Mike Benton sets up the Apr. 15 season finale for the Seattle Kraken, who face the Los Angeles Kings at Climate Pledge Arena, sharing practice comments from head coach Dan Bylsma and a conversation with NHL on ESPN play-by-play voice Mike Monaco.
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Speaker 1 (00:02):
Welcome to Cracking this morning, a presentation of the Cracking
Audio Network Ken Sports Radio ninety three point three kjr FM.
Here's Mike Benton.
Speaker 2 (00:12):
The season finale hitting the Emerald City this evening, the
Seattle Cracking taking on the Los Angeles Kings and for
the final time this season, Mike Benton with you for
Cracking this morning. On a Tuesday, April fifteenth, the opening
face off this evening. Take note late seven thirty pm
Pacific start time. We're on air for all the action
seven o'clock Pacific from the cors Light landing in Section
(00:33):
twenty inside Climate Pledgarina Everett fits you Al Kadisky for
the final time this season. Have the call upstairs. They
can't wait to be with you once again on the
Emerald Queen Casino Cracking Audio Network Plus also talking Cracking
up to an hour after the final horn, I'll be
joined by a Curtis Crabtree of Fox thirteen. We will
have more reaction from one last practice at Crack in
(00:55):
Community Ice plus on Monday from head coach Dan Bilzma,
plus Mike Monico for the NHL on ESPN. He's handling
the call nationally for the broadcast this evening we'll talk
more about the additions of Brandon Montour and Chandler Stevenson,
the year they put together, the outlook for their future,
Shane Wright's growth, and a look ahead here with the Kings,
who have one last game on the road coming up
(01:18):
and they're off of five nothing win over Edmonton. It
will be their second game in as many days. Well,
the Kraken putting on quite the show three nights ago
over the Saint Louis Blues, prevailing four three victory that
coming in a shootout and putting a speed bump into
the path of the Blues' plans to clinch the Stanley
Cup playoff Berth Shane Wright, who is within one goal
(01:40):
of hitting twenty in his first full NHL season, went
out the front of the net to make overtime possible
and scored his nineteen goal of the year, coming at
nine to fifty three up period three. The goal would
withstand a video review for a puck off of Wright's skate.
After that, it was Philip Grubauer turning in a win.
Twenty saves on twenty three shots. He forst a Blues
(02:02):
into misses in the final five attempts before Chandler Stevenson
scored the eventual shootout winner for the Kraken in round
number seven. Before we get to Mike Monaco at coach
Dan Biausma met with the media on Monday after the
team's final practice of the season, reflecting on the message
ahead of Game eighty two.
Speaker 3 (02:22):
We've talked before last game. We've talked a few times
you're going down the stretch, and I think the guys
have been doing pretty admirable job of playing hard, competing,
competing for each other, and you know, the happy to
say the results have followed a little bit. We certainly
(02:43):
we've played some teams that were vying for playoffs. We're
playing a team against Saint Louis that you know it's
desperate to get one more point to get into the playoffs.
And you know that's a that that provides a great
test for this group of guys to you know, put
it all out there, and you know, I commend them
(03:06):
for what they've been what we've been doing the last
a little bit, and and implore them to finish the job.
Here with the last game, we talked about a.
Speaker 4 (03:15):
Nice results and obviously each game is a test.
Speaker 2 (03:18):
Can you help us understand too, what the mental challenges
are for a team when you know your situation but
you still want to.
Speaker 3 (03:26):
I think, uh, it just I think in in difficult
times and difficult scenarios, it's the it's the you know,
it's a it's a challenge too to find meaning in
the games, find meaning and how we play. And you
know that that's that has kind of been the mental
(03:51):
mindset and the mental focus of the group for you know,
since the deadline. And we weren't out of it at
the deadline.
Speaker 4 (03:56):
But but.
Speaker 3 (03:59):
You know, the the writing was on the wall, so
to speak, and and uh, you know it was a
time for us to take a mental note to the
team and a challenge to the team. And I said Ebbs.
Ebbs was a real leader in that regard, you know,
and just his leadership and in that moment and going forward,
(04:19):
just a signal of how much we missed it early
on in the year. Because you know, I'm for the
most part, the guys have done a really good job
of here of having meaning in the games and finding
meaning in the games, you know, not only for the fans,
but finding and meaning for our group and and what
(04:41):
this play means for us going forward, and we talked
about to fourth line during the trip a moment and
obviously some great performances there.
Speaker 5 (04:48):
They've had different centers, but with Tye and.
Speaker 3 (04:52):
Mikey, what you take them how long?
Speaker 4 (04:57):
You know? The just.
