Three Key Takeaways From Kraken's 4-3 Shootout Loss To Vancouver

The Seattle Kraken's modest two-game win streak came to an end Thursday after their 4-3 shootout loss to the Vancouver Canucks. Here are three key takeaways from the game:

1. Kraken dig 3-1 hole for themselves, but rally with two goals in third period to send game to extra time.

The Kraken scored the first goal of the game Thursday -- on Chandler Stephenson's fourth goal of the season -- but they then allowed the Canucks to score the next three goals to go up 3-1 5:35 into the third period. However, Seattle then scored the next two goals, including the game-tying marker with 53 seconds left in regulation time.

You have to give credit to the Kraken for being a resilient bunch, although it would've been nice to come away with two points to rise up the standings. But taking the game to extra time was a small victory for Seattle, and that point may come to be the difference between the Kraken making or missing the playoffs.

2. Vince Dunn and Matty Beniers step up with multi-point games.

Defenseman Dunn -- who has been on a hot streak of late, with four goals and seven points in his past five games, including a goal and two points Thursday -- stepped up with the game-tying goal for his eighth goal and 17th point of the season in 19 games this year. And center Beniers also posted a goal and two points (giving him seven goals and 22 points) in Thursday's game.

Those are key players providing much-needed offense for Seattle. And while the Kraken need other players to rise to the occasion and take heat off Seattle's top players, getting significant contributions from Dunn and Beniers is very important for the Kraken's playoff hopes.

3. Grubauer once again on losing end of the win/loss spectrum.

Grubauer has had some unfortunate luck this season, but ultimately, his record is a reflection of how reliable he is. And after this shootout defeat, Grubauer's record this season is now 5-10-1, with a 3.50 goals-against average and .877 save percentage. Any way you cut it, that's not good enough for a Kraken team still focused on a playoff berth.

We've said it before, but it bears repeating: with Joey Daccord solidifying his spot as Seattle's No. 1 netminder, Grubauer is heading toward a contract buyout at the end of this season. His two remaining years left at $5.9-million per season is not justifiable for a backup goalie, which is what Grubauer has become. No team is going to take on that contract in a trade, which means the Kraken are stuck with Grubauer for now. But that's an underscored "for now", as Seattle won't allow Grubauer to finish his contract with them.