Islanders Face Kraken: Game Preview
The Seattle Kraken are gearing up to face the New York Islanders in an exciting matchup. Currently, the Kraken have found themselves in a promising position, sitting third in the Pacific Division with 27 points. Their goal is to return to the playoffs after a two-year absence.
Coaching Changes and Team Transition
This season marks Lane Lambert’s first as the head coach of the Kraken. Previously, he served as the head coach for the Islanders from 2022 to 2024. During his time with the Islanders, he achieved a record of 61 wins, 46 losses, and 20 overtime losses.
Before taking the reins in Seattle, Lambert was the associate coach for the Toronto Maple Leafs. His experience at the NHL level is expected to guide the Kraken through a competitive season.
Player Highlights
- Ryker Evans: Currently on a three-game point streak, accumulating a total of four points (1 goal, 3 assists).
- Joey Daccord: Expected to start in goal, Daccord holds a record of 7 wins, 3 losses, and 3 overtime losses this season. He has a goals against average of 2.78 and a save percentage of .900.
Defensive Challenges
Despite a solid offensive showing, the Kraken’s defense has struggled with penalty kills. They rank 31st in the league, with a conversion rate of only 70%. The team has allowed a power-play goal in nine consecutive games, failing to stop 20 of the last 29 penalties.
Additionally, the Kraken face challenges at the faceoff circle, ranking last in the NHL with a 45.1% win rate. However, they have a record of 8 wins, 3 losses, and 2 overtime losses when scoring first in games.
Future Outlook
As the Kraken prepare to take on the Islanders, they will look to leverage their strengths while addressing their weaknesses. The outcome of this game may set the tone for their playoff aspirations this season.
