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Lynx Spoil Sparks Home Opener 87-84

By
Brianne Ingram
-

Los Angeles, CA – Kayla McBride delivered a go-ahead three-point play to lift the Minnesota Lynx (1-4) over the LA Sparks 87-84 to hand the Sparks (2-3) their third straight loss in their home opener on Tuesday night.

The Sparks had a slow start in the first half trailing by six 40-46 going into the locker room but began to pick it up in the third quarter to lead 65-62 going into the fourth period.

Photo by Jevone Moore

After the go-ahead and-one reverse layup by McBride, the Sparks were down by three 87-84 with 2.1 seconds left on the clock.

The crowd was on their feet.

On the final Sparks possession, the ball was thrown to Liz Cambage, but she didn’t secure the basketball.

Jordin Canada then grabbed the missed pass and shot a 25 foot 3-point turnaround shot but it was nowhere close to the rim.

LA Sparks head coach Derek Fisher commented on the last possession.

Photo by Jevone Moore

“We’ll learn from that experience of needing to execute. You know, we need three but in that particular situation, if Liz would have caught the basketball, cleanly, she would have had a pass opportunity on top hopefully. I hold myself accountable as much as I do our players and some of the decisions are never going to be perfect. And I just have to own that and accept it and keep working to get better myself.”

The Lynx outrebounded the Sparks 40 to 26.

“As far as rebounding, like, rebounding is a mentality,” said Nneka Ogwumike. “I didn’t do that well today either, you know? You just have to want it and we have people that do but you gotta want it more than who you’re going against. And that’s just something you don’t teach: rebounding. You know, it’s just something that you do. So that just has to be a non-negotiable when we get on the court. And I can imagine that it will be better moving forward.”

Nneka led all Sparks with 22 points and was asked if suffering a tough loss like this is a part of the growing pains of playing with a new team.

Photo by Jevone Moore

“That’s an interesting question. Yeah, I mean, I guess that’s kind of what it feels like, you know, this a home opener, we were the home opener for other teams. And so we were really feeling to get this one. LA showed out, as usual, I know they’ll continue to, despite tonight’s result, but I guess you could say it is kind of like growing pains. But, you know, after you have growing pains, you’re taller. So, I’m looking forward to seeing how this works out.”

Next, the Sparks are back on the road where they will take on the Seattle Storm on Friday, May 20th at 7 p.m.

Late miscues doom Storm on 69-64 loss to Mercury

By
Charles Hamaker
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LAS VEGAS, NV -MAY 8: Breanna Stewart #30 of the Seattle Storm handles the ball during the game against the Las Vegas Aces on May 8, 2022 at the Michelob Ultra Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. 2022 NBAE (Photo by David Becker/NBAE via Getty Images)

Seattle, WA – The Seattle Storm suffered a second straight loss to the Phoenix Mercury. A late turnover and a missed three pointer came back to bite Seattle on two possessions that would have tied the game. Without two starters and their backup point guard, Seattle failed to generate much offensively. Storm guard Jewell Loyd had a game-high 26 points, as no other Storm player reached double figures. Currently on a three-game losing streak, the Storm fall to fifth in the Western Conference and 11th in the entire WNBA.

Aussie connection steps up, Ezi Magbegor and Stephanie Talbot, playing expanded roles with their starter counterparts out, stepped up big for the Storm. Magbegor, tasked with the tough assignment of Tina Charles, helped hold the former MVP to just four points on the day. Magbegor also set a career high for block in a game, with seven. Those seven blocks are the second highest number for a Storm player ever, with only the legendary Lauren Jackson having more in a game with eight.

Stephanie Talbot had big shoes to fill with Breanna Stewart out due to COVID. The Australian forward lead the team in rebounds with 14, tying for the most in the game with Mercury’s Brianna Turner. Talbot played with lots of energy, pouring in eight points as well. It is hard to fill in for the best player in the world, but Talbot did a solid job playing in Breanna Stewart’s spot. Stephanie Talbot and Ezi Magbegor spoke after the game about the importance of stepping up.

