One: ‘Dunn’ with Recent Layoff?
Coach Dave Hakstol said Tuesday’s practice at the Kraken Community Iceplex was the first time in two weeks he recalls all players feeling good (not fighting off a widespread illness on the six-game road trip or recovering from injury). Center Matty Beniers participated but was wearing the no-contact red jersey but it was encouraging to see him skating completing all drills and scrimmaging.
Vince Dunn, the catalyst defenseman who has missed four games, looked good in practice and conversed with Hakstol to talk positioning during 5-on-5 and power play sequences. The coach said his top-scoring defenseman's status for Wednesday’s home matchup with Chicago was a “game-time decision.” For his part, Dunn sounded ready.
“I'm excited to get back to the group today,” said Dunn, who said he was not out due to illness or any fight with an opponent, “no injury to my hands or my head or my shoulders. I feel like I'm on track and ready to play tomorrow [Wednesday].”
Dunn said the time off was “just something that was bothering me a little bit and just needed some rest.” His absence proved costly for Seattle during this stretch of four straight losses – sort of an unwanted proof case for both his offensive skill set to generate scoring chances and his capacity to deliver goals, assists, and/or net-front defense at clutch moments of tight games. He didn’t seem to think the layoff would require much adjustment once he is back alongside partner Adam Larsson.
“It's nice to see moving bodies at full speed,” said Dunn about Tuesday’s spirited, high-energy practice. “I thought a lot of the drills today I was able to get touches in and get back into game-like situations.”