Speaker 3 (05:00):
Evidence of what they can provide for the team on
a nightly basis just energy and aggression and competitiveness and
and you know, the you know, last game is a
perfect example of that. I think when the game was
in the balance in the third period, they stepped up
and with that speed, with that energy and and you
(05:22):
know they have it also means they can make plays
and get goals, and that's what they did in last game.
And that's you know, I think ty cart T is
playing his best hockey now in the last ten games
or so. That bodes well for him and our future.
Speaker 5 (05:42):
I'm sure you'll be asked this question a lot over
the next few days, but what will you be able
to take from this season? From your perspective, growth lies
on the ice, off the ice, from a culture perspective
after your first season Byron.
Speaker 3 (05:55):
Night A lot, I think, you know, and and looking
back over the eighty one eighty two come Wednesday, you know,
I think our our team fell short and becoming a
team and becoming a consistent each and every night and
(06:18):
regardless of the situation, and there's always ups and downs
in a season, they're going to be challenges good teams,
road games, back to backs.
Speaker 4 (06:26):
But.
Speaker 3 (06:30):
Not being not being able to get to that sixty
minute consistent team mindset every night is you know where
we fell short. And I take a lot of solace
and you know, the last eighteen games call it of
you know, aar team kind of getting to that mindset
(06:50):
and getting to that because that's what's that's what will
bode well for and provide hope for the future.
Speaker 5 (06:57):
Having that same thing, I know, maybe difficult to answers
actually went up with that. Does it make that process
a little bit easier knowing where those pitfalls were this
year and moving into the summer and in the September
to start the next season, knowing where you fell short
this year?
Speaker 1 (07:16):
Yeah?
Speaker 3 (07:16):
I think you. I mean, I think as a group
and as a coach, you got to take those lessons,
so to speak, say lessons and the trials and tribulations
of this year and you got to use it as
a motivation for for you know, next year. But also
(07:37):
I think you can. You got to take how we
played the last eighteen games. Keep referencing eighteen. But it's
as as hope for the future as well, not only
you know, for the fans and for the and for
Seattle and for the organization, but for the players in
that room, the guys that will be returning next year.
Speaker 2 (07:59):
All right ahead of eighty two for the season. Can't
believe the finish line is almost here. But before that,
one more national call ahead for Mike Monaco, NHL play
by play for ESPN, joining us now on Kracken this morning.
Good front of these airwaves as well. Mike, aw you ben.
Great to have you, and I think one last go
around here in the Puget Sound for you this season.
(08:21):
You have a go to spot if you have enough
time around town.
Speaker 4 (08:25):
Yes, we've got an Italian dinner spot at Catty Campbell Pascal,
who I'm calling the game with tonight, that she found
that we both love Asaggio, which is downtown where we are,
that we love going to for a good Italian meal.
And she's already telling me about a coffee place that
I've got to get to this morning as well. Pick
(08:49):
let her drive that out. Yeah, yeah, I mean, of
course there's great options no matter what. I'm certainly loyal
to Starbucks, but might be branching out a little bit
here this morning. But yeah, man, everything's great. It's always
good being here. It's crazy that we're we're already at
the end of the regular season.
Speaker 2 (09:06):
Well, whether you're hitting up Italian next time for spaghetti
or a to John Butcher GROSWI chicken parm Hey, I mean,
you can't go wrong with spots around here, I think.
But great, Great to have you again, Mike. And we've
had this conversation about before with the Kraken, where this
team is headed and what this last game means and
for fans locally, it's one last glimpse of what they
(09:26):
can put together before a lot of questions find answers
for the offseason. So previously on this roster, we've had
the conversation locally about where this team is, defensive core
where it is, goaltending where it is, and then the
top line issue as far as scoring and GM. Ron
Francis said and away changes are coming this offseason. So
(09:46):
from the times that you've seen this team, what does
this season tell you what the most pressing needs that
they have coming up here for the summer.
Speaker 4 (09:53):
Yeah, I would say high end scoring, like high end
offensive skill. And Ron Francis like at different points of
this season he's come out and said that, I think,
like it's no secret of what kind of lacks here.
And look, it's also not a situation that is specific
(10:15):
to the Kraken, Like, there are plenty of teams around
the NHL who want that, like the highest end elite
guys offensively, and that's no offense to anyone who is
in the lineup for the Krack. And over the course
of this past season, I think it's just what it
takes to win at the highest level in the National
Hockey League. So to me, that's the biggest thing. I mean,
(10:37):
I think if you're looking for positives, like from back
to front, like you love what Joey Decor did again
this year, you love what Brandon Montor brought to this
group this year. I think I'm encouraged by some of
what we've seen from Shane Wright this season. You know,
like those types of things jump out to me as
all right, the positives with this group, I think you
(11:00):
feel better about the center depth, So those types of
things I think you like. But yeah, that would be
my primary.
