After their first 10 regular season games, the Seattle Kraken own a 3–6–1 record and currently sit at the bottom of the Pacific Division. One might argue that a team that was constructed just four months ago might have some issues finding their identity. There have been positives from this team, though, and some things they can tighten up to get back in the race for an eventual playoff spot.
Take a little trip with Uncle Gate inside the first 10 Kraken games.
Can I get a save?
Generally, the Kraken goaltenders have been getting outplayed 5-on-5. They have a -8 goal differential even though they are in the top half of the league in goals for (12th, 25 goals). Their goals against is fifth-worst in the league at 33 goals against and sit behind only the Arizona Coyotes, Chicago Blackhawks, Anaheim Ducks and Montreal Canadiens.
The Kraken goaltenders are not getting pummeled with shots, either. Their team Corsi-for percentage is just shy of top 10 in the league at 52%. They are also sixth overall in high-danger-chance percentage at 56%.
What this tells you is that they score goals, out-shoot their opponents, limit shots in close and still give up far too many goals. Mind you, they have played at least one more game than all but three other teams, but this is a concerning notion for a team whose strength was supposed to be goaltending and are paying over $10 million per year for three goalies to be their backbone.
Powerless play
If you are not good on the power play, you will be in trouble, especially when they actually call penalties in the regular season. The Kraken generate chances, but no one is putting the puck in the net.
They sit in the top 10 for total shots generated (92) on the power play, but are third-worst in power play goals for with just three. This gives them a power play shooting percentage of 6.38%, or second-worst, behind the league-worst Vegas Golden Knights, who have yet to score a power play goal.
The ironic part is that Seattle is also giving up very few chances against while on the power play. In fact, they are in the top half of the league with only nine given up. In the entire top half of the league, they out-chance the rest of those teams by at least nine (92–9 overall). They are getting opportunities, but are rarely converting.
Home cooking
The problem with many teams can be attributed to playing on the road. The added stress can definitely tax players mentally. The Kraken played their first five games ever on the road. A couple of those games were home openers, which adds an additional level of atmosphere in the building.
As a result, the team came out of the chamber 1–3–1 with an uphill climb ahead. Since then, they have gone 2–3, with just one of those on the road.
Most of these results go back to the first two concerns, goaltending and the power play.
Going forward
If the Kraken want to compete for a playoff spot in their inaugural season, they are going to drastically improve. Not all is bad, though.
Depth players like winger Brandon Tanev have come out blazing hot. He is leading the team with six goals and looks like a great role player for years to come.
Ryan Donato was a late signing and has given the team a great push with four points in eight games for a guy that no one else seemed to want.
Forward Jared McCann is leading the team in points with seven off of three goals and four assists. He is well on his way to a new career high in scoring, with a previous high of 35 points with the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2019–20.
If the top players like Joonas Donskoi, Jordan Eberle, Yanni Gourde and Alexander Wennberg start to find their footing, this team should be fine. On the other hand, if they cannot get their goaltending or power play rolling, they could remain at the bottom of the division. These next 10 games will tell the tale.