Backup Martin Jones will get begin in internet for Kraken’s residence opener

Two video games into the season, free-agent acquisition Martin Jones already has influenced the Kraken’s goaltending rotation. Jones, who made 26 saves in a 4-1 win over the L.A. Kings on Thursday, earned his second consecutive begin of their residence opener Saturday night time at Local weather Pledge Area.

“One of many items is Jonesy’s coming off an actual stable, stable efficiency,” Kraken coach Dave Hakstol mentioned. “He earned the chance to be again in tonight.”

No. 1 goaltender Philipp Grubauer allowed 5 objectives by way of extra time in a loss to the Anaheim Geese on Wednesday. The Kraken led 3-1 and 4-2. Anaheim’s Frank Vatrano’s screened, excessive shot from the excessive slot made it over Grubauer, then Trevor Zegras’ one-timed energy play bid discovered the again of the online whereas Grubauer slid throughout the crease, forcing extra time.

On Thursday, the Kings’ Alex Iafallo took benefit of an odd bounce three seconds right into a first-period energy play, however Jones stopped every thing else he noticed.

Hakstol alluded to his crew’s busy October schedule. The Kraken play each different day the following two weeks, and the goalies will share obligations.

Nonetheless scratched

Shane Wright, the fourth total decide within the 2022 NHL draft, was scratched from the Kraken lineup for a second consecutive recreation.

“It’s the NHL degree, so there may be competitors,” Hakstol mentioned, including a plan for Wright’s growth has been mentioned.

Daniel Sprong took half within the pregame skate Saturday however was additionally scratched. Sprong, a local of the Netherlands, had his immigration paperwork as a non-U.S. citizen working within the nation held up. He was in Kraken coaching camp on an expert tryout and signed a one-year deal.

Defenseman Cale Fleury hasn’t but cracked the lineup.

All three wholesome scratches acknowledged the group from the bench earlier than dressed participant introductions Saturday. Ahead Joonas Donskoi (upper-body harm) and Chris Driedger (ACL surgical procedure), each of whom are on injured reserve, had been with them.

Milestone recreation

Jaden Schwartz took benefit of a “upkeep” morning Saturday, Hakstol mentioned. The ahead didn’t take to the ice at Kraken Group Iceplex along with his teammates.

However Schwartz was on a line centered by Alex Wennberg, reverse Oliver Bjorkstrand, for his 600th NHL recreation in opposition to Vegas. Schwartz, 30, is the 18th member of his 2010 draft class to hit that mark.

Schwartz has 163 objectives — the latest one Thursday in Los Angeles — and 247 assists. Twenty-one objectives had been game-winners.

Indicators of progress

The Kraken’s energy play scored 4 occasions on 11 power-play makes an attempt (36.4%) throughout their California street swing to start out the common season. The unit was tied for fourth-worst within the NHL in 2021-22.

“I feel we’re taking pictures much more than possibly we had been final yr,” defenseman Vince Dunn, who arrange certainly one of Wednesday’s power-play objectives, mentioned.

“Simply being easy, direct.”