January 6, 2026 • 21 mins
Mike Benton with the Jan. 6 episode of Kraken This Morning, ahead of the matchup with the Boston Bruins at Climate Pledge Arena, and joined by Geoff Baker of nhl.com/kraken.
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Speaker 1 (00:01):
Welcome to Cracking this morning, a presentation of the Cracking
Audio Network. Ken Sports Radio ninety three point three kjr FA.
Speaker 2 (00:10):
Got a good one for you coming up this evening,
only time the Boston Bruins head into Seattle. That's this evening,
seven o'clock Pacific time at Climate Pledge Arena for the
Cracking and Boston Bruins. We're on air six thirty for
your pregame show served up by Frostbrew, Course Light Choose
Chill on the Global Credit Union Cracking Audio Network. This
is Cracking this morning on a Tuesday, January sixth Mike
(00:32):
Benton with you, and we'll have Jeff Baker joining us
here in just a bit, VP of editorial for the
Seattle Cracking, and again you can also find this work
on the web at NHL dot com slash crack in.
Jeff is going to be with us here in just
a bit too discuss the thrilling end of last night,
the impact of Philip Grubauer, and how the Crack and
(00:53):
proceed on right now with their fourth line goaltending, and
also a quick preview of this game coming up against
some Ruins with Jeff Baker joining us here in just
a bitch well the Krack and now seven to zero
to one in the last eight games. That has solidified
them not just as a playoff team heading into game
forty one of eighty two, but also into the conversation
(01:15):
for first place in the Pacific Division. They come in
one point back up both Vegas and Edmonton tied for
first right now, of course, it is still very much
bunched up the Kraken and a tie with the Kings
Anaheim Ducks as well. The Kraken owned the tie breaker,
but also we'll mean two points back beneath the cut
line are San Jose and the Utah Manmoth. Then, not
(01:38):
to mention as well, three more teams within four points
or less of the Kraken, including Nashville, Saint Louis, and Chicago.
So there is still plenty to be decided right now
and what is very much a wild and chaotic Western
Conference playoff picture with the Crack and hitting the halfway
point of the season by the end of this evening
(01:59):
last night, Let's take back here to milestones. The Kraken
crossed in a matchup against Calgary looking for redemption after
a loss in December, and Captain Jordan every playing in
his eleven hundredth career National.
Speaker 3 (02:13):
Hockey League game.
Speaker 2 (02:14):
Here we go the left team going right to left
across your dial, picks up the puck and swings wide
left side, moving in rest shut blockers, say by Philip Grubauer,
and turns that one away to keep it one nothing
and the Kraken bench reacting with an emotional way, give
it right back. Here comes Winterton right wing, flame zone,
low shots save Wolf has it from Malonzen. He's gons
(02:39):
there's that fourth line once again.
Speaker 3 (02:42):
Sjacob A.
Speaker 2 (02:42):
Wonson at the blocker side post up Dustin Wold bangs
it in with seventeen forty three to go in period one.
It is his first and the Kraken have tied this
game at one to one.
Speaker 4 (02:56):
Well right Wincherdon down that right side, puts a shot
on it, gets his own reb It is just before
he goes down below with the back of the net,
puts it across the grease to Malonson on the far side.
Blonzon hammers at home.
Speaker 3 (03:07):
This keeps tight at one.
Speaker 2 (03:09):
He will save that puck for a lifetime. It is
his first career National Hockey League goal, and the reaction
told the entire story of Ruman left wing Myers unto
the zone, passing front to Ryde. He's gones eighteen oh
three laughs and period three birthday boy on the spot.
(03:29):
Shane Wright driving the front of that picks up his
seven gold this season and the Kraken have taken the
lead for the first time this evening at two to one.
Speaker 4 (03:40):
What Ben Myers done that left side? He's got a
full head of Steve.
Speaker 3 (03:43):
You can hear his.
Speaker 4 (03:43):
Linemates going, go, go go, and he flies down that
left side. He puts a saucer path cross legs for
Shane right to put up over the blockers side on
Dustin Wolf.
Speaker 2 (03:53):
Two to one, Crown to Larsen leads it right wing
Cocko into the Calgary zone to the middle.
Speaker 3 (03:58):
Now for Dunne his shot.
Speaker 2 (03:59):
He's gones, m krack and find the trailer and Ben's done,
parking one right past Dustin Wolf. With fourteen minutes and
forty eight seconds left in regulation, It's finced on six
of the year and the Kraken caep on rolling. They
lay the flames three to one.
Speaker 4 (04:20):
Coppococco doing a great job coming down the right side.
He pulls up not before the blue line right after
the blue line to let his linemates go hard. Today
he finds Vince done trailing, puts it right on his tape.
Don beats Wolf gloff side top shelf three to one, crack.
Speaker 2 (04:35):
Left side in the can Flames one through one of
the nets, save remount.
Speaker 3 (04:38):
But here's he scores.
Speaker 2 (04:42):
Man even hears with I sing on the cake two
minutes and twenty one seconds left in period three and
from the front. It is his seven goal of the season,
five unanswered from the Kraken, who laid a five to
one that finishing of five to one victory over the
Calgary Flames, with the Kraken exploding for four goals in
(05:04):
period three to break open a one to one tie,
and that tie the franchise record for most goals in
a third period of any kind, last set January eleventh
of twenty twenty five, and falling two goals shy for
most in one period in franchise history, set back in
January of twenty twenty three with six.
Speaker 3 (05:24):
Goals in period one.
