Two: Find A Way
As the saying goes, the NHL is a “find a way league,” and that is something that goes beyond the X’s and O’s of the game. It was also something Jordan Eberle talked about after the game in Ottawa. “When you’re creating, it’s a positive but we’ve got to find some offense. . .We’ve found more ways to lose than to win. . . .We feel like we’re there, but we’re not finding a way. We have to find a way to win.”
There’s been good building over the past four games: the penalty kill has been perfect in three of the last four (and five of the last eight); the team played one of its most complete efforts Thursday in Toronto; Brandon Tanev has returned to the lineup, but there’s always more to give and the team can work to limit mistakes, focus on consistency, and bear down on chances to find that extra inch of difference to push the team back into the win column.
Three: Know the Foe – Montreal
The Canadiens are still a building team that is developing their young players that has relied on strong goaltending, especially through the first month of the season. Montreal has been using a three-goalie rotation this season and has stuck to it over the last nine games. If that continues, and newly extended Sam Montembeault draws in net, the Kraken will be facing not just the Habs netminder with the best record (5-3-1), but also the best track record of doing more than the game dictates (plus-4.65 goals saved above expectations).
But the Kraken can find opportunity in trying to challenge whichever goaltender plays. The Habs have struggled defensively ranking in the bottom ten in terms of limiting opponents’ offensive attack and they allow the second most rush chances (8) and forecheck chances (3.1) this season.