Speaker 2 (11:08):
Focus, you know, Mike, when you get to look at
other teams around the league and players who have taken
that next step with development, and you know, it seems
like as if this league gets younger and younger with
where players are being plugged into the lineup and what
they're being asked of them. But the attention turns to
Shane Wright, as you brought his name up already here.
So when you have a guy likes Shane Wright who
is sniffing twenty goals in his first full NHL season,
(11:32):
where are you at with the kind of player he
is at twenty one years of age and the player
he can be, say five years down the road.
Speaker 4 (11:40):
Yeah. I remember a conversation I had with Dan Bilzma
in October and he said to me, at that point,
like Shane Wright is a marathon ahead of where Shane
Wright was the last couple of years. He just kind
of put his head down and worked on his game
without the bright lights of the NHL, you know, farther
away from if he was or wasn't. Of course, the
(12:02):
first overall pick like that stuff was in the rear
view mirror, and I think you've seen a guy that
has kind of just done that has gone to work,
and like, look, he's young, he's twenty one, you know,
his first full year in the NHL, And look like,
what was one goal the first eighteen games? I think,
(12:25):
so really you're talking about eighteen goals that have come
in the last sixty or so games. So I think
you're encouraged by that. And yeah, like I'm buying stock
and Shane right.
Speaker 2 (12:36):
Brandon Montor and Chandler stevensond You mentioned Montor's name earlier.
They were the two big additions from this past offseason,
and here we are at the finish line for year
one of their contracts. Montor hit seventeen goals, new career high.
He's in the running, in my opinion here for Team
MVP honors. Stevenson started slow, then really picked up the
pace and now has hit his point total as the
(12:58):
same as last year in bags. What of those editions
Mike told you about the fit on this team here
in the big picture.
Speaker 4 (13:07):
Yeah, I love Brandon Montor and I think he's had
a great season. I love the fit. It's not just
the seventeen goals, which, don't get me wrong, that's phenomenal,
you know, that's the tops among defensemen. I think it's
only Makar Warnski and Jacob Chickrin who among defensemen have
scored more goals than those seventeen from Brandon Montor. I
(13:29):
think he's added a lot, you know, like every bit
the fifty million dollar player that you hoped he would
be with Chandler Stevenson. Yeah, Like, I think it's a
little bit hard to separate, you know, kind of the
the circumstances with some of the advanced numbers, Like some
of the advanced numbers don't necessarily love the whole body
(13:51):
of work for him this season, aside from the you know,
fifty plus points. But again, like I think as you
solidify some of the high end talent up there, like
compared to maybe the group he had in Vegas, and
certainly the line that he was off and on in Vegas,
you know, very high powered, So I think a little
(14:13):
more wait and see with that. But look, like I
was looking at some of the speed numbers for him
earlier today on NHL Edge and like it's not like
his speed has dropped off. I mean, he's thirty years old,
but but he's still you know, bringing the same pace
to his game, So I think that's something that would
be encouraging with an I toward year two of that
(14:33):
contract at the you know, seven year deal.
Speaker 2 (14:36):
Mike Monico for the NHL on ESPN joining us here
for cracking this morning. Mike, Let's talk about what's ahead
here for the Kings. They're nearly unbeatable at home. The
Krakens saw that riddle only for the fifth time by
an opposing team this season in regulation this last week.
The road is a different story with this team though.
They just beat the Brakes off Edmonton five nothing last night,
(14:58):
and I think every year in the playoffs, though does
it matter? Does it not matter here for a seven
game serious homelice advantage? The ultimate question is do they
have enough to beat the Oilers in Round one? Where
are you at with this matchup?
Speaker 4 (15:14):
I've called games from that series each of the last
couple of years, so it is somewhat hard for me
to unsee how convincing it's been from the orders, and
you know like it is going to be different this year.
You know, home ice is a thing, and you just
laid out expertly like the discrepancy in the Kings split
(15:37):
this year home and road. I think it can be different.
I think some of that has to do with Edmonton's
injury situations. You know the latest news that came out
yesterday about Matthias k Holme and his situation and you know,
gonna miss the first round. That's obviously a big blow.
I mean he's there, for my money, he's their best
(15:58):
all around defenseman, I know, and Bouchard puts up a
ton of points. Jake Walman has been added, but that
Holm is that good and that valuable to that team.
