Yahoo Sports Kraken Forward To Return To Lineup After Healthy Scratch
Seattle Kraken forward Oliver Bjorkstrand is returning to the lineup to take on the Vegas Golden Knights after he was a healthy scratch on Tuesday.
Through 13 games, Bjorkstrand has been able to register just three goals and five points but his overall play has suffered. During the Kraken's losing streak, Bjorkstrand had moments where he looked disengaged and his ice time totals reflected it.
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During the 2023-24 campaign, where the 29-year-old was an all-star, he averaged north of 16 minutes a night but this year, that number is down to 14:13.
Bylsma claimed that the move wasn't directed just at Bjorkstrand but towards the whole group. The message was sent but it wasn't exactly received as the Kraken lost 6-3 to the Colorado Avalanche and were outshot 32-20. Bylsma reiterated what he said today following practice with the hope that change occurs.
"I think we’re going to have a great response from all over the lineup because of his scratch," said Byslma. "There was a team message there as well in Oliver not playing in that game."
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Ahead of tonight's return home, Bjorkstrand spoke to the media about what he needs to do to make an impact.
"Speaking for myself, you got to find a different level," Bjorkstrand said. "Come game time, you got to find a way to put your head down and want it more than the other guy ahead of you. Be more engaged, finding a way to hold onto the puck, winning battles, getting scoring chances."
Oliver Bjorkstrand seems to have taken his recent healthy scratch well. He said he needs to work to be “more engaged, finding a way to hold onto the puck, winning battles, getting scoring chances.”
Asked how he breaks out of his struggles, he said, “Work hard.” #SeaKraken pic.twitter.com/UmcdbFg8Lz— Sound Of Hockey (@sound_hockey) November 8, 2024
Tonight's matchup will be one of, if not the Kraken's toughest test of the season. On a current four-game losing streak, returning home to play the second-most potent offence in the league is no small feat. No Vince Dunn adds to that challenge.
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