On October 20, the Seattle Kraken returned to the United States to face the Philadelphia Flyers. This was the fourth game of their six-game road trip. Both teams were riding the high of a win in their previous matches on October 18, so both were hoping to keep their winning streaks alive. Although the Kraken scored first, the entire game afterward was in the Flyers’ favor. They played the better game and were rewarded for their performance with a 5-2 victory.
Catton earned his first point
With several injuries on the team, Berkly Catton earned his first NHL game against the Flyers. He played left winger on the first line alongside Jordan Eberle and Matty Beniers. Catton already made an impression during his second shift.
Early in the first period, Beniers sent the puck around the boards for Catton. He picked up the loose puck and passed it to Cale Fleury near the blue line. He shot, but Eberle was in front forward it to the net for the first goal of the match.
Beniers, Ville Ottavainen and Jani Nyman all a point noted in their first game, as did Catton. Tye Kartye also scored a point in his first game, but it was a playoff game. Regardless, five Kraken rookies have all recorded a point in their first NHL game. The class of Kraken rookies was great in each of their first games, and Catton is now part of this exclusive group.
Grubauer should have started
Unfortunately, the Kraken started Joey Daccord when they should have started Philipp Grubauer. Most people will remember his performances from the previous season, but he has only played two games so far this season. The first resulted in an overtime loss, and now he finished the game in Philly and played the final period for Daccord.
Daccord made some simple mistakes, but also allowed some easy goals. The Flyers’ first goal was a complete mistake by Daccord as he left the crease and cleared the puck from behind the net around the boards. The Flyers intercepted it and while trying to get into position to block a shot, Daccord left a shot behind. wide open net for Owen Tippet to score. This was just the first of five goals Philadelphia would score. In two periods, the Flyers made 21 shots, and all five goals were scored. Daccord made 16 saves, but that wasn’t enough; the Kraken couldn’t come back.
Related: Seattle Kraken should have 3 goalies on their roster
The Kraken fall into the same trap as last season, consistently playing Daccord. Seattle has played six games so far and Daccord has played five. They currently have three goaltenders on their roster. Matt Murray hasn’t even played his first game with Seattle yet; he has either been a healthy scratch or the backup. Daccord needs rest, and he can’t get that if he plays in almost every game.
This was Seattle’s first loss in regulation
Ultimately, this game resulted in a loss for Seattle, but fans shouldn’t panic anytime soon. This was Seattle’s sixth game of the season, but only their first regular-season loss. The Kraken lost two other games, on October 14 and 16, but both were in overtime. They picked up at least a point in both games to move towards a play-off push. It’s still so early in the season, but every point counts. After losing their four previous home openers, the Kraken finally won to open their fifth season against the Anaheim Ducks on October 9. That was a clear indication that Seattle is on a stronger path this season.
Of course, no one wants to see their team lose, but Kraken fans should look at the success the team is having now before panicking.
Kraken Play Capitals tonight
The Kraken can’t sit on this loss for too long; they play their first back-to-back game of the season tonight against the Washington Capitals. Last season they lost all games played in the second half of a back-to-back. Let’s see if they can break that streak in the Battle of Washington.
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