Chatting With Kraken Forward Alex Wennberg & All-Star Game Snubs
Also, looking back at Daccord's shutout in the Winter Classic & more
Welcome to the THW Seattle Kraken Substack newsletter, with all the latest from our team of Blues writers.
In today’s edition, we have a chat with forward Alexander Wennberg, the Kraken’s All-Star Game snub, and more.
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Kraken’s Wennberg Talks Team Success, Blue Jackets & More
January 15, 2024 by Mark Scheig
The Seattle Kraken are on a heater. After their latest win, a 7-4 triumph over the Columbus Blue Jackets in which they came back from behind on three separate occasions, the Kraken are 11-0-2 in their last 13 games. One of the players at the “center” of this streak is Alex Wennberg. He logged an assist Saturday night in 20:22 of ice time. With injuries to both Andre Burakovsky and Matty Beniers, Wennberg had to take on more ice time. He and his teammates responded with a 5-2 run in the final 40 minutes to win going away.
Wennberg’s career has been interesting to say the least. He was drafted 14th overall by the Blue Jackets in the 2013 NHL Draft. His time in Columbus was a bumpy one. Former coach John Tortorella didn’t seem to get along with him. It led to inconsistency and not reaching the potential some thought he had. Wennberg is now 29 and is playing in his 10th NHL season. He’s in a situation with the Kraken that he’s on a good team, making contributions and enjoying his life post Blue Jackets. We caught up with Wennberg on Saturday night to talk about the Kraken’s success and then we spent some time on his memories with the Blue Jackets. Here is our Q&A.
2024 NHL All-Star Game Snubs
January 5, 2024 by The Old Prof
27-year-old defenseman Vince Dunn would have been a solid choice for the Seattle Kraken. On the season, he’s put up seven goals and 33 points in his 39 games this season. Last season, he established a career-best 64 points. Dunn was overlooked. That said, Oliver Bjorkstrand is the Kraken’s No. 2 scorer. He’s deserving, as well.
Kraken’s Daccord Shuts Out Golden Knights in Winter Classic Loss
January 2, 2024 by Eric Cruikshank
The Vegas Golden Knights opened up the New Year with a loss after being shut out 3-0 by the Seattle Kraken in the Discover Winter Classic at T-Mobile Park in Seattle, making it the Golden Knights’ fifth loss in their last six games. The Golden Knights are now 22-11-5 and are second in the Pacific Division standings.
The Kraken have historically struggled against the Golden Knights, with this game being their second win in their 10 total matchups. The Golden Knights have also played extremely well at both ends of the ice in previous appearances against the Kraken, averaging 3.40 goals for and 1.90 goals against. Although, the Kraken have now won five games in a row and are returning to the style of play that got them into the playoffs last season. They currently sit two points out of the top wild card spot in the Western Conference, and are six points back from the Los Angeles Kings for third place in the Pacific Division.