Written By The Seattle Kraken have had a rough inaugural season, finishing in last place in the Pacific Division with a record of 31-37-14. However, their recent playoff series against the Colorado Avalanche has been a different story, and rookie forward Kartye has been a key part of their success.
In Game 5 of the series, Kartye made his NHL debut and scored two goals, including the game-winning goal in overtime, to give the Kraken a 3-2 lead in the series. It was a dream come true for the young player, who had worked his way up through the Kraken’s minor league system and had been waiting for this opportunity for years.
“I can’t even describe how it feels,” Kartye said after the game. “To score two goals and get the game-winner in my first NHL game, it’s just amazing. I’m so grateful for the opportunity and I’m just trying to take it all in.”
Kartye’s performance in Game 5 was impressive, but it was hardly a fluke. Throughout the series, he has been a consistent offensive threat, using his speed and skill to create scoring chances for himself and his teammates. He has quickly become a fan favorite in Seattle, and his jersey is already one of the team’s top sellers.
But Kartye’s success raises some interesting questions for the Kraken. As a rookie, he is still under team control for several years, and his strong play in the playoffs could lead to a big contract offer from the team. However, the Kraken also have a number of other young forwards who are also looking to establish themselves in the NHL, and the team will need to balance their desire to keep Kartye with their need to build a deep, competitive roster.
In addition, Kartye’s success has put pressure on some of the team’s veteran players, who have struggled in the playoffs. While the Kraken have received solid contributions from players like Jordan Eberle and Jaden Schwartz, they have also seen disappointing performances from players like Mark Giordano and Brandon Tanev. As the team looks to close out the series against the Avalanche, they will need their veteran players to step up and provide leadership and stability on the ice.
Despite these challenges, the Kraken are in a good position heading into Game 6 of the series. They have a 3-2 lead and will be playing on their home ice at Climate Pledge Arena, where they have been dominant all season. If Kartye can continue his impressive play and the team can get solid contributions from their veteran players, they will have a good chance to advance to the next round of the playoffs.
For Kartye, the playoffs have been a dream come true, and he is just happy to be a part of the team’s success.
“It’s been an incredible experience so far,” he said. “I’m just trying to enjoy every moment and help the team in any way I can. We still have a long way to go, but I’m excited to see what we can do.”
