The Seattle Kraken made a big shake-up, kicking out head coach Dave Hakstol after his three-season run. This move comes hot on the heels of the team missing the playoffs, which is a bit of a bummer considering they hit 100 points and even made it to the Western Conference semifinals last season.
General manager Ron Francis had some kind words for Hakstol, praising his hard work but ultimately deciding it was time for a change. Assistant coach Paul McFarland is also on the way out, making room for some fresh faces behind the bench next season.
Hakstol's tenure wasn't all bad though. In his second season, the team surprised everyone, winning 46 games and hitting the 100-point mark. They even made it to the conference semifinals before bowing out to the Dallas Stars. This success earned Hakstol a spot as a finalist for the Jack Adams Award, which recognizes top NHL coaches.
But this season was a different story. The Kraken stumbled out of the gate with four straight losses and later endured an eight-game slide. They did rally with a 13-game points streak, including a sweet victory over the Vegas Golden Knights in the Winter Classic at T-Mobile Park. However, they couldn't maintain that momentum, finishing 34-35-13 and missing the playoffs by a long shot.
The team's offensive game was a major letdown this season, ranking 18th on the power play and near the bottom in shooting percentage and goals scored. These struggles, coupled with inconsistent performances, sealed Hakstol's fate.
Now, the Kraken are on the hunt for a new head coach, hoping to turn things around and get back in the playoff mix next season. It's a tough call to let Hakstol go, but the team is looking for a fresh start and a new direction.
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