After a disappointing start to the season, Seattle Kraken’s goaltender, Philipp Grubauer, has steadily improved and is now considered a reliable rock for his team as they make a push for the playoffs.

The Rocky Start

Grubauer signed a six-year, $35.4 million contract with the Kraken in the offseason, but struggled to find his footing in a new system with a team of new players. His numbers were unimpressive, and many fans and analysts were quick to judge him based solely on his stats.

More than Meets the Eye

Despite the lackluster numbers, Kraken head coach Dave Hakstol believes that Grubauer has been more consistent than people realize, and that his stats do not tell the whole story. According to Hakstol, Grubauer has been steadily ramping up his play as the team heads into the playoffs.

Belief in the Team

Grubauer’s struggles at the beginning of the season did not shake his belief in his team. The 31-year-old goaltender has found a home in Seattle and believes in the Kraken’s potential. This sentiment is reciprocal, as his teammates view him as a reliable rock and a crucial piece of their success.

Playoffs Push

Despite the rocky start, the Kraken are currently in a strong position to make a push for the playoffs, thanks in no small part to Grubauer’s improved play. The team has come together over the course of the season, and with Grubauer’s leadership in the crease, they are poised to make a run in the postseason.

The Future

With four years remaining on his contract, Grubauer has the potential to continue improving and to become an even more crucial piece of the Kraken’s success. As the team looks to build a winning culture in their inaugural season, Grubauer’s steady leadership and belief in the team’s potential will be invaluable.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Who is Philipp Grubauer?

  Philipp Grubauer is a German professional ice hockey goaltender currently playing for the Seattle Kraken in the National Hockey League (NHL).

• What is the Vezina Trophy?

  The Vezina Trophy is an annual award given to the goaltender who is “adjudged to be the best at this position” in the NHL as voted on by the general managers of the league’s clubs.

• How did Philipp Grubauer perform in his previous seasons?

  Philipp Grubauer had a stellar performance in the 2020-2021 NHL season with a 91.6% save percentage and seven shutouts. He finished third in voting for the Vezina Trophy. However, his performance dipped in the 2021-2022 season with a 89.5% save percentage and two shutouts in 39 games played.

• What is the opinion of Dave Hakstol, the coach of the Seattle Kraken, on Philipp Grubauer’s performance?

  Dave Hakstol believes that Philipp Grubauer has been more consistent than what the numbers suggest, and that he has had a pretty good year leading up to the playoffs. He considers Grubauer as a reliable player and a rock for the Kraken team.