3 Game Essentials | Kraken vs. Maple Leafs | Feb. 14

One: Earlier Puck Drop, Repeat Friday's Approach

The Kraken's bounce-back road win over Anaheim featured adherence to the game plan, which is play responsible yet aggressive defense in all three zones, win back pucks, get the puck out of the defensive zone with quick decisions, agitate the opposing defensemen when they attempt to carry it out of their zone. That system allegiance will be important for slowing down a relentless Toronto offense.
Any fan watching Kraken prospect Matty Beniers and Team USA's impressive sweep through the preliminary round at the Beijing Olympics will recognize a similar system of "driving the opponents crazy" with all-zones hustle, says one USA player, prompting mistakes or turnovers that can lead to offensive chances.

Two: Focus on Kraken: Yanni Gourde

The Kraken center has two assists in each of the last two games. Friday night, he assisted on the first two goals of the 4-3 victory, including making three hustle plays on the Vince Dunn goal.
He is averaging nearly 20 minutes of ice time, a prodigious amount for a forward. He is an essential penalty killer and is always active on the power play. His 5-on-5 play includes a good handful of scoring chances every night.
"Yanni brings a high level of competitiveness every game, what he does is a difference-maker for our team," Kraken head coach Dave Hakstol said. "His two-way play filters to our bench."

Three: Know the Foe: Toronto Maple Leafs (30-12-3, 3rd in the Atlantic Division)

The Maple Leafs lost a road game at Vancouver Saturday night, but only because Canucks goalie Thatcher Demko made 51 saves. Toronto otherwise outplayed Vancouver.
Toronto has lost their last two games, dropping a 5-2 decision in Calgary with Jack Campbell in goal last Thursday, but are still 7-3 in their last 10 games. It's likely Campbell will be back in net after sitting out Saturday.
Auston Matthews is an established superstar at 24 and will be a player for the Kraken to watch and worry about. He leads the Leafs with 32 goals - only NYR's Chris Kreider and Edmonton's Leon Draisaitl have more, each with 33.