“I think it was super important, obviously we’re without Stewie who’s a big defensive presence, Pip as well. We all had to step up as a team. That allows the guards to get into scoring position. Focusing on our defensive keys helped us out,” Magbegor responded to being asked how important was for herself and Talbot to step up.

“Stewie is out, Pip is out, Mercedes is still out. Playing out of position, I knew that I had to help Ezi inside. Defensively, she’s covering a lot, helping me out… If I could clean up rebounds and shift on transition, that was the plan,” Talbot reflected on her performance.

Jewell Loyd steps up once again in the third quarter, Storm guard Jewell Loyd is a scoring machine, and that was shown again in this game. Similar to the team’s first home game of the season, Loyd had an explosive third quarter with tough baskets and great hustle plays. Loyd, nicknamed the “Gold Mamba,” scored 18 of her 26 points in the second half. With Stewart out and Sue Bird only adding two points, Loyd led the way offensively for Seattle. While it is impressive to see Loyd continue to build off of her career year last season, she deserves more help on the offensive end. When nobody else on your roster is in double figures, let alone against a contending team like Phoenix, you will not win games.

The Storm may be on a three-game losing streak, but it’s hard to hit the panic button just yet. There are several months of the WNBA season to play, you’re missing three players that play huge impacts on your roster, and your team hasn’t hit on full cylinders yet. Gabby Williams and Briann January are still getting their legs on them with this Storm roster. You’re only four games in to the regular season. Your backup point guard and your starting center are out. All of that, plus the best player in the world in Breanna Stewart has missed two of four games. Seattle is dealing with the growing pains now, and I expect them to be firing on all cylinders sooner rather than later.

The Storm’s next matchup comes against the defending WNBA Champions, the Chicago Sky. Seattle welcomes the reigning champions to Climate Pledge Arena on Wednesday, May 18th, with a 7PM PST tip off. Candace Parker comes to town, as her Sky currently sit at a 1-1 record.

Sparks Fly Over Sky in Season Opener

By
Brianne Ingram
-

Chicago, IL – The LA Sparks (1-0) flew right over the defending champions of the Chicago Sky (0-1) in a thrilling 98-91 overtime victory on Friday’s opening night of the WNBA’s 26th season at the Wintrust Arena.

WNBA champion and recent signee Jordin Canada balled out by tying her career high with 21 points including 17 points in the fourth quarter and overtime combined. She added a game-high tying eight assists and shot perfectly from the line going 9-of-9 in her debut in a Sparks uniform.

Sky guard Dana Evans fouled Canada while she was shooting at the top of the key with 1.5 seconds left in the fourth quarter.

Canada was cool as a cucumber as she iced three huge free throws to tie it at 88 to send the game into OT and was aggressive down the stretch to seal the win for her new team.   

She shared some advice to kids on how they can improve their free throw shooting.

“I worked on my free throws before and after shootaround today. So, I think it’s just locking in. Repetition is everything.”

Canada’s championship experience was on full display.   

“We believe that she was capable of having these types of performances more consistently throughout the season if the opportunity was there,” said LA Sparks head coach Derek Fisher. “She’s played with a great player in Seattle her entire career. That’s the pros and cons of sometimes winning championships and having a role on championship teams. Maybe you don’t always get a chance to show what you can do. We’re really happy for Jordin that she is getting this opportunity to show how much game she really does have and how she can help lead teams to victory herself being out there in the fourth quarter and overtime making big plays and big shots. I’m really happy for her.”

Even with Canada leading the show, the LA Sparks really displayed a team effort especially from their bench.

As for the starters, Nneka Ogwumike went for 19 points on 7-of-10 shooting, while Liz Cambage added 12 points, four steals, and two blocks. Do everything guard Brittney Sykes finished with nine points, four steals, four assists and two blocks.

Nneka commented on what this win says about their newly formulated team to come out and win this game on the road.

“We’ve experienced a lot of changes in the last few years, but I think this was just a perfect example of how we’re just going to keep everything in house. We have an energy that we just want to continue to bring every night. There’s so much more that we could do better, but I think we’re starting off well because everyone is on the same page, and everyone is buying into this culture that we have. That leads to good basketball. That leads to us having fun especially against great competition like Chicago.”

