Tue Dec 31 03:10:00 UTC 2024: ## Kraken Aim to Shoot for the Net, Not Perfection, After Dramatic Comeback Win

**Seattle, WA** – The Seattle Kraken pulled off a stunning comeback victory against the Vancouver Canucks on Saturday, scoring three goals in the final four and a half minutes of regulation before winning in overtime. While the thrilling win was celebrated, coach Dan Bylsma emphasized the need for his team to adopt a more aggressive shooting mentality moving forward.

Bylsma attributed the late-game surge to players like Jaden Schwartz, who scored a crucial goal off a low-percentage shot, and Daniel Sprong, who kept the play alive with another low-percentage attempt. He criticized the team’s tendency to prioritize perfect plays over simply getting pucks on net, leading to frustration and a lack of confidence. This echoes previous calls by Bylsma and his predecessor, Dave Hakstol, for a more pronounced “shooter’s mentality” across the entire roster.

The win came on the heels of a concerning post-Christmas break performance, similar to a slump experienced last February. The Kraken, currently seven points out of a playoff spot, cannot afford to repeat last season’s struggles. While the victory was fortunate, relying on late-game heroics isn’t a sustainable strategy.

Their next opponent, the Arizona Coyotes (now playing in Utah), presents a seemingly easier matchup on paper. However, the Coyotes, despite inconsistent play, possess a better record than Seattle and boast young offensive talent like Dylan Guenther, Logan Cooley, and Clayton Keller. Their defensive strength, bolstered by Mikhail Sergachev, cannot be overlooked. Seattle must maintain focus and consistency to avoid another losing streak and capitalize on their upcoming relatively easier schedule. The team acknowledges the need to play “smart” alongside their usual hard work to maximize results.

Read More