Second: iron out the crease

This will be goaltender Philipp Grubauer’s last chance to build momentum before the regular season, coming off a two-game stretch in which he allowed nine goals on 55 total shots over five periods.

Grubauer looked good in his first full game start last Saturday in Edmonton, leading 4-2 late in the second period but ultimately losing 5-4. Some difficulties the Kraken players ahead of him had in adjusting to newer playing systems didn’t help – particularly in the opening 6-1 loss to Calgary in the preseason. Nonetheless, the second meeting with the Oilers in just four days offers the opportunity for some more positive results as a net player – including Grubauer becoming more familiar with his teammates’ puck-handling behaviors and the shooting trajectories before games, which they set up for him to observe in more detail Leaving Shots Start really counting.

Third: Added “Power” for the power play

In the third period of Monday’s game in Calgary, the Kraken finally got ahead on the power play when Shane Wright scored the equalizer. Up to that point, the team was 0-for-5 on the night – including failing to create a few 5-on-3 and 4-on-3 chances with plenty of room to maneuver – and just 1-for-21 in the previous season.

In fact, the entire third period could serve as a template for what the Kraken want to accomplish more with the puck.

“I thought it was probably our best time of the exhibition season so far,” Kraken head coach Dan Bylsma said. “Just the execution – going north and playing fast – and the presence in the offensive zone.”

Kraken defenseman Vince Dunn – who had not played this preseason before the game against Calgary – played a key role in the power-play goal and appeared to gain confidence and poise as Monday’s contest progressed. Dunn also left the game in his first appearance with no lingering physical problems since missing 19 of the final 21 games last season after taking an illegal hit from behind.

“I think his first or second shift he went back to get a puck and got hit,” Bylsma said. “So now we know he can take a hit and make a play.”