Former Sky guard Lexie Brown came off the bench on fire and went 4-5 from three to put up 12 points.

Also off of the bench, Chennedy Carter scored 12 points and Chiney Ogwumike had eight points and six rebounds in her first game in her comeback season since being injured the majority of last year.

The Sparks were getting out in transition in the first half, and this is where they were at their best.  

Coming off of a wave of roster cuts, the Sparks started off with a shaky start in the first quarter, but began to figure it out as the game went on.

It was a tight game with nine ties and 16 lead changes.

This contest marked the first time that 2-time WNBA champion Candace Parker faced her former team because she was injured last season when the two teams played each other.  

Parker scored 21 points, six rebounds and six assists.

The Sparks swept the Sky 3-0 last year in the regular season, and are currently on a five-game winning streak against Chicago. 

The LA Sparks continue their road trip and will take on the Indiana Fever for their second game of the season on Mother’s Day on Sunday, May 8th at 12 p.m.

Strong second half powers Storm to season opening win over Lynx

By
Charles Hamaker
-

Seattle, WA – The Seattle Storm opened up their 2022 campaign, Sue Bird’s swan song, with an emphatic 97-74 win over the Minnesota Lynx. The Storm played like an early season team would in the first half of this contest, with numerous turnovers and fouls.

Lynx starters Aerial Powers and Sylvia Fowles lead the way for Minnesota in the first half, totaling 26 of the teams 41 points. That combo was held to just four points in the second half as Seattle’s defense looked suffocating.

After a first half where they allowed several open looks from behind the arc and put up 20 points in the paint, Seattle’s defense was stifling in the second half. The Storm held the Lynx to 19% from beyond the arc, and 39.2% from the field on the night. The defense that Seattle played in the third quarter sparked a big run for the Storm, with the lead reaching 30 points at a period of time.

Seattle saw Aerial Powers and Sylvia Fowles go off in the first half, and made sure they didn’t have their way after that.

New additions Gabby Williams and Briann January two players brought in to help Seattle defensively, made several athletic plays. January would lead the team in +/-, with 21. Seattle guard Jewell Loyd spoke about how the team’s depth impacted the win.

Jewell Loyd is all smiles as the team huddles up after a timeout. (Neil Enns/Seattle Storm)

“I think it’s very evident on the depths impact of our team. Jantel is an amazing screener, her ability to pick and pop, even her presence down low… same thing with Gabby and Briann January. Their presence is always there, and they’re so versatile. We’re able to push the pace with both of them. They’ve been amazing… they’re not done yet, and I think that they’re really gonna excel here in Seattle,” Loyd would remark regarding her new teammates.

This win could be considered a full team performance from Seattle for several reasons. Every player that was active for the Storm scored, the Storm’s big three and bench seemingly contributed an equal amount, and everybody was active defensively.

Seattle fed off of the energy in the building as well, as 12,904 people poured into Climate Pledge Arena for this matchup. The crowd was ready to go from the start, and they never seemed to get quiet. Simply put, the Storm playing in Seattle is how it should always have been. The time the team spent playing at the University of Washington and Angel of the Winds Arena in Everett was fine, but it was hard for most of the fanbase to be present. Storm head coach Noelle Quinn and forward Breanna Stewart spoke about the factor that the crowd played in the win.

“There was an electricity. In Key Arena, it was intimate with the way that it was built, and even though it’s different now it didn’t feel like the fans were far away, it still felt intimate,” Noelle Quinn reflected in response to how different the arena felt compared to when it was Key Arena.

“The fans stood out. I think that’s what we’ve been missing. In Seattle, we haven’t been here since 2018. You know when we’re going on a run when it’s three pointer, three pointer, three pointer and the place is rocking. Then the other team has to call timeout, and they aren’t able to get what they want,” Stewart stated.

