After snapping losing streak, can the Kraken keep their momentum going?
Kraken captain Mark Giordano said it in his even-keeled way.
At 38-years-old, Giordano is a long-time NHL veteran. He’s seen it all, so Seattle’s recent losing streak wasn’t a new experience. He’s been through difficult stretches before, and he’ll surely see them again.
After the Kraken’s loss to Colorado on Friday — their sixth straight defeat — Giordano was one of the visibly frustrated players who spoke to reporters. Asked what he’s learned about losing streaks, he had this to say:
“Guys are trying to do the right things. Guys are mentally overthinking things a little bit. But you just have to find a way to get one. I’m telling you, once we get that one win, it’s gonna loosen guys up a bunch. From my experience, it’s usually a grind, it’s usually a 2-1 win, it’s usually a low-scoring game. It’s usually a game where you don’t give up much.”
He was partially right.
Judging by the partially energetic open practice at the Kraken Community Iceplex on Tuesday, Seattle’s 5-2 win over the Capitals on Sunday provided a much-needed boost. But the win wasn’t much of a grind. The teams were tied 1-1 after the first intermission, but the Kraken took control and a 4-1 lead in the second period.
No matter how it happened, the losing streak is over. After six straight losses and eight defeats in nine games, the Kraken earned a win on Sunday for the first time since Nov. 4 against Buffalo. While head coach Dave Hakstol has praised the Kraken’s ability to bounce back after the losses, it’s easier to return to the ice after a victory.
“It’s fun to win, right?” Hakstol said after practice. “You’re able to go home and enjoy not only your teammates but a little bit of family time and breathe a little bit. I think it’s very, very important.
“In terms of atmosphere for our group, it really hasn’t varied very much. This group has always showed up at the rink the following day with good perspective and great work ethic. In saying that, it’s always nicer to do that after a win.”
Now that the slide has ended, the focus shifts to this — can the Kraken turn one victory into two? Can they counter the extended streak of losses with a few consecutive wins? It won’t be an easy task with an exceptionally difficult stretch on the horizon.
The Kraken will close out their six-game home stand on Wednesday night against the Carolina Hurricanes, who are in first place in the Metropolitan Division and have the best record in the NHL (14-2-1). After that, Seattle will head on the road for four straight games against Tampa Bay, Florida, Buffalo and Detroit. Florida is in first place in the Atlantic Division while Tampa Bay is third.
“Never underestimate any team that’s coming in,” Hakstol said. “But look at our stretch here, the past few games and the week ahead. You can take a look at that schedule and it’s pretty challenging. One opportunity at a time.”
The Kraken remain in last place in the Pacific Division with 11 points. It’s still early in the season, but if Seattle is going to meaningfully turn the season around, it will have to start soon.
“At the end of the day, it’s an 82-game season,” said forward Morgan Geekie. “We lost (six) in a row and obviously that’s a tough stretch for us. But if you look at it, we got 75 more games to go after that. I think it’s just about resetting every night you can.
“That’s the best part about this league is you’ll have to go back out the next day and probably the day after. It’s good to get a win and keep that momentum going and start growing as a team.”
This story was originally published November 23, 2021 at 2:21 PM.