And then I think you also look at what's maybe
different for the Kings this year than the last couple
of years, and look like Darcy Kemper is probably front
and center, you know, the top piece of what's different
(16:19):
for the Kings and why if they are going to
beat Edmonton, why it would be different. I mean, he's
had a spectacular season. It is you know, shortlist, bes
int the stuff, and if not for a guy named
Connor Hellibuok, he'd have a pretty good case. And then
I think the other big one Mike for the Kings
is what's their power play going to do. It's been
a really bad power play this year, but it has
(16:41):
been better. It's been fifteenth in the NHL since they
made the trade for Andre Khosmano right at the deadline.
So that's been a really important piece that has just
made the power play more of a threat. But I mean,
I've had the Kings a ton here in the last
few weeks, and you know, Jim Hiller's been really honest
in our conversation with him about how the power play
(17:02):
just has to be better and how much it has
let them down. Boy, it's tough to pick against Edmonton,
but I do think the Kings are better equipped this year.
Speaker 2 (17:14):
Whether we're talking about teams like Washington that many did
not pick to win the Metro Division, but there they are.
Ottawa's back in for the first time since late last decade.
Montreal is on the threshold. Minnesota is this close to
being in Saint Louis. Barring a miracle by Calgary, they're
going to get in. Do you have a dark horse
(17:34):
you had here for the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Speaker 4 (17:36):
I don't know if I have a dark horse yet.
I mean, like the West is instane right. It feels
like every series is going to be like a Western
Conference final. I will say, just from like an entertainment perspective,
I'm really excited to see what the Cats are like
in the playoffs. I'm going to go see them Thursday
for Capital's Penguins to close out the regular season on ESPN,
(17:58):
and then we'll we'll maybe get a chance to see
them in the playoffs some as well. What an amazing
year like Spencer Carberry's a heck of a coach. To me,
he's got to be the Jack Adams winner. And look
like we've all had this this Ovechkin story going all
season and rightly so, and now that that's behind them,
(18:19):
I'm curious to see what it's like in the playoffs.
But man, they've had so many players take huge steps
this year, Alexi Protus who's currently hurt but sounds like
he's trending in the right direction. So you know, it's
not a dark horse necessarily when they're the top team
in the Eastern Conference. But I am just fascinated, Mike
by what it's going to look like with them.
Speaker 2 (18:38):
Hey, Mike, great hearing from you. There's more Italian fine
dining around town here in your future. But until then, Hey,
looking forward to seeing you upstairs once again for the
saving my man. Have a great call. Thank you.
Speaker 4 (18:49):
Thanks Mike, My pleasure is all.
Speaker 1 (18:53):
All right.
Speaker 2 (18:54):
Wish Mike Monaco and the rest of the crew a
great calls here for this evening once again. Mike Monico
joining us here for the gunning on ESPN. Looking forward
to having you this evening once again late seven thirty
pm Pacific start of time. It's also fan Appreciation Nights
presented by Amazon, including prizes, signed Kraken gear, giveaways from Starbucks,
(19:14):
Alaska Airlines, and much more. Details By the way, you
can find those at NHL dot com slash krackin we'll
see if several kracking have milestones in store that they
can check off. Adam Larson setting one goal shy of
tying his career high of eight on the back end,
not too bad of a number for a player who
prides game on an abrasive and defensive minded reputation. Both
(19:36):
Shane Wright and Matty Bevaniers are one goal away from
hitting twenty. Vaneers would hit twenty for the second time
in three seasons if he gets there right of course,
as we said, is in his first full NHL season.
Plus Jayden Schwartz, assuming that he plays this evening, will
hit eighty one games, the most for one season of
his NHL career of fine mark for the Krack and
(19:57):
nominee for the Masterton Trophy. On the King's side again,
they come off a five nothing win over the Edmonton Oilers.
It officially locks up home ieavantage for the Kings, who
will face Edmonton in Round one of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
The Krack and have won two of three matchups against
the Kings, and among those to watch out for Quentin
by Field, he is on a four game point scoring streak.
(20:19):
Darcy Kemper started ann for the Kings last night, was
pulled midway after he stopped sixteen shots, giving away to
David Riddick, who could be starting a net this evening
here for Los Angelesten. We'll get all that confirmed for
you ahead of puck drop here for this evening once again,
we're on air seven o'clock Pacific time from Climbate Pledgerina
airtime at seven point thirty and we got you up
(20:40):
to an hour after the final horn for your drive
home or wherever you may be on Talking Cracking across
ninety three to three KJRFM and the Emerald Queen Casino
Cracking Audio Network. Ever it fits you, al Kaniski myself.
We can't wait to join you once again this evening
for Game eighty two, before we drop the curtain here
for the summer. Thank you again to Mike Monico for
(21:01):
joining us. Enjoy this one of the meantime. If we
kracking this morning, I'm Mike Benton. Have a happy Tuesday.
