The Kraken, a very big surprise

DAY

Clearly, the Seattle Kraken are not missing forward Shane Wright and continue to surprise many observers this season. 

The club led by head coach Dave Hakstol has won his last five meetings and his 13-5-3 record earns him second place in the Pacific Division. It can even aspire to edge out the Vegas Golden Knights, first with a four-point lead, but two more games played.

While Wright continues his apprenticeship in the American Hockey League, many players are putting their shoulder to the wheel on the side of Seattle. No less than 11 skaters have totaled at least 10 points since the start of the campaign, Andre Burakovsky leading his team with seven goals and 14 assists for 21 points, three more than Matty Beniers.

“I don't like the terms 'find a way to win'. We built some great victories, that's what to remember. Our team is confident in it, Hakstol told NHL.com. We need everyone on our bench in order to play the way we want, to skate and to perform with the required energy.”

Among the assets under the head coach's hand is forward Daniel Sprong, who brought his total points to 11 with a goal and an assist on Sunday. Still, he missed meetings due to a visa issue and Hakstol's decision to cut him off.

“It's easier mentally. I no longer have to think about whether I will play or not. However, we have a good and deep team. Every night, different guys wake up, he told the Kraken site. I think we are a tight knit group. We're all happy for every guy and our goal is to win no matter who contributes.”

Jones resists

In front of the net regularly, Martin Jones is doing his job so far, even if it's not perfect. He has a .903 save percentage, but his 11-4-2 record is obviously beyond expectation. 

And this is no accident.< /p>

“When you have well-timed stops, it gives us the chance to take a deep breath in the locker room and come back strong,” said the driver of Jones, who notably excelled in end of the first period in Anaheim, in a 5-4 win over the Ducks. There were also two saves in the third period during which we gave very few chances. On the other hand, you need these stops. Otherwise, the evening will be long.”

Very solid on the road by virtue of their record of 7-1-1, the Kraken will visit the Los Angeles Kings on Tuesday.