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This was thought of a season-defining journey for the Seattle Kraken.
Seven video games in 11 days would decide whether or not the second-year franchise was a playoff contender or pretender.
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Coming into the journey’s finale Saturday in Chicago, the Kraken have supplied an emphatic reply.
The Kraken have received the primary six video games, all however one by a number of targets, to show they’re for actual.
They received 3-0 Thursday in opposition to Boston, handing the NHL-leading Bruins their first regulation lack of the season at residence.
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“It’s a tricky place to win, clearly,” Kraken coach Dave Hakstol mentioned. “So for our guys, we must be pleased with that. We did all of the little issues that you must do to win: scored a pair well timed targets, had some actually good goaltending.”
Goaltender Martin Jones made 27 saves for his second consecutive shutout.
“I believed that was most likely our most full recreation of the season,” Jones mentioned. “To come back in and play how we did and provide you with a win on this constructing, that’s an enormous step ahead for us.”
The Kraken grew to become the seventh staff in NHL historical past to win every of its first six or extra video games of a visit. The final one to take action was the San Jose Sharks from Nov. 13-22, 2015.
They’ve both tied or outscored their opponents in 17 straight durations, a league report.
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“It’s been enjoyable,” Kraken ahead Jordan Eberle mentioned. “This has been a protracted highway journey; it’s made it so much simpler once we’ve swept it up to now. We’re a close-knit group, we have now enjoyable collectively, we win collectively, and I don’t suppose there’s actually anybody in that locker room that basically cares concerning the acknowledgment. It’s only a staff mentality.”
The Blackhawks have had far much less enjoyable, at the very least till not too long ago. Their 26 factors are the fewest within the Western Convention and tied with Columbus for the league low.
However Chicago has received three in a row, together with a 3-2 resolution Thursday in opposition to defending Stanley Cup champion Colorado.
Petr Mrazek made 31 saves and had an help for his first victory since Dec. 3.
“It felt good to get the win for us, particularly after two wins, that’s good,” Mrazek mentioned. “Maintain rolling in order that … we learn to win video games.”
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Taylor Raddysh gave Chicago the lead at 6:36 of the third interval.
“Yeah, I believe three full video games, and even a few video games earlier than that, I believe I discussed earlier than, I believed we had been coming,” Chicago coach Luke Richardson mentioned.
“We had 40, 45 minutes, 50 minutes the place we, not ran out of gasoline, however a staff with possibly somewhat extra depth flexed their muscle tissue on us. We had been proper there, and I believe simply to see some outcomes for the fellows, and now that they see it, I believe they’re pushing more durable.
“I’ve been speaking about us being linked on the ice, however off the ice, you’ll be able to really feel it.”
The Blackhawks might get a lift Saturday from the return of ahead Patrick Kane, who has been out since Jan. 3 with a lower-body damage.
–Subject Degree Media
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