Speaker 1 (21:07):
You're home for the Kraken Sports Radio ninety three point
three k j R FM
Welcome to Cracking this morning, a presentation of the Cracking
Audio Network Ken Sports Radio ninety three point three kjr FM.
Here's Mike Benton.
Speaker 2 (00:12):
The season finale hitting the Emerald City this evening, the
Seattle Cracking taking on the Los Angeles Kings and for
the final time this season, Mike Benton with you for
Cracking this morning. On a Tuesday, April fifteenth, the opening
face off this evening. Take note late seven thirty pm
Pacific start time. We're on air for all the action
seven o'clock Pacific from the cors Light landing in Section
(00:33):
twenty inside Climate Pledgarina Everett fits you Al Kadisky for
the final time this season. Have the call upstairs. They
can't wait to be with you once again on the
Emerald Queen Casino Cracking Audio Network Plus also talking Cracking
up to an hour after the final horn, I'll be
joined by a Curtis Crabtree of Fox thirteen. We will
have more reaction from one last practice at Crack in
(00:55):
Community Ice plus on Monday from head coach Dan Bilzma,
plus Mike Monico for the NHL on ESPN. He's handling
the call nationally for the broadcast this evening we'll talk
more about the additions of Brandon Montour and Chandler Stevenson,
the year they put together, the outlook for their future,
Shane Wright's growth, and a look ahead here with the Kings,
who have one last game on the road coming up
(01:18):
and they're off of five nothing win over Edmonton. It
will be their second game in as many days. Well,
the Kraken putting on quite the show three nights ago
over the Saint Louis Blues, prevailing four three victory that
coming in a shootout and putting a speed bump into
the path of the Blues' plans to clinch the Stanley
Cup playoff Berth Shane Wright, who is within one goal
(01:40):
of hitting twenty in his first full NHL season, went
out the front of the net to make overtime possible
and scored his nineteen goal of the year, coming at
nine to fifty three up period three. The goal would
withstand a video review for a puck off of Wright's skate.
After that, it was Philip Grubauer turning in a win.
Twenty saves on twenty three shots. He forst a Blues
(02:02):
into misses in the final five attempts before Chandler Stevenson
scored the eventual shootout winner for the Kraken in round
number seven. Before we get to Mike Monaco at coach
Dan Biausma met with the media on Monday after the
team's final practice of the season, reflecting on the message
ahead of Game eighty two.
Speaker 3 (02:22):
We've talked before last game. We've talked a few times
you're going down the stretch, and I think the guys
have been doing pretty admirable job of playing hard, competing,
competing for each other, and you know, the happy to
say the results have followed a little bit. We certainly
(02:43):
we've played some teams that were vying for playoffs. We're
playing a team against Saint Louis that you know it's
desperate to get one more point to get into the playoffs.
And you know that's a that that provides a great
test for this group of guys to you know, put
it all out there, and you know, I commend them
(03:06):
for what they've been what we've been doing the last
a little bit, and and implore them to finish the job.
Here with the last game, we talked about a.
Speaker 4 (03:15):
Nice results and obviously each game is a test.
Speaker 2 (03:18):
Can you help us understand too, what the mental challenges
are for a team when you know your situation but
you still want to.
Speaker 3 (03:26):
I think, uh, it just I think in in difficult
times and difficult scenarios, it's the it's the you know,
it's a it's a challenge too to find meaning in
the games, find meaning and how we play. And you
know that that's that has kind of been the mental
(03:51):
mindset and the mental focus of the group for you know,
since the deadline. And we weren't out of it at
the deadline.
Speaker 4 (03:56):
But but.
Speaker 3 (03:59):
You know, the the writing was on the wall, so
to speak, and and uh, you know it was a
time for us to take a mental note to the
team and a challenge to the team. And I said Ebbs.
Ebbs was a real leader in that regard, you know,
and just his leadership and in that moment and going forward,
(04:19):
just a signal of how much we missed it early
on in the year. Because you know, I'm for the
most part, the guys have done a really good job
of here of having meaning in the games and finding
meaning in the games, you know, not only for the fans,
but finding and meaning for our group and and what
(04:41):
this play means for us going forward, and we talked
about to fourth line during the trip a moment and
obviously some great performances there.
Speaker 5 (04:48):
They've had different centers, but with Tye and.
Speaker 3 (04:52):
Mikey, what you take them how long?
Speaker 4 (04:57):
You know? The just.
Speaker 3 (05:00):
Evidence of what they can provide for the team on
a nightly basis just energy and aggression and competitiveness and
and you know, the you know, last game is a
perfect example of that. I think when the game was
in the balance in the third period, they stepped up
and with that speed, with that energy and and you
(05:22):
know they have it also means they can make plays
and get goals, and that's what they did in last game.