This Storm team certainly does have depth on this year’s roster, and an obvious veteran presence. Seattle has their sights set on sending Sue Bird out with a fifth and final title, and additionally look to defend their commissioners cup from last season. There is no doubt that this is a title or bust season for Seattle, and the potential that they showed in this game points to positive chances for that to happen. If Seattle’s depth can consistently play like they did tonight, and the Storm big three is able to remain healthy, Sue Bird will be holding a fifth and final WNBA title.

Seattle’s next matchup comes on the road against the Las Vegas Aces. Tipoff is at 7PM PST inside of Michelob Ultra Arena, and the game will be streamed on ESPN2. Former WNBA MVP A’ja Wilson leads the Aces against Seattle in a 2020 WNBA Finals rematch. The Aces are coming off of a blowout win against the Finals runner up from last year, the Phoenix Mercury.

USC Sweeps UCLA in Annual Dual Meet

By
Brianne Ingram
-
Photo by Jevone Moore / Full Image 360

Los Angeles, CA – The USC Trojans Men’s and Women’s Track & Field executed a clean sweep against their rival UCLA Bruins in the annual Dual Meet on Sunday, May 1 at Cromwell Field & Loker Track Stadium.

USC Men’s won 86-76 and USC women prevailed 81-80.

The Trojan women are currently in an eight-year winning streak against the Bruins.

Photo by Jevone Moore / Full Image 360

“It feels great,” said USC Director of Track and Field and Cross-Country Quincy Watts. “I’m very excited for the program in my first year. Our kids worked so hard, so I wouldn’t have it any other way than the way it happened. The Bruins bring the best out of us. I’m very excited for USC, the program and the dual meet itself.”

Initially, it was ruled that the meet was split between the Trojan men winning and the Bruin women winning. The final score for the Bruin women was 82-79 over the Trojans.

However, a mistake in scoring for a UCLA discus thrower was discovered almost half an hour after the meet had concluded.

Photo by Jevone Moore / Full Image 360

The score was entered as 55 meters instead of 52 meters.

The final score was then corrected to the Trojan women reigning victorious once again over the Bruins with a score of 81-80.

Junior sprinter Jantaijah Ford came storming back with a remarkable finish on the anchor leg to win the 4×400 in the final event of the day.

The Trojans went berserk and crowded her with excitement.

“To see them compete that hard. To be down 15, 20 meters and for that young lady to dig down for her women’s team and the SC team I couldn’t be prouder,” said coach Watts.

Senior sprinter Davonte Burnett won both the 100-meter and the 200-meter dashes with a time of 10.07 seconds and 20.28 seconds respectively.  

He stated what prepared them for their win against UCLA.

“Honestly a lot of speeches from Coach Watts. Just training honestly. The coaches just believe in us. We believe in ourselves. We just came out here and executed and everything came out very great.”

Photo by Jevone Moore / Full Image 360

Burnett credits his coach, but it is his coach who credits his players.

“We have a board in there. I just keep them accountable for the words that come out of their mouths in terms of what inspires them. I would say if Davonte talks about motivational speeches, it is me inspiring them with their words,” said Coach Watts.

Olympian, USC track alum and current Volunteer Coach Rai Benjamin was in attendance for his team.

In 2021, USC also swept the USC-UCLA Dual Meet with the Trojan men winning 114-42 and the women finishing 93-70.

As far as what’s next, Burnett is looking forward to the Pac-12 Championships in a couple of weeks.

“I’m just getting ready for Pac-12 so hopefully I run even faster there. I’m looking forward to PR in every race, and just the competition. I’m very excited.”

Both teams are set to compete in the Pac-12 Outdoor Championships in Eugene, Oregon on May 13-15.

Kraken get win over Sharks in final home game of Inaugural season

By
Charles Hamaker
-
Photo by Megan Connelly / fi360 News

Seattle, WA – The Seattle Kraken sent the fans home happy with a 3-0 win over the San Jose Sharks in the final home game of their inaugural season. Seattle netminder Chris Driedger recorded the first home shutout at Climate Pledge Arena, saving 24 shots. The Kraken got the arena jumping early with two goals in the opening period, never looking back. Coming off of a back-to-back, the Sharks lacked any energy, and failed to ever really put the pressure on Seattle.