Speaker 2 (05:26):
Nonetheless, the Kraken feeling good about themselves and there's more
reaction after the game with krakeenead coach Lane Lambert Well.
Speaker 5 (05:32):
The third period, I thought we did a really good
job of doing things that we talked about sort of
playing and winning hockey. Thought our changes were good in
the third. I thought our shift length was good, which
to me just completely talks about our team and our
team trust for each other.
Speaker 6 (05:51):
So we you know, used everybody tonight.
Speaker 5 (05:54):
Everybody contributed, and I thought our third period was outstanding.
Speaker 6 (05:58):
We limited their scoring chances and we capitalizing on ours.
Speaker 5 (06:01):
There was a time not too long ago with third
periods where the period that the team's.
Speaker 7 (06:04):
Struggling the most.
Speaker 5 (06:05):
And what do you feel the turnaround has been.
Speaker 6 (06:07):
There in general?
Speaker 5 (06:08):
Well, I just think that we're playing a little bit more, uh,
on our toes and instead of on our heels a
little bit before we were trying to protect instead of
going after it.
Speaker 6 (06:19):
And it's just a mindset thing.
Speaker 5 (06:21):
And we've talked a lot about it over the last
couple of months and it's been better.
Speaker 2 (06:27):
And and you get a feel good for getting rewarded for.
Speaker 5 (06:31):
What did you do?
Speaker 6 (06:32):
Yeah, it's great.
Speaker 5 (06:33):
Uh, you know, you'll always uh you know, always remember
your first NHL goal. So you know, he's been doing
a lot of good things for our hockey team, and
he's contributing offensively as well about Sheen, right, what's kind
of been the message to him and to see him
get rewarded as well.
Speaker 6 (06:49):
Well. Shane's playing uh well right now.
Speaker 2 (06:51):
Uh.
Speaker 6 (06:51):
His ice time indicates that he's being rewarded for it.
Speaker 5 (06:55):
He's uh in my mind, he's competing ward and it's
nice to see him.
Speaker 6 (07:01):
Like you say, get rewarded. He's had a lot of.
Speaker 5 (07:04):
Situations here over the last maybe ten games where he's
hit a post or he's hit a crossbarder. He's had opportunities,
so it's nice to see him get one.
Speaker 7 (07:14):
You mentioned this morning that changes how did you kill it?
Speaker 5 (07:17):
Always have come through and made great saves, saves philbus forty.
Speaker 2 (07:23):
Tonight, but how did a lot of shots felt?
Speaker 6 (07:25):
We're okay to pet to the outside of a days
singer that tell Scotty.
Speaker 5 (07:30):
Yeah, I thought in the first two periods, I thought
we gave up too much, and I thought he was
amazing for us and has.
Speaker 6 (07:38):
Been right you know all that.
Speaker 5 (07:39):
So the third period we were much better defensively from
a penalty killing standpoint. You know, you just have to
try and give your goaltender the best opportunity to make
the save. We haven't allowed too many scene passes from
dot to dot as of late, and that's probably been
the biggest turnaround in terms of grouper.
Speaker 3 (07:59):
What have you seen him his game that's allowed him.
Speaker 6 (08:01):
To have such a redound from last year this year.
Speaker 5 (08:03):
I think he's reading the game real well. You know,
his focus has been really solid. I think Golden and
coach and him have a good relationship and he's done
a really.
Speaker 6 (08:12):
Good job with him.
Speaker 5 (08:14):
And I just think his professionalism. You know, we've you know,
we've had three goalies here. Matt Murray's injured, but you know,
with three goalies, Philip, you know, worked hard over the
summer and just came in and said, I'm going to
try and win a job and play more.
Speaker 6 (08:30):
And that's what he's doing. Is a veteran in your
dressing room? How what important has he there? Rubella? Yeah, No,
he's been He's been great, you know, and I think.
Speaker 5 (08:40):
That he's really doing sort of a leadership thing with
his play.
Speaker 6 (08:47):
And that speaks volumes.
Speaker 2 (08:49):
All right, and back to back, coming up here the
crack and taking on the Boston Bruins.
Speaker 3 (08:53):
Right back home.
Speaker 2 (08:54):
Mcclimate, Lagerina, our friend Jet Baker joining us. He's a
VP of editorial for The Seattle Crack and with us
on Crack in this Morning.
Speaker 3 (09:02):
Jeff seven oh and one in eight games. I repeat,
seven oh and one in eight games.
Speaker 2 (09:11):
It's still it feels surreal to wrap your head around
this based on where it matters were about roughly a
month ago. But what occurred to you maybe that this
is possible even a month ago.
Speaker 7 (09:23):
The thing that's making it plausible is the defense. And
it's been that way all year, right even when they
were losing games during that that streak where they lost
ten of eleven, they were still getting, you know, decent
defense during that time. They were still in the still
in every game, still getting an opportunity to win every game.
The problem was that they weren't scoring enough goals. And
(09:45):
now you know, we're at the point where they're starting
to score a minimum of three goals a game most
nights out, you know, and sometimes those will come by
empty nets, but but they're putting at least three goals
in the net. And when they do that, defense and
the goaltending particularly is so good that that that's usually
going to be enough for them to win. The best
(10:07):
the best is when they can score three goals on
an actual goalie and then you know, and then get
their empty and ed or to make it a fourth
goal or something like that. When that happens, they almost
always win. And so you know, it's it begins and
ends with the defense. And I think the defense made
the defensive play all around by forwards end defenseman has
(10:28):
made life a little easier on goalies as a Joey
the court and Philip Grubauer in particular, And we've seen
during this streak, the same game point streak that the
goaltending has just been phenomenal, so that part of it's working.
