The Seattle Kraken lost 3-1 to the Vancouver Canucks in their second preseason game but there were some positive takeaways in the loss.
The first of two encounters between the Kraken and the Canucks was a physical one with two fights and multiple scrums after the whistle. Both teams were playing about half of their NHL lineup and the bad blood that has been boiling for the past three seasons has carried into the preseason.
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The Kraken gave the Canucks six opportunities on the power play and they connected on two of them which ultimately proved to be enough.
Andre Burakovsky Looks Healthy and Motivated
Burakovsky's first two seasons with the Kraken have been riddled with injuries as he's played just 49 games in both seasons of his Kraken career. Despite the injury troubles he faced in his first campaign, he recorded 13 goals and 39 points. This past season was a different story, scoring just seven goals and 16 points. HC Dan Bylsma has praised Burakovsky's game early in camp and last night was evidence of the work he has put in. He finished the game with 17:48 of time on ice, recorded an assist and three shots on goal. He looked fast and had multiple shifts where he dominated the puck possession in the Canucks zone.
Ben Meyers Was Impressive and Was Rewarded With A Goal
Meyers played three years at the University of Minnesota and signed with the Colorado Avalanche once his NCAA career finished. His time in the NHL with the Avalanche and later the Anaheim Ducks hadn't panned out the way he had hoped and he decided to sign with the Kraken looking for a fresh start. With a healthy lineup, it's difficult to see where Meyers fits but he's likely the first option if someone suffers an injury. Against the Canucks he showed he will be able to fill that role. Centering Jaden Schwartz and Burakovsky, the 25-year-old played 17:53, recorded two shots and scored the lone Kraken goal.
Brandon Montour Will Help The Kraken Score More Goals
In Montour's first game in a Kraken jersey, he showed everything he is capable of. He quickly moved the puck out of his zone with efficiency and was a threat to shoot the puck each time it touched his stick in the offensive zone. He has a thunderous slapshot from the point and is willing to let it go whenever he has the space. He played 27:20, registering two shots on goal, a block and a hit. He was engaged physically and never shied away from the post-whistle skirmishes. He and his partner Jamie Oleksiak looked comfortable together and complemented each others games.
The Kraken will be at home in Climate Pledge Arena on Friday to host the Canucks.
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Related: Kraken Drop Second Consecutive Preseason Game; Lose 3-1 To The Canucks
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