As the team heads into a pivotal four-game road trip before the Olympic break, head coach Craig Berube isn’t sugarcoating the situation. The standings paint a clear picture - this group is in a hole, and the time to climb out starts now.
**“We are where we are. We’ve dug this hole.
We have to dig ourselves out of it, starting tonight,”** Berube said ahead of the opener. It’s a direct message, one that underscores the urgency surrounding this stretch.
With playoff hopes hanging in the balance, there’s no time for moral victories or “almosts.” Execution is the name of the game.
A Team That Knows the Stakes
Despite the recent struggles, Berube believes the group’s mindset is in the right place. The players aren’t lost - they’re aware of the issues and what needs fixing. But awareness only goes so far.
**“The group is fine. They understand where we are and where we need to improve.
Now, it is time for action,”** he said. **“You have to go out and do it.
We can talk about it all we want, but it’s about going out on the ice, executing, and doing it properly for 60 minutes.” **
That last part - a full 60 minutes - has been elusive lately. The team’s recent homestand was a missed opportunity, with defensive breakdowns proving costly in all but the win over Detroit.
Berube didn’t mince words: **“We definitely did not defend well enough to win hockey games at home.” ** That’s the standard, and they didn’t meet it.
Defensive Details and the Return of Nylander
Improving defensively is a collective effort, and Berube is stressing better structure and accountability in their own zone. It’s not just about goaltending or the blue line - it’s team-wide.
Speaking of reinforcements, William Nylander is nearing a return and could be an option as soon as the next game. “He’s close,” Berube confirmed. The decision will come in tandem with the training staff, and Nylander pushed hard during the team’s latest skate in hopes of getting the green light.
Getting Nylander back would be a major boost. His offensive creativity and skating could help spark a group that’s been inconsistent in generating high-danger chances.
Stolarz’s Return and Reset
Anthony Stolarz’s first game back from injury didn’t go as planned, and Berube acknowledged it was a tough night - but one with understandable context.
“He tried to do way too much,” Berube said. After a long layoff, that eagerness to make an impact can backfire.
**“Sometimes, you come back, and you’re a little too eager. You want to do too much.
We felt he was just kind of all over the place.” **
At his best, Stolarz is calm, composed, and positionally sound - letting the game come to him. That’s the version the team needs, especially during this critical stretch.
“He had been very good at that, especially going back to last year,” Berube noted. **“He’s good at playing the puck, too.
Settle down and do your job.” **
Scouting the Kraken
Next up: the Seattle Kraken. They’re not flashy, but they’re effective - a team built on structure, depth, and solid goaltending.
“They play pretty solid defense. You have to earn your chances,” Berube said.
Seattle doesn’t rely on just one line or one player. They roll three lines with skill and consistency, and they’ve been tough to crack defensively. Special teams will be a factor, and Berube emphasized the need for discipline and sharp execution on both ends.
“It’s not going to be an easy game by any means,” he said. “Lane Lambert has them playing good defense, and that’s what they’re relying on, along with their goaltending.”
Leadership Without a Letter
One player who continues to set the tone is Scott Laughton. He may not wear a letter on his jersey, but make no mistake - he’s a key voice in the room.
“He leads on the ice with effort and determination,” Berube said. Whether it’s killing penalties, blocking shots, or grinding out tough minutes, Laughton does the dirty work. He’s not lighting up the scoresheet, but his contributions go well beyond stats.
More importantly, he’s a vocal presence behind the scenes. “He keeps everybody on their toes,” Berube said.
**“He’s very good in the room.” ** That kind of leadership matters, especially with the team’s back against the wall.
Morning Skate Notes - Jan. 29
The morning skate lines ahead of the matchup featured a few notable combinations:
- Top line: McMann - Matthews - Domi
- Second line: Maccelli - Tavares - Knies
- Third line: Robertson - Roy - Järnkrok
- Fourth line: Lorentz - Laughton - Cowan
- Extras: Nylander, Quillan
On the blue line:
- Top pair: Rielly - Carlo
- Second pair: McCabe - OEL
- Third pair: Benoit - Stecher
- Extras: Rifai, Myers
In net, Anthony Stolarz is expected to get the nod, with Joseph Woll backing up.
With the Olympic break looming, this road trip isn’t just another stretch on the calendar - it’s a gut check. The team knows the stakes, and now it’s about delivering.
The margin for error is thin, but the opportunity is still there. It starts with 60 minutes of focused, disciplined hockey - and it starts tonight.