And that's you know, I think ty cart T is
playing his best hockey now in the last ten games
or so. That bodes well for him and our future.
Speaker 5 (05:42):
I'm sure you'll be asked this question a lot over
the next few days, but what will you be able
to take from this season? From your perspective, growth lies
on the ice, off the ice, from a culture perspective
after your first season Byron.
Speaker 3 (05:55):
Night A lot, I think, you know, and and looking
back over the eighty one eighty two come Wednesday, you know,
I think our our team fell short and becoming a
team and becoming a consistent each and every night and
(06:18):
regardless of the situation, and there's always ups and downs
in a season, they're going to be challenges good teams,
road games, back to backs.
Speaker 4 (06:26):
But.
Speaker 3 (06:30):
Not being not being able to get to that sixty
minute consistent team mindset every night is you know where
we fell short. And I take a lot of solace
and you know, the last eighteen games call it of
you know, aar team kind of getting to that mindset
(06:50):
and getting to that because that's what's that's what will
bode well for and provide hope for the future.
Speaker 5 (06:57):
Having that same thing, I know, maybe difficult to answers
actually went up with that. Does it make that process
a little bit easier knowing where those pitfalls were this
year and moving into the summer and in the September
to start the next season, knowing where you fell short
this year?
Speaker 1 (07:16):
Yeah?
Speaker 3 (07:16):
I think you. I mean, I think as a group
and as a coach, you got to take those lessons,
so to speak, say lessons and the trials and tribulations
of this year and you got to use it as
a motivation for for you know, next year. But also
(07:37):
I think you can. You got to take how we
played the last eighteen games. Keep referencing eighteen. But it's
as as hope for the future as well, not only
you know, for the fans and for the and for
Seattle and for the organization, but for the players in
that room, the guys that will be returning next year.
Speaker 2 (07:59):
All right ahead of eighty two for the season. Can't
believe the finish line is almost here. But before that,
one more national call ahead for Mike Monaco, NHL play
by play for ESPN, joining us now on Kracken this morning.
Good front of these airwaves as well. Mike, aw you ben.
Great to have you, and I think one last go
around here in the Puget Sound for you this season.
(08:21):
You have a go to spot if you have enough
time around town.
Speaker 4 (08:25):
Yes, we've got an Italian dinner spot at Catty Campbell Pascal,
who I'm calling the game with tonight, that she found
that we both love Asaggio, which is downtown where we are,
that we love going to for a good Italian meal.
And she's already telling me about a coffee place that
I've got to get to this morning as well. Pick
(08:49):
let her drive that out. Yeah, yeah, I mean, of
course there's great options no matter what. I'm certainly loyal
to Starbucks, but might be branching out a little bit
here this morning. But yeah, man, everything's great. It's always
good being here. It's crazy that we're we're already at
the end of the regular season.
Speaker 2 (09:06):
Well, whether you're hitting up Italian next time for spaghetti
or a to John Butcher GROSWI chicken parm Hey, I mean,
you can't go wrong with spots around here, I think.
But great, Great to have you again, Mike. And we've
had this conversation about before with the Kraken, where this
team is headed and what this last game means and
for fans locally, it's one last glimpse of what they
(09:26):
can put together before a lot of questions find answers
for the offseason. So previously on this roster, we've had
the conversation locally about where this team is, defensive core
where it is, goaltending where it is, and then the
top line issue as far as scoring and GM. Ron
Francis said and away changes are coming this offseason. So
(09:46):
from the times that you've seen this team, what does
this season tell you what the most pressing needs that
they have coming up here for the summer.
Speaker 4 (09:53):
Yeah, I would say high end scoring, like high end
offensive skill. And Ron Francis like at different points of
this season he's come out and said that, I think,
like it's no secret of what kind of lacks here.
And look, it's also not a situation that is specific
(10:15):
to the Kraken, Like, there are plenty of teams around
the NHL who want that, like the highest end elite
guys offensively, and that's no offense to anyone who is
in the lineup for the Krack. And over the course
of this past season, I think it's just what it
takes to win at the highest level in the National
Hockey League. So to me, that's the biggest thing. I mean,
(10:37):
I think if you're looking for positives, like from back
to front, like you love what Joey Decor did again
this year, you love what Brandon Montor brought to this
group this year. I think I'm encouraged by some of
what we've seen from Shane Wright this season. You know,
like those types of things jump out to me as
all right, the positives with this group, I think you
(11:00):
feel better about the center depth, So those types of
things I think you like. But yeah, that would be
my primary.
