Fourth Line Work Again Keys Kraken Comeback
Overview
The Seattle Kraken have been one of the most surprising teams in the NHL this season. After finishing with the league’s worst record last year, the Kraken are now in contention for a playoff spot. One of the biggest reasons for the Kraken’s turnaround has been the play of their fourth line.
The fourth line is typically composed of a center, a left wing, and a right wing. These players are usually not expected to score a lot of goals or get many assists. However, the Kraken’s fourth line has been a major contributor to the team’s success this season.
Key Players
The Kraken’s fourth line is led by center Morgan Geekie. Geekie is a 23-year-old who was acquired from the Carolina Hurricanes in the expansion draft. He is a skilled skater and passer who has been able to create scoring chances for his linemates.
Kole Lind and Jamie Oleksiak are the wingers on the Kraken’s fourth line. Lind is a 24-year-old who was acquired from the Vancouver Canucks in the expansion draft. He is a fast and physical winger who can forecheck and backcheck effectively.
Oleksiak is a 29-year-old who was signed as a free agent in the offseason. He is a big and strong winger who can protect the puck and win battles in the corners.
Impact on the Team
The Kraken’s fourth line has been a major contributor to the team’s success this season. They have been able to generate offense, kill penalties, and play physical. As a result, the Kraken have been able to win close games and compete against some of the best teams in the league.
Here are some of the statistics that illustrate the impact of the Kraken’s fourth line:
| Statistic | Kraken’s Fourth Line | NHL Average |
|---|---|---|
| Goals per game | 0.8 | 0.6 |
| Assists per game | 0.9 | 0.7 |
| Plus/minus | +4 | +1 |
| Penalty minutes per game | 2.2 | 1.8 |
Conclusion
The Kraken’s fourth line has been a major factor in the team’s success this season. They have been able to generate offense, kill penalties, and play physical. As a result, the Kraken have been able to win close games and compete against some of the best teams in the league.
The Kraken’s fourth line is a model for how other teams can use their bottom-six forwards. By finding players who are willing to work hard and play a team-first style, teams can create a fourth line that can be a major contributor to their success.