The Kraken got out of the gates hot, as alternate captains Yanni Gourde and Adam Larsson hammered goals past Sharks goaltender Kaapo Kähkönen. Gourde himself had said the morning of that the team needed to come out and “show up” for the Seattle faithful. The Kraken dominated the shots, putting three times as many attempts on net than San Jose. Seattle came out and played to their full potential, something that we have seen only a few times this season. When they have played to that level, thought, special moments have been made. Alternate captain Yanni Gourde reflected on the atmosphere during the game.

“The cheering, tonight’s game was amazing. The energy, everything was phenomenal. They’ve been great to us the whole season. We really appreciate they’re support, sometimes it was tough, and they still stuck with us. They were amazing again tonight. It was great to get the win in front of our fans for the final time this season, ” Gourde remarked.

On top of their first period, the Kraken kept the intensity up. Second period collapses had played a part in every single game of Seattle’s five-game losing streak. The Kraken were able to kept their foot on the gas pedal and play with focus all game long. While Seattle did not score in the second period, a huge penalty kill gave the team momentum and got the crowd all the way turned up. Seattle’s special teams have been a negative area all season, but they were able to lock down the Sharks in the final home game of the season. Seattle head coach Dave Hakstol reflected on the penalty kill.

“That’s what the kill can do for you. That’s what a good kill can do for you. Borgen, Soucy, Sheahan were out there for the majority, really the whole five on three and they did a great job… everything was from the top or the outside,” Hakstol reflected.

While the inaugural season for Seattle’s NHL team has been somewhat of a disappointment, the small victories at times have felt massive. The Kraken have made a big impression on the community, and have definitely made hockey a mainstay once again in the Emerald City. Seattle has a good base to work on, draft capital and cap space to use this offseason in order to improve their roster for the 2022-2023 campaign. All of that, with an incredible home atmosphere to boot, makes Seattle and Climate Pledge Arena the place to be once again during the winter.

The Kraken will close out their inaugural season on May 1st, 2022 on the road in Winnipeg. Seattle takes on the Jets to close out their season with an 11AM puck drop.

More second period chaos dooms Kraken in loss to playoff bound Kings

By
Charles Hamaker
-
Photo by Megan Connelly / fi360 News

Seattle, WA – The Seattle Kraken fell to the playoff bound Los Angeles Kings, 5-3, on April 27th at Climate Pledge Arena. A five goal second period saw the teams tied at three heading into the third period, with the Kings able to close the door late. Considering that their playoff spot was locked up prior to this matchup, Los Angeles rested several starters. This included Anze Kopitar, who saw his 281 consecutive games played streak end. Kopitar’s was the fifth-longest active streak in the NHL.

A wild second period was the defining frame in this contest. After the opening 20-minutes only saw one goal, scored by Jared McCann with about a minute left, the offense exploded. The Kraken opened up the second frame with a Ryan Donato goal, dangling around Kings netminder Jonathan Quick. While Seattle scored first and dominated the games total shots, Los Angeles went the quality over quantity route. The Kings scored goals from Gabriel Vilardi and Trevor Moore in a time span of a little under four minutes. While Jordan Eberle was able to answer the Kings with his own goal 14:29 into the second period, Trevor Moore answered back two minutes and 41 seconds later. It was the same old story for Seattle from their past three games, a collapse in the second period thanks to sloppy puck play and poor defense. Kraken head coach Dave Hakstol would speak on his team’s flaws.

“We were poor defensively, point blank. Through the first period, you could see indications of it. There were outnumbered rushes that got to our blue line that we were able to kill and catch by that point in time, second period that started to catch up to us. Once you look at really each of the goals, we allowed the puck to the inside. In order for that to get there, our coverage down low…… was soft,” Hakstol remarked.

