Tue Oct 29 23:00:00 UTC 2024: ## Kraken Aim for Physicality in Montreal, Seeking Revenge for Last Season’s Sweep
The Seattle Kraken are looking to turn the tables on the Montreal Canadiens, who swept them in two games last season. After a lackluster performance in parts of their Saturday night loss to the Carolina Hurricanes, Kraken head coach Dan Bylsma emphasized physicality in Monday’s practice.
“The compete and execution under pressure in tough spots,” Bylsma said, highlighting the areas where the Kraken need to improve. He reinforced his message by adding forward John Hayden and defenseman Cale Fleury to the NHL roster, both known for their physical presence.
The Kraken are also acutely aware of their struggles against the Canadiens in the opening period, having been outscored 5-0 in the first frame across the two games last season. Goaltender Joey Daccord, who had a solid showing in the loss to Carolina, is expected to start his third consecutive game, hoping to improve the team’s early-game performance.
While the Canadiens finished with the league’s fifth-worst record last season, they are expected to be a much stronger team this year. The loss of star forward Patrik Laine to a knee injury is a significant blow, but the team boasts a core of young talent, including Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, Juraj Slafkovsky, and Kirby Dach.
The Kraken will be looking to capitalize on the Canadiens’ recent struggles, with Sam Montembeault likely starting in net for Montreal. Montembeault, who set an NHL record for saves in a season-opening shutout, was victorious against Seattle in Montreal last season.
The Kraken’s five-game road trip begins Tuesday night in Montreal, offering them a chance to prove their physicality and avenge last year’s sweep.
First Piper 