So they get they got to score a minimum three
goals a night, and when they do that, they'll usually
win the game.
Speaker 2 (10:46):
So whether it comes to Philip Greenbauer, who had a
season high forty one saves last night, or how much
the Kraken just broke things open in a tidal way
fashion against the Flames in period three, what meant the
most to you as far as what happened last evening
in Calgary, without.
Speaker 7 (11:05):
Question, it was Philip Grubauer. I mean, if he's not
standing on his head in the first period, they're probably
down by a couple of goals. It's a completely different
hockey game. You know, as it is, they're outshott. It
was thirteen to eight, but the play looked a little
more lopsided to me just watching it, and you know,
they were only down one nothing, you know, the second
and right away, you know, Jacob mallonson ties the game up,
(11:26):
and so you know, you want to look at difference
makers the fourth line. I mean, we've we talked about
it quite a bit. I wrote about it for my
column this past weekend. The fourth line was good before
Jacob Mallahanson got here, but now it's taken things to
another level, and specifically during this stretch of games. I mean,
he only got here eleven games ago and they're on
an eight game point streak. So he's really transformed that
(11:50):
fourth line into what it's what it's doing now, which
is kind of unprecedented, even though they played very well
to start the season. And so that's helping get that
extra goal a game that they've needed. And so I mean,
you see that happening. But we're going back to last night.
I mean, he got he got a you know, pretty
critical goal in the second period, allowed them to go
(12:11):
to the third period tied one one, and you know,
the crack and are a different team when when they're
ahead or when they're tied versus when they're trailing and
playing catch up all the time. And so you know,
without Grubauer though, they never get there. And so he's
full value for all the kudos he's getting. And and
you know, by all means, that's probably a game they
would have lost a few weeks back. Instead, you know,
(12:34):
Grubauer kept them in long enough to win.
Speaker 6 (12:36):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (12:36):
I go back to what you wrote last night, and
it was a terrific piece, by the way, on NHL
dot com slash Cracking. I mean, this fourth line is
growing an identity and they're playing very well, and it's
not just the physicality part of it, but they're finding
ways also to be front and center of the offense.
They've now hit the score sheet four games in a row.
(12:56):
I think the only questions that remain, Jeff are how
much do you play them more?
Speaker 3 (13:01):
If you do?
Speaker 2 (13:02):
And how closer are we to officially giving this line
a nickname?
Speaker 7 (13:06):
Yeah, I mean I'm not very good with nicknames, but
it will probably get one fairly soon. I think, you know,
as far as giving him more ice time, I think
they've done a good job of the forward lines during
this streak. I mean, certainly the trade of Mason march
Ment helped. I think it helps solidify certain spots on
certain lines, help bump guys up the lines where they
(13:29):
should have probably been playing prior, but there was just
no room. So I think that yeah, you know, just
just the logistics of the whole thing became a little
more simple, not simple, but just a little easier for
Lane Lambert to manage. And I think he's done a
good job now managing the ice time. I don't know
that they need more ice time than they've been getting.
They've been pretty effective with what they're doing, and they
play a very physical style, as you've noted, and you know,
(13:52):
to go in as chaotically, but it's structured chaos to
go in there and start throwing their weight around, you know,
every shift. That requires a lot of energy. So I'm
not sure that that playing them more is going to
make them more effective. I think they're pretty effective doing
what they're doing right now.
Speaker 2 (14:06):
I mean, hey, let's us not get too far ahead
of ourselves, of course, because they've been together for about
roughly a month or so, but I mean, hey, not
all nicknamed lines come from your top end.
Speaker 3 (14:16):
Guys.
Speaker 2 (14:17):
Just go back and look at the crash line of
the New Jersey Devils. And we're not saying that this
is going to be a reincarnation of them, but just
you know, one example, the crash line that New Jersey
had back in nineteen ninety five with Bobby Holeague, Randy
McKay and Mike Paluso under head coach Jacques Lamier, Jeff
bat to goltending. What do you believe in more the
three goalies system becoming more of an aid here for
(14:39):
this team with the heavy schedule this month, or the
fact that Philip Grubauer might be earning more starts here
down the road than what he's been accustomed to this season.
Speaker 7 (14:48):
I think caring three goalies was, you know, in case
of injury, and we've seen that already this season play out.
And in this case, Matt Murray got injured, but everybody,
for guests, sometimes before he got hurt, he was looking
like the guy who had taken over the number two
goaltending spot, and then he got hurt and Grubauer came
in and the rest is history. So but but you know,
(15:09):
you still have that possibility. We're only three games into
seventeen that are being played this month, and so you
know you have to have that as a hedge against injury.
I think that that works out. But as far as
right now, I think going with the one two tanem
is working. We've seen teams in recent years have have
tremendous success going with the tandem of one and two.
(15:32):
I mean, you think of the Boston Bruins back when
they a couple of years ago when they set the
the NHL record for points. You know, they had Jeremy
Swaman going and Linas Olmark as well in a one
two ten and that worked out very well for them.
And then you know, they let them They let the
problems take care of themselves afterwards, you know, with the
(15:53):
with the move that that got all Mark sent to Ottawa.
