Welcome to this edition of our Seattle Kraken 3 Up, 3 Down column. In this series, we look at some of the highs and lows of Seattle’s recent play. From the play of prospects to storylines surrounding the NHL franchise, The Hockey Writers is your go-to place for all things Kraken.
As the Kraken hit the stretch run of the season, playoffs are on their mind as they close in on the first postseason berth in franchise history. They have started off March strong with nine points in seven games and once again find themselves near the top of the Pacific Division standings. Here is a breakdown from the first 14 days of March.
Plus One: Jared McCann Continues To Light The Lamp
Since he put on a Kraken jersey for the first time, all Jared McCann has done is produce. In his first seven games of March, he has six goals and has now established new career season highs in goals (33) and points (52) in a season. He also recently passed the 125-goal mark and 250-point mark for his career all before his 500th game. A contender for team MVP at the end of the season, the 26-year-old is already living up to the five-year, $25 million contract he signed last March.
Related: Kraken’s Beniers, Dunn and McCann Are Team MVP Favorites
Since the calendar flipped to 2023, McCann has been one of the best goalscorers in the league. He sits tied for 13th with 23 goals, and his 20.7 percent shooting percentage during that time is higher than Connor McDavid, Nathan MacKinnon, Kirill Kaprizov and David Pastrnak. He is having a season to remember and will be leaned upon heavily as the Kraken make their final push for the playoffs.
Minus One: Once Again, Goaltending Is A Problem
As it has been for the entire season, the Kraken’s goaltending has been a problem through the first seven games of March. Despite Seattle allowing 26.4 shots per game, the team is averaging 3.43 goals against per game, with neither Philipp Grubauer nor Martin Jones posting a save percentage above .900. With the playoffs on the horizon, this is an issue that needs to be sorted out if the Kraken want to avoid a short exit from the postseason.
The Kraken are getting lucky right now because they are finding ways to win despite goaltending. The issue is they won’t be playing teams like the Anaheim Ducks and Columbus Blue Jackets in the postseason and instead will have to contend with teams like the…
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