"Yanni Gourde A Perfect Example Of A Seattle Kraken Player"

Hockey Analysts Weigh In On Newly Energized Kraken (Story 2 of 2)

NHL Network's roster of former players, coaches, and executives watch every game, every night. Here's what a trio of their experts have to say about the Seattle Kraken's recent nine game winning streak.

John Torchetti: "He's changed the whole identity of the team. They can start taking more chances offensively, because he's going to make the save on odd-man rushes. Your goalie breeds confidence in a team."

Billy Lindsey: "Not a lot of wasted movement when you watch him play. It's a combination of Daccord being a good goaltender, and the team rallying around Daccord. 

"Seattle is playing a better brand in front of him. It was one and done for Vegas (in the Winter Classic), no second rebound opportunities. When you're letting your goaltender see that initial shot, not asking him to clean up the mess behind that original shot, Joey Daccord has that kind of ability to make the save."

Torchetti singled out center Yanni Gourde, who's scored a goal in the first three 2024 Kraken games. "Gourde is a perfect example of a Seattle Kraken player. Hard nosed, willing to pay the price, doing anything it takes to win a hockey game. That's how they're playing now. They're going to be a lot of fun to watch down the stretch. I think they're going to surprise some teams."

Lindsey liked the Dec. 15 Tomas Tatar trade, and sees a resemblance to last season's 100-point team.

"Four lines deep, that's what they were last year. When they were really effective last year, it was forechecking, rolling line after line. The top guys would play 16 minutes, the bottom guys would play 12. Everybody would be fresh, and they'd come after you in waves.

"There's about six teams that are going to fight for two playoff spots."

Bruce Boudreau: The Pacific Division "will be as interesting a race as there is in the NHL. Great hockey. You've got to be so mentally focused all the time. When you have a setback, it's like taking two games off."

"If you're rolling out (Jared) McCann, who scored 40 last year, on the fourth line, that is cause for concern if you're another team. If that goaltender continues to play like he has, which is out of the blue, they're going to be a factor."

Editor's Note: Boudreau's comments came in a Vancouver Hockey Insider podcast.