But right now, Grubauer, the Cort, I mean, it seems
to be working, right. They win every other start that
they make. Why not keep it, keep it going. I
don't see a three goalie tandem materializing right now. I
think you ride the two guys that have gotten you here,
and you have Matt Murray in reserve. You got to
play him at some point, I would imagine, because forget
(16:15):
how to go in there. But right now I like
what they're doing.
Speaker 2 (16:19):
Yeah, he's getting more reps and was getting more as
well on practice at practice on Sunday.
Speaker 3 (16:23):
Despite that he's on IR.
Speaker 2 (16:25):
But it might not be long until he is activated,
and so we'll see when he's back. Jeff, nobody last
night played less than eleven minutes and fourteen seconds, and
nobody played more than twenty minutes and fifty six seconds.
Speaker 3 (16:39):
And it seems like a.
Speaker 2 (16:40):
Familiar recipe to last week against Nashville when the Kraken
we're on the front end of back to back and
then they went into Vancouver and then found a way
to win that game. Here we are again. How does
that work? You think in their favor for tonight?
Speaker 7 (16:57):
I think it conserves energy. I mean, look, this team's
not going to win without energy. And you know we
talk about the fourth line that's and everybody has said it,
not just me, I mean everybody watching the game says
that they bring a lot of energy to this team.
And if this team has energy, it can compete with
anybody in the NHL. We've seen that a lot of
what was happening last season was you go to those
back to backs, and on the tail end of it,
(17:19):
you could see in the first five minutes that the
team didn't have it, and you know, they'd come out flat,
they'd be outskated, and once in a while they'd score
the first goal and then they just run out of gas.
I mean, that hasn't happened as often this season. It
certainly hasn't happened the last three times out in back
to backs, and the krack and have won two of them.
You know, they started to fade a little bit against
(17:39):
the Canucks. They blew that what was a three to
one lead, and you know, you could probably attribute some
of that to fatigue. I mean, look, it's tough. It's
tough to go back to back like this, but I
think when you balance out the minutes like they've been
trying to do, I think it lets you get a
little bit more in the tank so that you'll have
something for the next night. I mean, this is a
huge challenge for them. You know, Bust not a bad
(18:00):
team by any stretch. They had some rough times lately,
but you know this would be a big one. The
cracking could get it.
Speaker 6 (18:07):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (18:07):
Boston also has been the busiest penalty killer unit in
the league this season, and by a wide margin as well.
The Kraken, though, We'll be getting the Bruins here at
the end of their road trip. Despite being on the
back end of back to back yet the Kraken have
found ways to get wins or points in the last
four tries. Second leg of back to back, and they
face Boston coming in with a bit of an injury
(18:29):
bugg issue nipping at their heels hampus. Lindholman is out
and this might be long term. So it's essentially back
to back on one side versus a team that hasn't
seen homem since before the holidays. So how do you
measure a good start tonight against the Ruins?
Speaker 7 (18:45):
Again, it comes down to energy, we'll see. You know,
it helps when the crack and get the first goal.
You know, we've talked about that a lot. When they
have to play catch up the whole game and chase
the game, you know, you know, it's they're just not
as effective at it. I think they've got to They've
got to be aggressive, stay on the Bruins from the start.
The four check's going to be a huge part of that.
We've seen that from the front, from the fourth line
(19:08):
and you know. That's why they've started a game or
two here or there. I mean, they just want to
set the tone early. I think that'll help. The Bruins
might be on the end of their road trip, but
they've won, you know, consecutive games out here on the
West Coast in the other team's buildings, so they're not
exactly coming in on a slump, and they've been pretty
well arrested. They haven't. They haven't played since Saturday. They've
(19:29):
actually had more practice clime at Climate Pledge than than
the Krack and have the last few days. So yeah,
you know, I think the energy will be huge coming
out there. You can't let the Bruins start dictating play early.
Speaker 2 (19:39):
On, all right, looking forward to it here first of
two at home the Krack and as of this morning,
a playoff team and looking to keep a good thing going.
Jeff again, appreciate you, thanks a.
Speaker 7 (19:48):
Lot man, sounds good, Mike pickare all.
Speaker 2 (19:51):
Right, Jeff, appreciate this the Crack and again seven to
oh and one in their last eight games and this
evening ken establish their second longest pointstreak in franchise history.
A win or just forcing overtime would help them get there. Meanwhile,
as Jeff said, the Boston Bruins, coming on the back
end of their five game road trip, haven't seen homey
since before the holiday break, but also come off a
(20:13):
two days of rest, which means a gate attraction in
David Pasternak, by the way, needing one more power play
goal to type patrese bergeron for fourth all time in
Bruin's history. But also Morgan Geeky, the former cracking forward,
enjoying a season of his career. He's got twenty five
goals in forty two games that is tied for third
(20:33):
best right now in the NHL. But also he's going
through a bit of a cold streak right now, with
no goals in the last six games and the Kraken
trying to keep him at Bass, he returns to his
former stomping grounds of two seasons.
Speaker 3 (20:48):
Look forward to having you once again this evening.
Speaker 2 (20:50):
Six point thirty on air seven o'clock puck drop Ever
it fits you, Alconiski in the booth, I'll join you
once again beginning at six point thirty right by the
course light landing in section twenty. Anders Hurst joins me
once again live for coverage at Tom's Watchbar. Up to
an hour after the final horn. We certainly hope that
you can join us. Big thank you again to Jeff
Baker and for kracking this morning. I'm Mike Benton. Have
(21:13):
a happy Tuesday.
