The Kraken are hoping to reignite their playoff push with a pair of weekend games, starting with a match against division rivals, the Vancouver Canucks, on Saturday.
Lambert Calls for Focus and Reduced Errors
Kraken coach Lane Lambert has called for his team to eliminate avoidable mistakes. He stressed the importance of playing the game the right way. According to Lambert, changes are needed if the Kraken are to make the playoffs.
Lambert believes some players are trying to do too much, which is putting them in difficult positions defensively. He also highlighted issues with clearing pucks from the defensive zone, which is leading to fatigue and breakdowns.
The Kraken’s coaching staff have been concerned about a recent trend of players not sticking to the systems that previously propelled the team to third place in the Pacific Division. A quick return to action with two games this weekend provides an opportunity to reset. The Kraken are currently one standings point outside the second wild-card spot, in a three-way tie with Los Angeles and Nashville, chasing San Jose.
Net Front Battles and McMann’s Potential Debut
While the Kraken aren’t planning wholesale changes to their systems, Lambert identified key areas for improvement. He said the team needs to improve at clearing their own net of opponents. Lambert also wants to see the team get to the offensive zone net front more effectively.
Another factor is the potential debut of trade acquisition Bobby McMann, pending visa approval. There was no update on Friday regarding McMann’s visa status for the Saturday game in Vancouver, or the Sunday game against the Florida.
Canucks’ Recent Form and Roster Changes
The Canucks are coming off a 4-3 win against West wild-card contender Nashville. Vancouver’s 48 standings points mean overconfidence isn’t recommended for the Kraken. The Canucks have been sellers at the NHL trade deadline, sending Quinn Hughes to Minnesota.
Marco Rossi, acquired in the Hughes trade, had a three-point night in the Canucks’ comeback win. Another pickup in the Hughes trade is Zeev Buium. Buium was the No. 12 overall pick in the 2024 draft.
Projected Kraken Lineup
The projected lineup is:
- McMann – Beniers – Eberle
- McCann – Stephenson – Tolvanen
- Catton – Wright – Kakko
- Meyers – Gaudreau – Melanson
On defence, the projected lineup is:
- Dunn – Larsson
- Lindgren – Montour
- Oleksiak – Evans
The Kraken can re-energize their playoff run with a pair of weekend games.