Calder Trophy Winner Explains His Sophomore Slump

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Graham Montgomery
November 4, 2023 (10:43 PM)

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The Kraken have not been as good as many expected after their shocking playoff run last season in which they knocked off the defending Stanley Cup champions in the first round. Part of their struggles can be explained by second-year forward Matty Beniers.

Beniers Cold Streak Hurts Kraken

Last season Matty Beniers was second on the Kraken in goal-scoring with 24 tallies, trailing only Jared McCann, who put 40 biscuits in the basket. So far through 11 games this season, Beniers has just three assists. Despite 20 shots on goal, he is yet to beat an NHL goaltender this season. His three points tie him for 11th on the team in scoring.

Beniers is focused on playing his game and working even harder as he gets through this cold streak.

«I would like to (score), but we're winning right now, so can't worry too much about it, play hard, and good things come when you play the right way. I think I'm similar that way. When things aren't coming that easily, I just try to work harder, that's kind of what I've done in the past and that's what I do now.»

Hakstol Trusts Beniers

Kraken head coach Dave Hakstol has shown a lot of trust in Beniers, telling him he's fine and that he just needs to keep playing his game.

"I thought Matty Beniers had a real good hockey game the other night,» Hakstol said. «Ollie Bjorkstrand was part of that, so that group showed a little bit of chemistry (with third linemate Tye Kartye)."

Hakstol continued by stating he did not feel a need to discuss Beniers' slow start because he's been doing the little things correctly.

"I'm not going to talk him into it, he doesn't need to be talked into it,» Hakstol said emphatically. «He played a really good hockey game the other night. With him it's just making sure he continues to do things the right way. There's a fine line between trying to do too much and pressing to score and I don't see that in him."

As seen on Exclusive Kraken Chat; Matty Beniers �Sophomore Slump'