preseason.
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Back in the lineup is defenseman Vince Dunn, who missed several games last season due to a neck injury from a hit from behind by Flames forward Martin Pospisil. Andre Burakovsky, who practiced without a red contact jersey during the morning skate, was reunited with Chandler Stephenson, with whom he once played on the Washington Capitals.
The ice was illuminated in orange prior to the singing of the national anthems, and coaches wore orange ribbons in honor of National Truth and Reconciliation Day in Canada, a day to educate the public about the repercussions that residential schools had on individuals, families, and communities, and to underscore the message that ‘Every Child Matters’.
First Period- The Kraken struck first, with right winger Eeli Tolvanen getting a wrist shot past Flames’ starting goalie Dan Vladar. Tolvanen’s second goal of the preseason was assisted by Chandler Stephenson.
The Flames tied things up thanks to defenseman Brayden Pachal, whose unassisted goal went right over the glove side of Kraken starting goalie Joey Daccord.
Calgary scored seven seconds into a power play following a tripping penalty called on Seattle’s Josh Mahura against Samuel Honzek. The Flames were ranked 26th in the league for successful power plays last season, and it still seems to be an area where the Kraken need to improve.
With 14 seconds left in the period the Kraken’s defenseman Ville Ottavainen ties it up with a slap shot, assisted by Ben Meyers and Josh Mahura.
Second Period – Two minutes into the second period, Calgary incurs two penalties: Nazem Kadri for cross-checking against Oliver Bjorkstrand and Mikael Backlund for tripping against Max McCormick, creating a 5-on-3 situation. However, Shane Wright is called for interference against Rasmus Andersson, making it 4-on-3. But wait—the penalties keep coming as Calgary’s Yegor Sharangovich sends the puck over the glass, resulting in a delay of game. Despite having the 4-3 advantage, the Kraken fail to capitalize, and the Flames successfully kill the power play.
The Kraken had another power play opportunity but that too was killed when Flames’ left winger Samuel Honzek gets a second handed goal past Daccord.Calgary would take the lead 3-2 with 12 minutes left in the period.
Seattle’s third chance for a power play goal came at 6:20 when Calgary’s Matt Coronato took a hooking penalty against Vince Dunn. The Kraken put pressure on Vladar, but the Flames’ defense was too strong.
The game was a last call for fourth-line candidates Ben Meyers, John Hayden, and Ryan Winterton, who tried to make an impact during the final minute of the period. The outcome of tonight’s game will determine who will stay and who will be sent back to their affiliates. The period ends with Calgary in the lead, 3-2.
Third Period – Just 39 seconds into the third period, the Kraken finally scored on a power play after Blake Coleman was penalized for holding John Hayden’s stick. Shane Wright tied the game with the goal, assisted by Burakovsky and Dunn. Third period ends with 3 points a piece, forcing overtime.
Overtime would be short and not-so sweet as Nazem Kadri scores at the 51 second mark. Flames’ win 4-3.
Missed opportunities on both power play goals and overtime wins still seem to plague the Kraken. Let’s hope head coach Dan Bylsma can implement changes so that old habits don’t carry over into the regular season.
The next meeting between Seattle and Calgary is scheduled for Saturday, October 19th at Climate Pledge Arena. The Kraken head home to Seattle for Wednesday’s last pre-season game against the Edmonton Oilers at Climate Pledge Arena.
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