Kraken Stumble Against Lightning, But McMann Shines
In a much-anticipated matchup, the Seattle Kraken faced off against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Tuesday, marking the return of Oliver Bjorkstrand and Yanni Gourde to Seattle since their trade. Both players were key figures for the Kraken over the past few seasons, making this reunion one to watch.
Lightning Strike Early and Often
The game tilted in favor of the Lightning right from the start, with Tampa Bay netting two goals in the opening period. Just seconds into the second, they extended their lead to three. The Kraken fought back, scoring twice to close the gap, but the Lightning stormed through the third period with three unanswered goals, sealing a 6-2 victory.
Bobby McMann Continues His Hot Streak
Despite the loss, Bobby McMann provided a bright spot for Seattle. Matty Beniers set him up beautifully at the faceoff dot, and McMann delivered, blasting a shot past Andrei Vasilevskiy.
In just three games with the Kraken, McMann has already made a significant impact, tallying four goals and six points. As Seattle pushes for the playoffs, McMann’s scoring prowess is exactly what they need.
Jared McCann’s Return Makes Waves
Jared McCann also found the back of the net, capitalizing on a power play opportunity. After a slick pass sequence from Philipp Grubauer to Jordan Eberle and back to McCann, he faked out Vasilevskiy to score Seattle’s second goal. Despite missing significant time with injuries, McCann remains a crucial offensive force, boasting 18 goals and 36 points in just 43 games.
Mistakes Prove Costly for Seattle
Head coach Lane Lambert didn’t mince words post-game, expressing frustration over the team’s costly turnovers. "Our mistakes were catastrophic," Lambert noted, highlighting the need for better decision-making. As the Kraken cling to a wild card playoff spot, eliminating these errors is essential.
Road Trip Ahead for the Kraken
Next up, the Kraken embark on a five-game road trip, starting with the Nashville Predators on March 19. The season series with the Lightning will wrap up in Tampa Bay on March 26. Seattle will need to regroup and bring their A-game to keep their playoff dreams alive.