Speaker 2 (11:08):
Focus, you know, Mike, when you get to look at
other teams around the league and players who have taken
that next step with development, and you know, it seems
like as if this league gets younger and younger with
where players are being plugged into the lineup and what
they're being asked of them. But the attention turns to
Shane Wright, as you brought his name up already here.
So when you have a guy likes Shane Wright who
is sniffing twenty goals in his first full NHL season,
(11:32):
where are you at with the kind of player he
is at twenty one years of age and the player
he can be, say five years down the road.
Speaker 4 (11:40):
Yeah. I remember a conversation I had with Dan Bilzma
in October and he said to me, at that point,
like Shane Wright is a marathon ahead of where Shane
Wright was the last couple of years. He just kind
of put his head down and worked on his game
without the bright lights of the NHL, you know, farther
away from if he was or wasn't. Of course, the
(12:02):
first overall pick like that stuff was in the rear
view mirror, and I think you've seen a guy that
has kind of just done that has gone to work,
and like, look, he's young, he's twenty one, you know,
his first full year in the NHL, And look like,
what was one goal the first eighteen games? I think,
(12:25):
so really you're talking about eighteen goals that have come
in the last sixty or so games. So I think
you're encouraged by that. And yeah, like I'm buying stock
and Shane right.
Speaker 2 (12:36):
Brandon Montor and Chandler stevensond You mentioned Montor's name earlier.
They were the two big additions from this past offseason,
and here we are at the finish line for year
one of their contracts. Montor hit seventeen goals, new career high.
He's in the running, in my opinion here for Team
MVP honors. Stevenson started slow, then really picked up the
pace and now has hit his point total as the
(12:58):
same as last year in bags. What of those editions
Mike told you about the fit on this team here
in the big picture.
Speaker 4 (13:07):
Yeah, I love Brandon Montor and I think he's had
a great season. I love the fit. It's not just
the seventeen goals, which, don't get me wrong, that's phenomenal,
you know, that's the tops among defensemen. I think it's
only Makar Warnski and Jacob Chickrin who among defensemen have
scored more goals than those seventeen from Brandon Montor. I
(13:29):
think he's added a lot, you know, like every bit
the fifty million dollar player that you hoped he would
be with Chandler Stevenson. Yeah, Like, I think it's a
little bit hard to separate, you know, kind of the
the circumstances with some of the advanced numbers, Like some
of the advanced numbers don't necessarily love the whole body
(13:51):
of work for him this season, aside from the you know,
fifty plus points. But again, like I think as you
solidify some of the high end talent up there, like
compared to maybe the group he had in Vegas, and
certainly the line that he was off and on in Vegas,
you know, very high powered, So I think a little
(14:13):
more wait and see with that. But look, like I
was looking at some of the speed numbers for him
earlier today on NHL Edge and like it's not like
his speed has dropped off. I mean, he's thirty years old,
but but he's still you know, bringing the same pace
to his game, So I think that's something that would
be encouraging with an I toward year two of that
(14:33):
contract at the you know, seven year deal.
Speaker 2 (14:36):
Mike Monico for the NHL on ESPN joining us here
for cracking this morning. Mike, Let's talk about what's ahead
here for the Kings. They're nearly unbeatable at home. The
Krakens saw that riddle only for the fifth time by
an opposing team this season in regulation this last week.
The road is a different story with this team though.
They just beat the Brakes off Edmonton five nothing last night,
(14:58):
and I think every year in the playoffs, though does
it matter? Does it not matter here for a seven
game serious homelice advantage? The ultimate question is do they
have enough to beat the Oilers in Round one? Where
are you at with this matchup?
Speaker 4 (15:14):
I've called games from that series each of the last
couple of years, so it is somewhat hard for me
to unsee how convincing it's been from the orders, and
you know like it is going to be different this year.
You know, home ice is a thing, and you just
laid out expertly like the discrepancy in the Kings split
(15:37):
this year home and road. I think it can be different.
I think some of that has to do with Edmonton's
injury situations. You know the latest news that came out
yesterday about Matthias k Holme and his situation and you know,
gonna miss the first round. That's obviously a big blow.
I mean he's there, for my money, he's their best
(15:58):
all around defenseman, I know, and Bouchard puts up a
ton of points. Jake Walman has been added, but that
Holm is that good and that valuable to that team.
And then I think you also look at what's maybe
different for the Kings this year than the last couple
of years, and look like Darcy Kemper is probably front
and center, you know, the top piece of what's different
(16:19):
for the Kings and why if they are going to
beat Edmonton, why it would be different. I mean, he's
had a spectacular season. It is you know, shortlist, bes
int the stuff, and if not for a guy named
Connor Hellibuok, he'd have a pretty good case. And then
I think the other big one Mike for the Kings
is what's their power play going to do. It's been
a really bad power play this year, but it has
(16:41):
been better. It's been fifteenth in the NHL since they
made the trade for Andre Khosmano right at the deadline.