Seattle had one final golden opportunity with a five on three situation. With a little under nine minutes left, Kings Gabriel Vilardi was given a double minor for high sticking on Jared McCann. Around the six-minute left mark, Los Angeles’ Philipp Danault was given a minor for hooking on Ryan Donato. The Kraken had an opportunity served to them on a platter, and while they did put shots on Kings netminder Jonathan Quick, Seattle had nothing to show for that opportunity. With that failed power play, the Kraken have only converted one of thirteen power plays in their past two games. In the four-game losing streak that they’re currently in, Seattle is two for sixteen. Alternate captain Jordan Eberle reflected on the teams struggles on special teams.

“He (Jonathan Quick) was good, he made some solid saves. We had a couple good looks, wasn’t as good as it should have been. You get a five on three there to try and tie the game up, you gotta score to give your team a chance. Definitely a frustrating one,” Eberle stated.

Seattle has looked better as a team down the stretch of the second half of this season, but this four-game stretch has been disappointing. While there have been good moments, the second period collapses and abysmal power play are reminiscent of the Kraken in the first half of the season. Let’s hope, for the fans sake and for monument carried into next seasons sake, that the Kraken can finish the season on a high note.

The Kraken get a rebound opportunity this Friday, April 29th against the San Jose Sharks. It’s the final home game of their inaugural season, and the second to last game as a whole. San Jose, who will also miss the playoffs, are led by young forward Timo Meier. Puck drop is at 7PM PST inside of Climate Pledge Arena.

Caleb Williams dazzles in Spring practice

By
Eric Lambkins II
-
USC coach Lincoln Riley and Caleb Williams share a moment. Photo by Eric Lambkins / fi360 News

LOS ANGELES — USC Trojan quarterback Caleb Williams completed 10 of 12 passes for 98 yards and two touchdowns during last Saturday’s Spring practice, showcasing his exceptional talent and providing hope to the Trojan fanbase.

Williams, the Oklahoma transfer, dazzled the record crowd of 33,427 with savant-like mastery of head coach Lincoln Riley’s offense. 

“[It was] awesome,” said Riley after the spring game at Coliseum.

Williams threw two touchdown passes to Mario Williams, who transferred from Oklahoma like his quarterback and head coach.

Photo by Eric Lambkins II

The Trojan offense flashed as redshirt Freshman Miller Moss contributed to the scoring prowess as he connected with Kyle Ford on a 48-yard bomb and running back Austin Ford scored on a 6-yard scamper.

USC looks to reclaim the Pac-12 title, and the Trojan offense flashed in their first opportunity to round into form.

“If you’re in the city and don’t feel the momentum about this program, you’re not paying attention,” said Riley.

However, if the Men of Troy are to succeed this season, Riley, Williams, and the rest of the offense will lead the way. Last Saturday’s performance was imbued with fireworks and elan.

Storm starters shine in preseason win over Sparks

By
Charles Hamaker
-
WNBA 2019 Seattle Storm vs Los Angeles Sparks game at Staples Center on Sunday August 4, 2019 (Photo by Jevone Moore)

Seattle, WA – The Seattle Storm cruised to an 81-68 victory over the Los Angeles Sparks in their first game back in Climate Pledge Arena. Formerly known as Key Arena, the Storm welcomed themselves back home with a resounding win over the retooled Sparks behind big performances from Breanna Stewart and Jewell Loyd. The Storm were able to hold every Los Angeles starter, except for Brittney Sykes, under double digits.

Courtesy Photo Seattle Storm

The Storm jumped out to a hot start early, resulting in a 19-point lead at the half. Shooting guard Jewell Loyd, who signed a two-year deal in the offseason to stay with the Storm, was on fire with 15 points in the first quarter. Loyd, nicknamed the Gold Mamba, will play a huge role in this team’s success and very well could be the reason that they’re a title contender. Another huge reason for the Storm’s contention, forward Breanna Stewart, lead the game in scoring with 20 points on the night. The Loyd and Stewart one-two punch is deadly, and if they can stay on top of their game all season, Seattle has a great chance of sending out Sue Bird with one final championship.

