The Seattle Kraken had the 18th-ranked penalty kill in the NHL and will hope for better results if they want to make a push for the playoffs.
With a penalty kill percentage of 78.83%, the Kraken finished right around the league average just as their power play did.
Related: Personnel and Deployment For The Kraken’s Power Play
The additions of Brandon Montour and Chandler Stephenson will help the power play but Stephenson could quietly improve the penalty kill.
The main staples of the Kraken penalty kill are Brandon Tanev, Yanni Gourde, Adam Larsson, Jamie Oleksiak and Will Borgen. Each player is a hard worker willing to lay their body on the line to block shots while still positioning themselves to break up plays.
Vince Dunn and Jared McCann are two of the other mainstays on the Kraken penalty kill due to their defensive aspects but also their ability to play with the puck. McCann can generate offence if given the opportunity and Dunn is a great playmaker which makes him very efficient at clearing the puck from the Kraken zone.
Stephenson, who can take draws, can pair alongside McCann and not only improve the penalty kill defensively but can pose a threat offensively. His skating and playmaking skills can open up space for McCann to get off his heavy shot.
The 2023-24 playoffs were evidence that a strong penalty kill could be more valuable than a highly effective power play. The two finalists had the best penalty kill and the Edmonton Oilers penalty kill was so dominant that they remained in every game because of it.
Bob Woods, the new Kraken assistant coach will be in charge of the penalty kill and his experience with the Minnesota Wild, Anaheim Ducks and Washington Capitals will play a role in the Kraken’s penalty kill success.
Related: Bob Woods Will Bring Experience To A Young Kraken Roster
Upgrades to both special team units could be a deciding factor for the success of the Kraken and with a completely revamped coaching staff, it’s vital for them to get working on it early in training camp to ensure it’s ready for a long NHL season.
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