DALLAS — There was a time where it seemed as if the Kraken’s emergence from a six-game losing streak at the end of November would be their turning point.
After seven consecutive defeats since mid-December, and going without a win in the past 40 days, that hope feels like a long time ago.
The Kraken were in a 1-1 game in the first period in Dallas when the Stars scored twice quickly, including on a 5-on-3 following an Adam Larsson delay-of-game penalty, and never recovered in a 5-2 defeat.
Seattle (10-21-4) played a strong game in Colorado two nights prior, despite losing a 3-1 lead in the loss, and it seemed like they might build off nine days of practice between games.
Instead, they head into the second game of a back-to-back in St. Louis on Thursday night winless on the road trip, and still seeking their first win since Dec. 14 when they won in San Jose.
The Kraken have played just eight games all season — out of 35 games played — where they’ve allowed two goals or fewer. They’ve won seven of those games. For the most part, goals against have continued to plague the Kraken, whether it’s been below-league average goaltending or defensive breakdowns.
On Wednesday it was a bit of both.
They allowed a goal in the first five minutes for the ninth time this season. Vince Dunn lost Joe Pavelski on the second Stars goal, giving him unlimited space to get a shot. The first Stars goal deflected off Roope Hintz right in front of Philipp Grubauer. They let their guard up and allowed a goal in the final two minutes of a period, right after a power play.
Like many Kraken games lately, at some point, they had momentum before it evaporated in Dallas.
Calle Jarnkrok scored his third goal in four games to tie the game 1-1 in the first period, then the Stars scored consecutive tallies. First, Dallas leading scorer Pavelski grabbed a hefty rebound off the endboards and beat Grubauer to the empty net, and Jason Robertson doubled the lead on a 5-on-3.
Jared McCann made it interesting in the second period with his career-high 15th goal of the season. He’s scored in three of his last four games and has six points in those contests.
Pavelski scored his second goal moments after a Kraken power play expired with 1:23 left in the second period, though, to make their lead 4-2, thwarting any Seattle momentum. The Kraken did generate a few high-danger chances in the third, namely Jordan Eberle and Ryan Donato in a back-to-back sequence late, but Stars goalie Jake Oettinger stepped up. Jani Hakanpaa sent the puck all the way down ice for the empty net goal to finish the game.
Grubauer allowed four goals on 22 shots in his second consecutive start since the Kraken’s extended holiday break. He’s now allowed four goals or more in 12 games this season.
After their Thursday game in St. Louis, the Kraken will have seven consecutive home contests. They haven’t won at Climate Pledge Arena since Dec. 4 — their second most recent victory.