Speaker 1 (21:14):
You're home for the Kraken Sports Radio ninety three point
three kJ r FM
Welcome to Cracking this morning, a presentation of the Cracking
Audio Network. Ken Sports Radio ninety three point three kjr FA.
Speaker 2 (00:10):
Got a good one for you coming up this evening,
only time the Boston Bruins head into Seattle. That's this evening,
seven o'clock Pacific time at Climate Pledge Arena for the
Cracking and Boston Bruins. We're on air six thirty for
your pregame show served up by Frostbrew, Course Light Choose
Chill on the Global Credit Union Cracking Audio Network. This
is Cracking this morning on a Tuesday, January sixth Mike
(00:32):
Benton with you, and we'll have Jeff Baker joining us
here in just a bit, VP of editorial for the
Seattle Cracking, and again you can also find this work
on the web at NHL dot com slash crack in.
Jeff is going to be with us here in just
a bit too discuss the thrilling end of last night,
the impact of Philip Grubauer, and how the Crack and
(00:53):
proceed on right now with their fourth line goaltending, and
also a quick preview of this game coming up against
some Ruins with Jeff Baker joining us here in just
a bitch well the Krack and now seven to zero
to one in the last eight games. That has solidified
them not just as a playoff team heading into game
forty one of eighty two, but also into the conversation
(01:15):
for first place in the Pacific Division. They come in
one point back up both Vegas and Edmonton tied for
first right now, of course, it is still very much
bunched up the Kraken and a tie with the Kings
Anaheim Ducks as well. The Kraken owned the tie breaker,
but also we'll mean two points back beneath the cut
line are San Jose and the Utah Manmoth. Then, not
(01:38):
to mention as well, three more teams within four points
or less of the Kraken, including Nashville, Saint Louis, and Chicago.
So there is still plenty to be decided right now
and what is very much a wild and chaotic Western
Conference playoff picture with the Crack and hitting the halfway
point of the season by the end of this evening
(01:59):
last night, Let's take back here to milestones. The Kraken
crossed in a matchup against Calgary looking for redemption after
a loss in December, and Captain Jordan every playing in
his eleven hundredth career National.
Speaker 3 (02:13):
Hockey League game.
Speaker 2 (02:14):
Here we go the left team going right to left
across your dial, picks up the puck and swings wide
left side, moving in rest shut blockers, say by Philip Grubauer,
and turns that one away to keep it one nothing
and the Kraken bench reacting with an emotional way, give
it right back. Here comes Winterton right wing, flame zone,
low shots save Wolf has it from Malonzen. He's gons
(02:39):
there's that fourth line once again.
Speaker 3 (02:42):
Sjacob A.
Speaker 2 (02:42):
Wonson at the blocker side post up Dustin Wold bangs
it in with seventeen forty three to go in period one.
It is his first and the Kraken have tied this
game at one to one.
Speaker 4 (02:56):
Well right Wincherdon down that right side, puts a shot
on it, gets his own reb It is just before
he goes down below with the back of the net,
puts it across the grease to Malonson on the far side.
Blonzon hammers at home.
Speaker 3 (03:07):
This keeps tight at one.
Speaker 2 (03:09):
He will save that puck for a lifetime. It is
his first career National Hockey League goal, and the reaction
told the entire story of Ruman left wing Myers unto
the zone, passing front to Ryde. He's gones eighteen oh
three laughs and period three birthday boy on the spot.
(03:29):
Shane Wright driving the front of that picks up his
seven gold this season and the Kraken have taken the
lead for the first time this evening at two to one.
Speaker 4 (03:40):
What Ben Myers done that left side? He's got a
full head of Steve.
Speaker 3 (03:43):
You can hear his.
Speaker 4 (03:43):
Linemates going, go, go go, and he flies down that
left side. He puts a saucer path cross legs for
Shane right to put up over the blockers side on
Dustin Wolf.
Speaker 2 (03:53):
Two to one, Crown to Larsen leads it right wing
Cocko into the Calgary zone to the middle.
Speaker 3 (03:58):
Now for Dunne his shot.
Speaker 2 (03:59):
He's gones, m krack and find the trailer and Ben's done,
parking one right past Dustin Wolf. With fourteen minutes and
forty eight seconds left in regulation, It's finced on six
of the year and the Kraken caep on rolling. They
lay the flames three to one.
Speaker 4 (04:20):
Coppococco doing a great job coming down the right side.
He pulls up not before the blue line right after
the blue line to let his linemates go hard. Today
he finds Vince done trailing, puts it right on his tape.
Don beats Wolf gloff side top shelf three to one, crack.
Speaker 2 (04:35):
Left side in the can Flames one through one of
the nets, save remount.
Speaker 3 (04:38):
But here's he scores.
Speaker 2 (04:42):
Man even hears with I sing on the cake two
minutes and twenty one seconds left in period three and
from the front. It is his seven goal of the season,
five unanswered from the Kraken, who laid a five to
one that finishing of five to one victory over the
Calgary Flames, with the Kraken exploding for four goals in
(05:04):
period three to break open a one to one tie,
and that tie the franchise record for most goals in
a third period of any kind, last set January eleventh
of twenty twenty five, and falling two goals shy for
most in one period in franchise history, set back in
January of twenty twenty three with six.
Speaker 3 (05:24):
Goals in period one.
Speaker 2 (05:26):
Nonetheless, the Kraken feeling good about themselves and there's more
reaction after the game with krakeenead coach Lane Lambert Well.
