Updates On Two Former Kraken, $5K Fine For Seattle Opponent

As the Seattle Kraken conclude a four game homestand Saturday against the top team in the Western Conference, the Dallas Stars, let's catch up on news and notes.

Costly Check

From the NHL Department of Player Safety:

"Anaheim Ducks forward Ryan Strome has been fined $5,000, the maximum allowable under the Collective Bargaining Agreement, for cross-checking Seattle Kraken forward Tye Kartye during (Thursday's) NHL Game.

"The incident occurred at 4:50 of the third period. Strome was assessed a minor penalty for cross-checking."

Strome wasn't the only one. Below is a screengrab of the official Event Summary from Seattle's incident-filled 4-2 victory. Eight of the Ducks' 12 penalties were called in the 3rd period, four of which were cross-checks!

The Kraken had a most unusual evening with the extra man: an almost unheard of 10 power plays. Seattle scored three times on the PP, and allowed Anaheim two shorthanded goals.

Sprong May Have Worn Out Welcome In Motown

Many have bemoaned Seattle's loss of Daniel Sprong to Detroit in free agency this past summer, taking his 21 goals with him. Sprong started out gangbusters with the Red Wings, but appears to now be in their doghouse.

As THN Detroit's Sam Stockton reported , "Sprong had been a healthy scratch in Detroit's three previous games (a 6-3 win over the Islanders, an 0-1 defeat in Nashville, and the 4-3 OT defeat against the Capitals).

Sprong has 17 goals this season, but just one in his last 11 appearances.

"It's hard not wonder about whether Sprong - a pending unrestricted free agent - will return to the Red Wings for the 2024-25 season. From Sprong's perspective, being a healthy scratch during three of the season's most pivotal games might lead to doubts about re-signing. It also raises questions about Detroit's interest in retaining Sprong this summer."

Gio Does It For Dad

It's been a tough stretch professionally and personally for former Kraken captain Mark Giordano.

From THN Toronto's David Alter: "On Feb. 16, Giordano's father, Paul, suddenly passed away. After departing the club, in his second game back, he sustained a head injury falling hard into the boards against the Arizona Coyotes on Feb. 29."

Injuries to Maple Leafs teammates created an opening for Giordano to return to the lineup. The defenseman scored against Washington Thursday, then pointed skyward and looked up as well.

"Just something I promised I would do, after my dad passed away there, if I scored," Giordano explained. "So, the way it was going, it looked like it might not happen. But it was nice to get that one."