Kraken Fall Short in Seattle: Montour's Brilliance Can't Mask Defensive Lapses vs Canucks | Beatline Kraken

We predicted Matty Beniers would have a multi-point game.

He didn't.

But Brandon Montour did.

In fact, he led the Kraken in goals, assists, and points.

That is huge for a defenseman.

Was that the lone bright spot for Seattle? Or do you think there was more offensive structure than we realized?

Montour was undeniable.

When he jumped into the rush, he created chaos.

The issue is that he was often the primary engine for the power play and even the even strength attack because the forwards weren't generating consistent zone time.

You're seeing a top four D-man carrying an unfair load of creative responsibility because the center depth isn't lighting it up yet.

Right.

And speaking of centers, John Randall Avon had that hat trick earlier in the week.

We thought he'd keep rolling, but against Vancouver, the top line seemed disconnected.

Did you see any chemistry between Jared McCann and whoever was lining up next to him? Or was the line combination shuffling too much given the injuries?

The shuffling is real.

With Jonathan Huberdeau and Jake O'Brien out, the coaching staff has been mixing and matching.

I saw Barrett Hall and maybe Chandler Stevenson getting looks, but the timing was off.

The forecheck wasn't biting.

Vancouver's neutral zone trap was effective because Seattle wasn't winning the battles along the boards consistently.

You need that physicality to drive possession, and it wasn't there.

So, it's not just that the shots aren't falling, it's that the pucks aren't staying in the zone.

If you can't establish that low melting pressure, you're playing from behind all night.

And that brings us to the guy who dominated for Vancouver, Jake DeBrusque.

One goal, two assists.

He had every point for the Canucks.