After an emotional win the night before in San Jose, the Kraken traveled down the west coast to Anaheim to face the young, entertaining Pacific Division leading Ducks, who have been playing better than anyone initially expected. Not only that but players like Trevor Zegras and Troy Terry have dazzled NHL fans with their highlight plays. Needless to say, the Kraken were at a disadvantage before the puck even dropped.
The second game of a back-to-back are always difficult, which is why the Kraken’s lackluster first period was no surprise. They managed only six shots on Ducks starter Anthony Stolarz, who was carrying a five-game home winning streak.
The Duck put up all the scoring they would need in a six-minute span of the opening frame against Kraken starter Philipp Grubauer. Zegras and Derek Grant put the home team up 2–0 late in the first period and anaheim never looked back. Grant’s goal was of the shorthanded variety, while Zegras’ goal was even strength.
Terry put the Duck up 3–0 early in the second period, on the power play, which probably had the Kraken faithful wondering if the game was going to end up being a blowout.
Recently red hot Ryan Donato (say that three times) ended any hopes of a Stolarz shutout late in the second period on a great cross-ice pass from Jordan Eberle while on the man advantage. That would be all the offense that the Kraken could manage, though.
Donato’s seventh goal of the season is now the second-best goal total of his NHL career in just 26 games, after 14 goals in 62 games with the Wild in 2019-20. A total that it looks like he will eclipse some time this season.
Donny with goals in back-to-back games 🔥 pic.twitter.com/XFW9iw6zLD
— Seattle Kraken (@SeattleKraken) December 16, 2021
The third period seemed like both teams just wanted to get over this game without any injuries as they combined for only 11 shots. Anaheim’s Sam Carrick added an additional insurance goal off the skate of third period replacement Chris Driedger to increase the lead to 4–1, but clearly, Anaheim took their foot off the pedal and the Kraken had nothing left in the tank.
Anchor points
⚓ Grubauer did not play terrible, but he certainly wants the shorthanded Clark goal back. The first goal was not his fault, as Jared McCann was nudged into him and the third goal was a loose puck right in the slot that Terry buried. What can you do when your team only scored one goal? Driedger did not fare much better, with his team running on fumes by the time he came into the game.
⚓ The power play is clicking for the Kraken (or at least maintaining). Donato’s power play goal in the second period has Seattle on the verge of climbing into the middle third of the league at 17.7%.
⚓ I am not sure who’s brilliant idea it was to put the Kraken on the national game in the second game of a back-to-back but it was a terrible idea before the game, and certainly a terrible idea after the fact. A late west coast game where neither team managed more than 24 shots on net had to tank the ratings.
Advanced Metrics
🔱 5-on-5 Corsi (total shot attempts) 
56% – 44%
🔱 5-on-5 Fenwick (Unblocked shot attempts) 60% – 40%
🔱 5-on-5 High Danger Chances For 75% – 25%
🔱 5-on-5 Expected Goals For 64% – 36%
🔱 Faceoff Percentage 55% – 45%
⚓ The Kraken are off until Saturday, when they return home to Climate Pledge Arena to face Connor McDavid, Leon Draisaitl and struggling Edmonton Oilers. The puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. PDT.