In a crowded league, and on a crowded roster, rookie guard Raina Perez made an impact on the game off the bench. Perez had nine points off the bench, while adding two steals and three rebounds. The guard position is already a crowded one considering that Sue Bird, Jewell Loyd, Briann January, and Epiphany Prince all are seemingly locked in to the lineup. With that being said, Perez could battle her way on to the roster spot for a Storm team that is gearing up to try and give legendary point guard Sue Bird her fifth and final title.

Seattle plays one more preseason game before the regular season gets underway, and that takes place on April 28th on the road against the Phoenix Mercury. That game is a 7PM PST tip off at the Footprint Center, as the Storm take on a Mercury team that lost in last years Finals and may also be looking to send legendary point guard Diana Taurasi out with a title soon

Kraken use flurry of first period goals to bury Avalanche in 3-2 win

By
Charles Hamaker
-
Photo by Megan Connelly / fi360 News

Seattle, WA – The Seattle Kraken got off to a sizzling hot start to beat the best team in the Western Conference, the Colorado Avalanche. Seattle scored three first period goals and were able to hold their lead until the final buzzer to secure their first three game win streak in franchise history. Although Seattle net all of their goals in the first period, they were able to hold strong defensively against a Colorado team that have tallied the third most goals scored this season. All three of the Kraken rookies tallied a point in the victory.

Photo by Megan Connelly / fi360 News

Seattle’s first period was a near perfect example of what they needed to do to beat Colorado. Kraken forward Kole Line scored just over a minute into the game, followed by Jordan Eberle’s goal four minutes later. A third goal scored by Yanni Gourde, as Jared McCann’s pass hit Gourde’s skate and found the net, gave Seattle a three-goal lead with five minutes to play in the opening frame. Getting out of the gate in good fashion has been an issue for the Kraken earlier in the season, but they have improved on this over the course of their inaugural campaign. Alternate captain Jordan Eberle reflected on the teams start in the post-game press conference.

“Any team that you go up against three nothing, it’s a bonus. At the same time, against these guys you know that they have the firepower to easily come back from that. I thought that we did a good job for the most part eliminating their chances and trying to help grubi out as much as we could. When things broke down, he was there to make saves,” Eberle stated.

Blowing leads was another issue that the Kraken had in the first half of their season, and the odds for that to happen again were higher in tonight’s game as the Avalanche lead the NHL in third period goals. While Colorado was able to score with three minutes left to play, cutting the Seattle lead to one, the Kraken held strong late and slammed the door on the Avalanche. Seattle was able to play solid defensively nearly all game, including two successful penalty kills against one of the best power plays in the NHL. This Avalanche team will score goals, minimizing their scoring is a major key to defeating them. Holding Colorado to two is a victory in its own right, and Seattle was able to hold on long enough to earn their 26th victory on the season. Kraken goaltender Philipp Grubauer reflected on the final defensive stop.

Photo by Megan Connelly / fi360 News

“Colorado has the skill, in shooting lanes, the skills to make the play that’s not there, or the play that doesn’t seem obvious. So, we did a really good job. Everybody being in their lanes, getting sticks up, it’s important to get the stick in the right lane. Winning the faceoff with nine seconds left was huge too because if they win it, they can go up to the blue line and have Cale (Makar) back there sifting it in. Guys, Nichushkin, right in front of me. We did a great job,” Grubauer remarked in regards to his skaters in the final minute.

Several players, including Eberle, have stated that this team needs to improve steadily following the NHL trade deadline in order to have positive momentum heading into next season. The Kraken have done just that, seeing growth in the way that they respond, the way that they start games, and even getting contributions from the new faces. While Seattle only has one more win than loss since March 21st (NHL Trade deadline), the club looks substantially better than their early season form.

Photo by Megan Connelly / fi360 News

Seattle’s next matchup comes on the road, against the Minnesota Wild. Minnesota currently sits at second in the Central division, battling for playoff seeding with the third place St. Louis Blues. The Wild are led by young sensation Kirill Kaprizov, and tout a goaltender tandem of Marc-Andre Fleury and Cam Talbot. Puck drop for this contest is at 5PM PST inside Xcel Energy Center in Minnesota.

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