Despite losing 3-0 against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Friday, we've seen Seattle play far better hockey over the last week. Defensively this team is starting to allow far fewer chances against and seem to have some line combinations that are proving successful. We've had to change our expectations of this club over the past couple of months and right now fans need to look for the positives, even in losses.

Marcus Johansson scored a huge game winner against the Canes and prior to the game against the Lightning had 5 points in 8 games. Johansson has become a bit of a swiss-army-knife for Hakstol and regardless of where he has been inserted into the lineup, he has found a way to produce. Tonight he will start on the top line with Wennberg and Eberle. Appleton will play on the second line with Gourde and Schwartz. Appleton looked much more engaged against the Lightning and had two shots on net after failing to record a shot in the two prior games. I think I would much rather see McCann in that role but if Hakstol is looking for more of a boards player and puck retreiver, Appleton does suit that role better than McCann.

It looks like Seattle will once again be without captain Mark Giordano after the defenseman was placed into COVID protocol right before the game against the Lightning. Luckily right now it does not appear as though any other players or staff have been affected by this.

A couple weeks ago I pointed at Haydn Fleury as a player the Kraken could look to trade at the deadline for minimal value. I take that back. Fleury is developing fast before our eyes and is looking very poised in a top four role. The 25 year old has been a player Hakstol feels comfortable throwing over the boards in any situation; if the team is up or down by a goal, on the PK and occasionally getting some PP time as well. Fleury is an RFA at the end of this season and should absolutely be extended.

Tonight Chris Driedger makes his return to Florida for the first time since being selected by the Kraken. Driedger was one of two players that was selected by Seattle as pending UFA's that chose to sign contracts with the 32nd NHL team (Larsson being the other). Driedger was orignally expected to be the starter prior to Grubauer being taken in free agency and while Grubs has struggled, Driedger has been far worse.

Driedger only has two starts this season and has a 0.791SV% which is beyond brutal. Injuries have had some to do with his struggles but he needs to be better. Hopefuly playing against his old team will give him some confidence and remind him of how he played last season.

Wennberg has come as advertised as a good defensive player and decent playmaker but he needs to find a way to get more shots on net. Wennberg only has two goals this season and has not scored in 6 games, and 12 games before that. He ranks 6th among forwards in shots on net and has four fewer shots than Yanni Gourde, despite playing 4 more games. Like Driedger, Wennberg will be making his return to Florida for the first time after signing with Seattle in Free Agency. Last season with the Panthers, Wennberg put up 17 goals in 56 games but right now he is looking more like the player who scored 5 goals in 57 with the Blue Jackets the year before that.

Florida will still be without Barkov and Duclair tonight but that hasn't stopped them from winning games. The Panthers have won 4 of their last 5 games with their only loss being last night against the Caps. Both teams will be playing in back to back situations. Whoever comes out looking fresher could end up being the winner. Like the game against the Canes, expect plenty of shots on net tonight.

Thanks for reading and enjoy the game!

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