Speaker 5 (05:32):
The third period, I thought we did a really good
job of doing things that we talked about sort of
playing and winning hockey. Thought our changes were good in
the third. I thought our shift length was good, which
to me just completely talks about our team and our
team trust for each other.
Speaker 6 (05:51):
So we you know, used everybody tonight.
Speaker 5 (05:54):
Everybody contributed, and I thought our third period was outstanding.
Speaker 6 (05:58):
We limited their scoring chances and we capitalizing on ours.
Speaker 5 (06:01):
There was a time not too long ago with third
periods where the period that the team's.
Speaker 7 (06:04):
Struggling the most.
Speaker 5 (06:05):
And what do you feel the turnaround has been.
Speaker 6 (06:07):
There in general?
Speaker 5 (06:08):
Well, I just think that we're playing a little bit more, uh,
on our toes and instead of on our heels a
little bit before we were trying to protect instead of
going after it.
Speaker 6 (06:19):
And it's just a mindset thing.
Speaker 5 (06:21):
And we've talked a lot about it over the last
couple of months and it's been better.
Speaker 2 (06:27):
And and you get a feel good for getting rewarded for.
Speaker 5 (06:31):
What did you do?
Speaker 6 (06:32):
Yeah, it's great.
Speaker 5 (06:33):
Uh, you know, you'll always uh you know, always remember
your first NHL goal. So you know, he's been doing
a lot of good things for our hockey team, and
he's contributing offensively as well about Sheen, right, what's kind
of been the message to him and to see him
get rewarded as well.
Speaker 6 (06:49):
Well. Shane's playing uh well right now.
Speaker 2 (06:51):
Uh.
Speaker 6 (06:51):
His ice time indicates that he's being rewarded for it.
Speaker 5 (06:55):
He's uh in my mind, he's competing ward and it's
nice to see him.
Speaker 6 (07:01):
Like you say, get rewarded. He's had a lot of.
Speaker 5 (07:04):
Situations here over the last maybe ten games where he's
hit a post or he's hit a crossbarder. He's had opportunities,
so it's nice to see him get one.
Speaker 7 (07:14):
You mentioned this morning that changes how did you kill it?
Speaker 5 (07:17):
Always have come through and made great saves, saves philbus forty.
Speaker 2 (07:23):
Tonight, but how did a lot of shots felt?
Speaker 6 (07:25):
We're okay to pet to the outside of a days
singer that tell Scotty.
Speaker 5 (07:30):
Yeah, I thought in the first two periods, I thought
we gave up too much, and I thought he was
amazing for us and has.
Speaker 6 (07:38):
Been right you know all that.
Speaker 5 (07:39):
So the third period we were much better defensively from
a penalty killing standpoint. You know, you just have to
try and give your goaltender the best opportunity to make
the save. We haven't allowed too many scene passes from
dot to dot as of late, and that's probably been
the biggest turnaround in terms of grouper.
Speaker 3 (07:59):
What have you seen him his game that's allowed him.
Speaker 6 (08:01):
To have such a redound from last year this year.
Speaker 5 (08:03):
I think he's reading the game real well. You know,
his focus has been really solid. I think Golden and
coach and him have a good relationship and he's done
a really.
Speaker 6 (08:12):
Good job with him.
Speaker 5 (08:14):
And I just think his professionalism. You know, we've you know,
we've had three goalies here. Matt Murray's injured, but you know,
with three goalies, Philip, you know, worked hard over the
summer and just came in and said, I'm going to
try and win a job and play more.
Speaker 6 (08:30):
And that's what he's doing. Is a veteran in your
dressing room? How what important has he there? Rubella? Yeah, No,
he's been He's been great, you know, and I think.
Speaker 5 (08:40):
That he's really doing sort of a leadership thing with
his play.
Speaker 6 (08:47):
And that speaks volumes.
Speaker 2 (08:49):
All right, and back to back, coming up here the
crack and taking on the Boston Bruins.
Speaker 3 (08:53):
Right back home.
Speaker 2 (08:54):
Mcclimate, Lagerina, our friend Jet Baker joining us. He's a
VP of editorial for The Seattle Crack and with us
on Crack in this Morning.
Speaker 3 (09:02):
Jeff seven oh and one in eight games. I repeat,
seven oh and one in eight games.
Speaker 2 (09:11):
It's still it feels surreal to wrap your head around
this based on where it matters were about roughly a
month ago. But what occurred to you maybe that this
is possible even a month ago.
Speaker 7 (09:23):
The thing that's making it plausible is the defense. And
it's been that way all year, right even when they
were losing games during that that streak where they lost
ten of eleven, they were still getting, you know, decent
defense during that time. They were still in the still
in every game, still getting an opportunity to win every game.
The problem was that they weren't scoring enough goals. And
(09:45):
now you know, we're at the point where they're starting
to score a minimum of three goals a game most
nights out, you know, and sometimes those will come by
empty nets, but but they're putting at least three goals
in the net. And when they do that, defense and
the goaltending particularly is so good that that that's usually
going to be enough for them to win. The best
(10:07):
the best is when they can score three goals on
an actual goalie and then you know, and then get
their empty and ed or to make it a fourth
goal or something like that. When that happens, they almost
always win. And so you know, it's it begins and
ends with the defense. And I think the defense made
the defensive play all around by forwards end defenseman has
(10:28):
made life a little easier on goalies as a Joey
the court and Philip Grubauer in particular, And we've seen
during this streak, the same game point streak that the
goaltending has just been phenomenal, so that part of it's working.
