Coach Lane Lambert expresses satisfaction with his new role as head coach for the Seattle Kraken, stating it was an ideal match for him.
Slamming the Kraken's Latest Coach Appointment: Lane Lambert Takes the Helm
Finally, the Kraken have a new coach, Lane Lambert — let's see if this third time's the charm!
A year after introducing Dan Bylsma as their coach, the Kraken are back at it again, this time welcoming Lane Lambert into the mix. It's the team's fifth year of existence, and with a disappointing track record, fans are left wondering: can Lambert turn this leaky ship around?
The scene felt different during Bylsma's introduction, with Ron Francis nestled at the table, then the team's general manager, not President of Hockey Operations. This time, there’s a more defensive atmosphere in the air, likely due to the sky-high expectations placed on the franchise.
"Pressure? I don't feel it," Lambert retorted, somehow managing to keep a straight face. "I have an expectation on myself, of my role, my job, my abilities."
After a promising second season, the Kraken's performance has been increasingly dismal. Their power play dipped down to 18.9% — 23rd in the league, and their penalty kill wasn't much better, ranking 21st at 77.2%. After splurging on free agents, Brandon Montour and Chandler Stephenson, it seemed a speedier and hungrier style was the answer... sadly, the playoff cutoff remained frustratingly out of reach.
Bylsma was shown the door on April 21, marking the beginning of a significant reshuffle in the Kraken's front office. Francis moved to a new job, and assistant GM Jason Botterill took the reins, before making his first big move: hiring the associate coach of the Maple Leafs.
"Is Lane a great choice? Yes, indeed," declared Botterill, undeterred by Lambert's lack of prior head coaching experience beyond his two-year stint with the New York Islanders. Twenty of Lambert's twenty-one playoff runs were as an assistant, and he cites former coaches like Dave Tippett and Claude Noel as mentors, especially with Tippett conveniently serving as a Kraken coaching consultant.
Lambert was quick to express a sense of connection to the Kraken, hinting at an immediate bond with the team and organization. "Three minutes in, I already wanted to be here," he announced, genuinely enthused about the opportunities ahead.
Kraken captain, Jordan Eberle, has firsthand experience with Lambert as his former teammate on the Islanders, while forwards Andre Burakovsky and Chandler Stephenson, and goalie Philipp Grubauer have encountered him during his tenure as a Capitals assistant, with whom they once won the Cup.
Lambert has set clear goals for the team, emphasizing the importance of speed and aggression to compete in the NHL. "I won't let issues fester," he declared confidently, hinting at his no-nonsense approach to coaching.
In typical Kraken fashion, Lambert's job security comes with a few changes from the coaching staff. Assistant coach Dave Lowry and goaltending coach Steve Briere were dismissed, with no mention of Bob Woods, the power play coach who came on board during the Dave Hakstol coaching era. Kraken fans may be concerned that Coach Jessica Campbell, the first woman in her NHL role, may also face repercussions. However, the organization has made it clear that Campbell will remain a part of the team moving forward.
The Kraken hunt for new coaching talent is still ongoing, but one thing is for certain: the team is ready to make a comeback under Lane Lambert's leadership. Only time will tell if their new coach has what it takes to turn things around. In the meanwhile, we'll keep you posted on all the latest Seattle sports news.
Fan Feedback:
Wow, I can't believe they gave the Kraken that Pompous Windbag as a coach! He couldn't even manage the Islanders, and now he thinks he's the second coming of Christ! I guess I'll just have to grit my teeth and watch this trainwreck unfold.
Super excited about Lane Lambert! As a lifelong fan of the Caps, I've seen firsthand how amazing he can be as a coach. I think he's just what the Kraken need to win them a championship.
Those Jersey Shore A-holes better shape up fast — nobody wants to watch a perpetually losing team!
If Lambert can revive this sinking ship, fans are gonna love him even more than the Kraken Kraken.
Looks like we finally got a coach who's not gonna pull any punches. I'll drink to that!
I still think the Kraken should have hired Coolio instead. He could have given that boring, stagnant team some much-needed street cred and cool points.
Well, let's hope for the best, but I'm not betting my last Crypto on it.
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The Kraken, based in Seattle, have appointed Lane Lambert as their new coach, hoping he can turn around their disappointing five-year run in the NHL.
After coaching the New York Islanders, Lambert now joins a team that previously had Dan Bylsma at the helm, but struggled to reach the playoffs.
Despite his lack of prior head coaching experience beyond his stint with the Islanders, Lambert expressed confidence, citing former coaches like Dave Tippett and Claude Noel as mentors, and stating his focus on speed and aggression.
