Dallas Stars Dominate as Kraken Struggle in Return
The Seattle Kraken faced off against the Dallas Stars on Wednesday, marking their return from the Olympic break. Despite previous encounters this season, the Kraken couldn't turn the tide, with Dallas securing a 4-1 victory and completing a season sweep.
Injury Woes for the Kraken
Seattle's challenges began early when defenseman Ryan Lindgren exited the game after a heavy hit on Colin Blackwell. While Blackwell continued, Lindgren's night ended with just 1:24 of ice time. This setback comes just as Berkly Catton and Ben Meyers were reactivated from the injured reserve, highlighting the team's ongoing battle with injuries.
A Slow Start Out of the Gate
The Kraken seemed to be shaking off the rust from their break. Dallas dominated puck possession, outshooting Seattle 10-3 in the first period alone.
By the time Seattle registered their fifth shot, Dallas had already built a three-goal lead. The Kraken appeared sluggish, possibly still in vacation mode after the break, with key players like Kaapo Kakko sitting out for rest following his bronze medal win with Finland.
Ryker Evans Ends the Drought
Amidst the struggle, Ryker Evans provided a glimmer of hope. Early in the first period, after a close call from Catton, Evans capitalized on a loose puck to net Seattle's sole goal. Evans, who has been stepping up in Lindgren's absence, is having a career-best season with 13 points, including six goals.
Looking Ahead
With the Olympic break behind them, the Kraken are back in action and looking to rebound quickly as they face the St. Louis Blues on Thursday. This game serves as a crucial opportunity for the team to shake off the rust and find their rhythm for the remainder of the season.