So that's been a really important piece that has just
made the power play more of a threat. But I mean,
I've had the Kings a ton here in the last
few weeks, and you know, Jim Hiller's been really honest
in our conversation with him about how the power play
(17:02):
just has to be better and how much it has
let them down. Boy, it's tough to pick against Edmonton,
but I do think the Kings are better equipped this year.
Speaker 2 (17:14):
Whether we're talking about teams like Washington that many did
not pick to win the Metro Division, but there they are.
Ottawa's back in for the first time since late last decade.
Montreal is on the threshold. Minnesota is this close to
being in Saint Louis. Barring a miracle by Calgary, they're
going to get in. Do you have a dark horse
(17:34):
you had here for the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Speaker 4 (17:36):
I don't know if I have a dark horse yet.
I mean, like the West is instane right. It feels
like every series is going to be like a Western
Conference final. I will say, just from like an entertainment perspective,
I'm really excited to see what the Cats are like
in the playoffs. I'm going to go see them Thursday
for Capital's Penguins to close out the regular season on ESPN,
(17:58):
and then we'll we'll maybe get a chance to see
them in the playoffs some as well. What an amazing
year like Spencer Carberry's a heck of a coach. To me,
he's got to be the Jack Adams winner. And look
like we've all had this this Ovechkin story going all
season and rightly so, and now that that's behind them,
(18:19):
I'm curious to see what it's like in the playoffs.
But man, they've had so many players take huge steps
this year, Alexi Protus who's currently hurt but sounds like
he's trending in the right direction. So you know, it's
not a dark horse necessarily when they're the top team
in the Eastern Conference. But I am just fascinated, Mike
by what it's going to look like with them.
Speaker 2 (18:38):
Hey, Mike, great hearing from you. There's more Italian fine
dining around town here in your future. But until then, Hey,
looking forward to seeing you upstairs once again for the
saving my man. Have a great call. Thank you.
Speaker 4 (18:49):
Thanks Mike, My pleasure is all.
Speaker 1 (18:53):
All right.
Speaker 2 (18:54):
Wish Mike Monaco and the rest of the crew a
great calls here for this evening once again. Mike Monico
joining us here for the gunning on ESPN. Looking forward
to having you this evening once again late seven thirty
pm Pacific start of time. It's also fan Appreciation Nights
presented by Amazon, including prizes, signed Kraken gear, giveaways from Starbucks,
(19:14):
Alaska Airlines, and much more. Details By the way, you
can find those at NHL dot com slash krackin we'll
see if several kracking have milestones in store that they
can check off. Adam Larson setting one goal shy of
tying his career high of eight on the back end,
not too bad of a number for a player who
prides game on an abrasive and defensive minded reputation. Both
(19:36):
Shane Wright and Matty Bevaniers are one goal away from
hitting twenty. Vaneers would hit twenty for the second time
in three seasons if he gets there right of course,
as we said, is in his first full NHL season.
Plus Jayden Schwartz, assuming that he plays this evening, will
hit eighty one games, the most for one season of
his NHL career of fine mark for the Krack and
(19:57):
nominee for the Masterton Trophy. On the King's side again,
they come off a five nothing win over the Edmonton Oilers.
It officially locks up home ieavantage for the Kings, who
will face Edmonton in Round one of the Stanley Cup playoffs.
The Krack and have won two of three matchups against
the Kings, and among those to watch out for Quentin
by Field, he is on a four game point scoring streak.
(20:19):
Darcy Kemper started ann for the Kings last night, was
pulled midway after he stopped sixteen shots, giving away to
David Riddick, who could be starting a net this evening
here for Los Angelesten. We'll get all that confirmed for
you ahead of puck drop here for this evening once again,
we're on air seven o'clock Pacific time from Climbate Pledgerina
airtime at seven point thirty and we got you up
(20:40):
to an hour after the final horn for your drive
home or wherever you may be on Talking Cracking across
ninety three to three KJRFM and the Emerald Queen Casino
Cracking Audio Network. Ever it fits you, al Kaniski myself.
We can't wait to join you once again this evening
for Game eighty two, before we drop the curtain here
for the summer. Thank you again to Mike Monico for
(21:01):
joining us. Enjoy this one of the meantime. If we
kracking this morning, I'm Mike Benton. Have a happy Tuesday.
Speaker 1 (21:07):
You're home for the Kraken Sports Radio ninety three point
three k j R FM
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