3 takeaways from the Seattle Kraken’s 6-1 loss to Philadelphia
The Seattle Kraken dropped their second straight game on Monday, falling 6-1 to the Philadelphia Flyers. It was the first game of the young season decided by more than one goal.
Here are three takeaways from the loss:
1. A bad start
By the time the first period ended, the Kraken were trailing the Flyers 3-0.
Seattle was out-shot 16-8 in the opening period. The Kraken never really seemed out of any other game to start their inaugural season. Even when they fell behind — they trailed Vegas 3-0 in the opener — they played well enough to give themselves a chance at a comeback.
That wasn’t the case against Philadelphia.
The Flyers extended their lead into the second period, pulling ahead 5-0 before Carson Soucy finally put the Kraken on the board with a goal. But a Seattle win was never in the cards on Monday as Philadelphia cruised to victory.
2. Goalie switch
Kraken goalie Phillip Grubauer started the game against Philadelphia, just like he started the first three games of the regular season. After the Kraken fell behind 5-0, backup goalie Chris Driedger made his season debut.
With back-to-back games in two days — Seattle plays New Jersey on Tuesday — it’s likely not a switch the Kraken wanted to make, but with Philadelphia’s success against Grubauer, they didn’t have much of a choice. Driedger allowed one goal, making six saves. Grubauer made 15 saves on 20 shots.
Coming into the game, the Kraken had allowed a combined nine goals in their first three games. Philadelphia finished with six goals on 27 shots. Seattle finished the game with 25 shots.
3. Difficult stretch
The Kraken haven’t had it easy to start their inaugural season.
Not only have they yet to play at home in Climate Pledge Arena — their preseason games were played in arenas across Washington state — but they’ve played five games in eight days in three time zones. The first three games of the season were all decided by one goal, and Saturday’s 2-1 loss to Columbus went to overtime.
Not exactly a forgiving opening stretch for a roster playing together for the first time.
Seattle will end its time on the road against the Devils on Tuesday. After that will come a much-needed break before the home opener against Vancouver on Oct. 23 followed by three more home games.
This story was originally published October 18, 2021 at 6:46 PM.