So they get they got to score a minimum three
goals a night, and when they do that, they'll usually
win the game.
Speaker 2 (10:46):
So whether it comes to Philip Greenbauer, who had a
season high forty one saves last night, or how much
the Kraken just broke things open in a tidal way
fashion against the Flames in period three, what meant the
most to you as far as what happened last evening
in Calgary, without.
Speaker 7 (11:05):
Question, it was Philip Grubauer. I mean, if he's not
standing on his head in the first period, they're probably
down by a couple of goals. It's a completely different
hockey game. You know, as it is, they're outshott. It
was thirteen to eight, but the play looked a little
more lopsided to me just watching it, and you know,
they were only down one nothing, you know, the second
and right away, you know, Jacob mallonson ties the game up,
(11:26):
and so you know, you want to look at difference
makers the fourth line. I mean, we've we talked about
it quite a bit. I wrote about it for my
column this past weekend. The fourth line was good before
Jacob Mallahanson got here, but now it's taken things to
another level, and specifically during this stretch of games. I mean,
he only got here eleven games ago and they're on
an eight game point streak. So he's really transformed that
(11:50):
fourth line into what it's what it's doing now, which
is kind of unprecedented, even though they played very well
to start the season. And so that's helping get that
extra goal a game that they've needed. And so I mean,
you see that happening. But we're going back to last night.
I mean, he got he got a you know, pretty
critical goal in the second period, allowed them to go
(12:11):
to the third period tied one one, and you know,
the crack and are a different team when when they're
ahead or when they're tied versus when they're trailing and
playing catch up all the time. And so you know,
without Grubauer though, they never get there. And so he's
full value for all the kudos he's getting. And and
you know, by all means, that's probably a game they
would have lost a few weeks back. Instead, you know,
(12:34):
Grubauer kept them in long enough to win.
Speaker 6 (12:36):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (12:36):
I go back to what you wrote last night, and
it was a terrific piece, by the way, on NHL
dot com slash Cracking. I mean, this fourth line is
growing an identity and they're playing very well, and it's
not just the physicality part of it, but they're finding
ways also to be front and center of the offense.
They've now hit the score sheet four games in a row.
(12:56):
I think the only questions that remain, Jeff are how
much do you play them more?
Speaker 3 (13:01):
If you do?
Speaker 2 (13:02):
And how closer are we to officially giving this line
a nickname?
Speaker 7 (13:06):
Yeah, I mean I'm not very good with nicknames, but
it will probably get one fairly soon. I think, you know,
as far as giving him more ice time, I think
they've done a good job of the forward lines during
this streak. I mean, certainly the trade of Mason march
Ment helped. I think it helps solidify certain spots on
certain lines, help bump guys up the lines where they
(13:29):
should have probably been playing prior, but there was just
no room. So I think that yeah, you know, just
just the logistics of the whole thing became a little
more simple, not simple, but just a little easier for
Lane Lambert to manage. And I think he's done a
good job now managing the ice time. I don't know
that they need more ice time than they've been getting.
They've been pretty effective with what they're doing, and they
play a very physical style, as you've noted, and you know,
(13:52):
to go in as chaotically, but it's structured chaos to
go in there and start throwing their weight around, you know,
every shift. That requires a lot of energy. So I'm
not sure that that playing them more is going to
make them more effective. I think they're pretty effective doing
what they're doing right now.
Speaker 2 (14:06):
I mean, hey, let's us not get too far ahead
of ourselves, of course, because they've been together for about
roughly a month or so, but I mean, hey, not
all nicknamed lines come from your top end.
Speaker 3 (14:16):
Guys.
Speaker 2 (14:17):
Just go back and look at the crash line of
the New Jersey Devils. And we're not saying that this
is going to be a reincarnation of them, but just
you know, one example, the crash line that New Jersey
had back in nineteen ninety five with Bobby Holeague, Randy
McKay and Mike Paluso under head coach Jacques Lamier, Jeff
bat to goltending. What do you believe in more the
three goalies system becoming more of an aid here for
(14:39):
this team with the heavy schedule this month, or the
fact that Philip Grubauer might be earning more starts here
down the road than what he's been accustomed to this season.
Speaker 7 (14:48):
I think caring three goalies was, you know, in case
of injury, and we've seen that already this season play out.
And in this case, Matt Murray got injured, but everybody,
for guests, sometimes before he got hurt, he was looking
like the guy who had taken over the number two
goaltending spot, and then he got hurt and Grubauer came
in and the rest is history. So but but you know,
(15:09):
you still have that possibility. We're only three games into
seventeen that are being played this month, and so you
know you have to have that as a hedge against injury.
I think that that works out. But as far as
right now, I think going with the one two tanem
is working. We've seen teams in recent years have have
tremendous success going with the tandem of one and two.
(15:32):
I mean, you think of the Boston Bruins back when
they a couple of years ago when they set the
the NHL record for points. You know, they had Jeremy
Swaman going and Linas Olmark as well in a one
two ten and that worked out very well for them.
And then you know, they let them They let the
problems take care of themselves afterwards, you know, with the
(15:53):
with the move that that got all Mark sent to Ottawa.
But right now, Grubauer, the Cort, I mean, it seems
to be working, right. They win every other start that
they make. Why not keep it, keep it going. I
don't see a three goalie tandem materializing right now. I
think you ride the two guys that have gotten you here,
and you have Matt Murray in reserve. You got to
play him at some point, I would imagine, because forget
(16:15):
how to go in there. But right now I like
what they're doing.
