Kraken close but no cigar

 

The Seattle Kraken’s woes continue. On Thursday, the Kraken had their worst game of the season, a 9-3 loss to the high-powered Edmonton Oilers. Last night, was a different story, but the results were the same as Seattle dropped a 4-3 decision to the Detroit Red Wings

It was a fairly even contest, but thanks to future Hall-of-Famer Patrick Kane, the Kraken were unable to muster any standings points. With the game tied at three in the final three minutes, Red Wings’ goalie John Gibson made a kick save on the Kraken’s Tye Karte.

Alex DeBrincat and Kane went down the ice on a 2-on-1 and Kane beat Seattle netminder Joey Daccord on the glove side for the 457^th goal of his career. The Red Wings, winless in three heading into last night’s game, improve their record 15-11-3. Seattle (11-9-6) has dropped four straight in regulation, with their last point coming in a shootout loss to the New York Islanders on Nov. 23.

``This was a little reset and we got back to basics,’’ said defenseman Brandon Montour. ``And we shot the puck more.’’

Penalty killing continued to be a problem for the Kraken. When the Wings capitalized on the man advantage in the first period it marked the seventh power play scored against the Krakens on the last eight penalty kills.

``It starts with faceoffs,’’ said Kraken coach Lane Lambert when asked about the penalty killing. ``We’re not winning faceoffs. So, we start every power play on our heels. Something’s got to be done.’’

The first Wings’ goal, on the power play, involved three rookies and some nifty passing. Alex Sandin-Pellikka at the point sent a lead pass to Nate Danielson, who crossed a pass to Emmitt Finnie who fired one home from the right circle.

The Kraken tied the game at 16:18 of the first. Matty Beniers started the play getting the puck out of his own zone and then captain Jordan Eberle dropped a pass to defenseman Brandon Montour, who rifled his sixth goal of the season past Detroit goalie John Gibson.

The second period began with the Wings involved in two goalie reviews. A Detroit shot early in the period didn’t cross the goal line, although the fair amount of Red Wing fans in attendance thought it went in. (the refs checked to make sure).

At 5:10, Andrew Copp, standing behind the net, tapped the puck home. However, play continued for about 17 more seconds, but replays showed that Copp’s shot clearly went over the goal line.

Adam Larsson, primarily a defensive defenseman, was responsible for the next two scores. Larsson slapped one from the point and with Ryan Winterton screening in front, the Kraken alternate captain had his second goal of the season.

Six minutes later, Larsson fired again and this time the puck hit Chandler Stephenson’s stick and deflected into the net. That gave the Kraken a brief 3-2 lead but veteran Detroit forward James van Riemsdyk spoiled what had been a good second period when he scored in the final 30 seconds of the period.

 One result coming out of Thursday’s loss, was defenseman Jamie Oleksiak scratched from last night’s game in favor of Josh Montour.

``It was Josh Mountour’s time to play,’’ said Lambert. ``He played well when Montour was out (with an injury).’’

The Kraken hope to get back in the victory column with two home games this week- the Minnesota Wild tomorrow and the Los Angeles Kings on Wednesday.

Seattle Detroit Scoring Summary

First Period

D- Emmitt Finnie (Nate Danielson, Axel Sandin-Pellikka) PPG, 7:06.

S- Brandon Montour 6 (Jordan Eberle 8, Matty Beniers 13) 16:18.

Second Period

D- Andrew Copp (Simon Edvinsson, Mortiz Seider) 5:10

S- Adam Larsson 2 (Vince Dunn 10, Tye Kartye 3) 6:44.

S- Chandler Stephenson 5 (Larsson 4, Tolvanen 9) 12:44.

D- James van Riemsdyk (J.T. Compher, Edvinsson) 19:32.

Third Period

D- Patrick Kane (Alex DeBrincat) 17:31.

Saves- D- John Gibson 24 of 27. S: Joey Daccord 21 of 24.

Three Stars- 1. Patrick Kane, D. 2. Simon Edvinsson, D. 3.Adam Larsson.