Kraken Play Most Of Game Without Both Top-Pairing Defensemen
Injuries, the condensed schedule and Cole Sillinger conspired Monday to put an end to the Seattle Kraken franchise-record nine game winning streak
Out: Andre Burakovsky, injured early in Columbus on Saturday; Matty Beniers, boarded by the Blue Jackets' Sillinger; and Vince Dunn, who fought Sillinger. Dunn's top-pairing partner Adam Larsson played just four minutes in today's game before leaving with his own injury,
All that proved too much to overcome, as the Kraken dropped a 3-0 decision to the Pittsburgh Penguins at PPG Paints Arena. The loss also snapped the Kraken's 13 game points streak (11-0-2).
1st Period
Brian Dumoulin, making his first trip to Pittsburgh as a visitor, was among three former Pens in coach Dave Hakstol's starting lineup. (Justin Schultz and Brandon Tanev, too.)
Dumouin received a standing ovation during a break in play.
One of life's enduring mysteries is how a Penguins team with Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, Kris Letang AND free-agent Norris Trophy winner Erik Karlsson can produce the #26 power play.
The Kraken, whose PK has been operating at 90% efficiency over the last 22 games, kill an interference minor to Yamamoto.
One reason for Kraken goalie Joey Daccord's excellent play is the anticipation and athleticism to move post-to-post. That combo kept Rickard Rakell from breaking the Pens on top.
Pittsburgh outshoots Seattle 12-6 in a scoreless 1st.
2nd Period
Something the defense pairing of Dumoulin and Schultz won't remember fondly: overplaying the puck and puck-carrier Bryan Rust near the boards, leaving Drew O'Connor all alone to break the ice at 49 seconds.
Less than a minute later, Daccord stops Rust on a 2-on-1 to keep Pittsburgh from doubling the lead.
Crosby, his 25th of the season, does give the Pens a 2-0 lead at 3:32.
Yes, Sportsnet, it does in fact get old.
Defenseman Adam Larsson is the latest Kraken to start a game, then disappear from the Seattle bench. He played just 4:01 in the 1st period, so Seattle must juggle five healthy d-men.
FYI, today's insertions to the Seattle lineup: spare forwards Kailer Yamamoto and Devin Shore, as well as defenseman Ryker Evans.
During an unsuccessful Seattle power play, TV analyst Eddie Olczyk calls out additional Pittsburgh infractions - tripping on Rust (he did) and too-many-men (also correct). "This is unbelievable what's going on." Unfortunately for the Kraken, Olczyk isn't wearing orange armbands.
The post isn't cooperating either; Jordan Eberle fires off iron. SOG are 12-9 Pittsburgh in the period, 24-15 Pittsburgh after 40.
3rd Period
Penguins goalie Tristan Jarry loses his goal stick attempting a poke-check, but the Kraken can't take advantage.
On Seattle's second power play, Jared McCann, coming off a three-point game, hits the post. Updated stats: Goals - Pittsburgh 2, Seattle 0; Goalposts Hit: Seattle 2, Pittsburgh 0. Sometimes, it just isn't your day.
Crosby bids for a second goal taking the puck strong to the net on his backhand, but Daccord makes the save.
Elsewhere in Pittsburgh sports today...
The re-scheduling of Sunday's NFL playoff game in Buffalo to 1:30 pm Pacific today is the reason the hockey game started two hours earlier than planned.
During the Penguins' second power play, Crosby hooks McCann without penalty. The Kraken survive the PK.
The winning streak won't survive. An empty-netter by Crosby, his second of the game, cements a 3-0 Pittsburgh victory.
No rest for the Kraken weary and walking wounded. They play next at Madison Square Garden against the Rangers Tuesday.