Speaker 2 (16:19):
Yeah, he's getting more reps and was getting more as
well on practice at practice on Sunday.
Speaker 3 (16:23):
Despite that he's on IR.
Speaker 2 (16:25):
But it might not be long until he is activated,
and so we'll see when he's back. Jeff, nobody last
night played less than eleven minutes and fourteen seconds, and
nobody played more than twenty minutes and fifty six seconds.
Speaker 3 (16:39):
And it seems like a.
Speaker 2 (16:40):
Familiar recipe to last week against Nashville when the Kraken
we're on the front end of back to back and
then they went into Vancouver and then found a way
to win that game. Here we are again. How does
that work? You think in their favor for tonight?
Speaker 7 (16:57):
I think it conserves energy. I mean, look, this team's
not going to win without energy. And you know we
talk about the fourth line that's and everybody has said it,
not just me, I mean everybody watching the game says
that they bring a lot of energy to this team.
And if this team has energy, it can compete with
anybody in the NHL. We've seen that a lot of
what was happening last season was you go to those
back to backs, and on the tail end of it,
(17:19):
you could see in the first five minutes that the
team didn't have it, and you know, they'd come out flat,
they'd be outskated, and once in a while they'd score
the first goal and then they just run out of gas.
I mean, that hasn't happened as often this season. It
certainly hasn't happened the last three times out in back
to backs, and the krack and have won two of them.
You know, they started to fade a little bit against
(17:39):
the Canucks. They blew that what was a three to
one lead, and you know, you could probably attribute some
of that to fatigue. I mean, look, it's tough. It's
tough to go back to back like this, but I
think when you balance out the minutes like they've been
trying to do, I think it lets you get a
little bit more in the tank so that you'll have
something for the next night. I mean, this is a
huge challenge for them. You know, Bust not a bad
(18:00):
team by any stretch. They had some rough times lately,
but you know this would be a big one. The
cracking could get it.
Speaker 6 (18:07):
Yeah.
Speaker 2 (18:07):
Boston also has been the busiest penalty killer unit in
the league this season, and by a wide margin as well.
The Kraken, though, We'll be getting the Bruins here at
the end of their road trip. Despite being on the
back end of back to back yet the Kraken have
found ways to get wins or points in the last
four tries. Second leg of back to back, and they
face Boston coming in with a bit of an injury
(18:29):
bugg issue nipping at their heels hampus. Lindholman is out
and this might be long term. So it's essentially back
to back on one side versus a team that hasn't
seen homem since before the holidays. So how do you
measure a good start tonight against the Ruins?
Speaker 7 (18:45):
Again, it comes down to energy, we'll see. You know,
it helps when the crack and get the first goal.
You know, we've talked about that a lot. When they
have to play catch up the whole game and chase
the game, you know, you know, it's they're just not
as effective at it. I think they've got to They've
got to be aggressive, stay on the Bruins from the start.
The four check's going to be a huge part of that.
We've seen that from the front, from the fourth line
(19:08):
and you know. That's why they've started a game or
two here or there. I mean, they just want to
set the tone early. I think that'll help. The Bruins
might be on the end of their road trip, but
they've won, you know, consecutive games out here on the
West Coast in the other team's buildings, so they're not
exactly coming in on a slump, and they've been pretty
well arrested. They haven't. They haven't played since Saturday. They've
(19:29):
actually had more practice clime at Climate Pledge than than
the Krack and have the last few days. So yeah,
you know, I think the energy will be huge coming
out there. You can't let the Bruins start dictating play early.
Speaker 2 (19:39):
On, all right, looking forward to it here first of
two at home the Krack and as of this morning,
a playoff team and looking to keep a good thing going.
Jeff again, appreciate you, thanks a.
Speaker 7 (19:48):
Lot man, sounds good, Mike pickare all.
Speaker 2 (19:51):
Right, Jeff, appreciate this the Crack and again seven to
oh and one in their last eight games and this
evening ken establish their second longest pointstreak in franchise history.
A win or just forcing overtime would help them get there. Meanwhile,
as Jeff said, the Boston Bruins, coming on the back
end of their five game road trip, haven't seen homey
since before the holiday break, but also come off a
(20:13):
two days of rest, which means a gate attraction in
David Pasternak, by the way, needing one more power play
goal to type patrese bergeron for fourth all time in
Bruin's history. But also Morgan Geeky, the former cracking forward,
enjoying a season of his career. He's got twenty five
goals in forty two games that is tied for third
(20:33):
best right now in the NHL. But also he's going
through a bit of a cold streak right now, with
no goals in the last six games and the Kraken
trying to keep him at Bass, he returns to his
former stomping grounds of two seasons.
Speaker 3 (20:48):
Look forward to having you once again this evening.
Speaker 2 (20:50):
Six point thirty on air seven o'clock puck drop Ever
it fits you, Alconiski in the booth, I'll join you
once again beginning at six point thirty right by the
course light landing in section twenty. Anders Hurst joins me
once again live for coverage at Tom's Watchbar. Up to
an hour after the final horn. We certainly hope that
you can join us. Big thank you again to Jeff
Baker and for kracking this morning. I'm Mike Benton. Have
(21:13):
a happy Tuesday.
Speaker 1 (21:14):
You're home for the Kraken Sports Radio ninety three point
three kJ r FM
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