Seattle, WA

Where does 2021 2nd-round pick Ryker Evans fit in with Seattle Kraken?

Published

2 years ago

April 23, 2022

Where does 2021 2nd-round pick Ryker Evans fit in with Seattle Kraken?

A few weeks after signing Matty Beniers, the Seattle Kraken signed their second 2021 NHL Draft decide on Friday. The staff introduced that their second-round decide, defenseman Ryker Evans, had signed his entry-level deal after his season within the WHL got here to an finish.

Seattle Kraken signal 2nd-round decide Ryker Evans to entry degree deal

This got here with barely much less fanfare than Beniers’ signing did. There have been no graphics or video footage of his airport arrival however that’s the distinction between second general within the draft and thirty fifth general, which is the place Evans was chosen final July.

However that doesn’t imply this isn’t an necessary step.

Evans, 20, was one of many higher defensemen within the Western Hockey League final season. Taking part in with the Regina Pats, he scored 14 objectives, 47 assists, and 61 factors in 63 video games, which put him third on the Pats scoring and seventh within the league for scoring from a defenseman.

He thrived on particular groups as properly, scoring six power-play objectives and organising 26 extra. Three of his objectives had been game-winning objectives.

He’s listed at 6-feet tall and 190 kilos and whereas he received’t scare anybody with bruising hits within the defensive zone, he could find yourself giving opposing coaches matches together with his offensive capability. Evans is a puck-moving offensive defenseman, and the massive query now might be can he translate his success in junior hockey to the professionals, and can he crack the Seattle lineup this fall?

Evans is an older prospect, a late bloomer if you’ll, however saved getting higher annually, and all of his scoring numbers this season had been profession highs. He was in coaching camp this previous fall with the Seattle Kraken and was spectacular. In drills and scrimmages, he confirmed off some puck-moving talent, slick strikes, and performed as if he belonged.

He wasn’t intimidated in any respect, even enjoying a preseason recreation on the street. All that carried into the common WHL season the place he began scorching and by no means slowed down.

Now that he’s signed, what’s subsequent for Evans

The staff introduced Friday that Evans will fly to Charlotte and be part of the Checkers for his or her AHL playoff run. He’ll apply with the professionals and is eligible to play if wanted. So, he’ll get a style of the professional hockey life-style, velocity, and talent.

After the playoffs he’ll spend his summer season figuring out to arrange for his second coaching camp with the Seattle Kraken within the fall, hoping he can crack the lineup.

“Ryker got here in final yr and was an actual nice shock in camp,” normal supervisor Ron Francis mentioned final month. “It’s not day by day you see a younger man play with that type of confidence and moxie and I assumed he did an actual good job. He’s had a fantastic season down there this yr in Regina. Most youthful guys want further energy. So, that’s one thing hopefully over the course of summer season he’ll get stronger in his recreation. After which it’s coming in and it’s simply studying just a little bit extra concerning the NHL recreation, it’s extra structured and extra disciplined.”

If he does get sturdy sufficient and repeats that very same confidence and moxie, don’t be stunned if he finally ends up on the opening evening roster. Whereas the Kraken have defensive group, the one factor lacking is a dynamic puck-moving defenseman.

Evans was that man in juniors and if he can replicate it this fall, the Kraken offensive assault will enhance.

“He’s an actual assured child that skates properly and strikes the puck properly,” Francis mentioned. “He’ll have each alternative to come back in right here and present us what he can do in camp. If he makes the staff, nice. If not, then it’s not the top of the world to go right down to [AHL] Palm Springs and play some video games and develop down there.”

The place would Evans match?

There aren’t apparent rosters spots for Evans because the season involves an finish. Seattle will make modifications this summer season and whereas most of these needs to be throughout the ahead group, there’s nonetheless an opportunity the protection appears to be like completely different.

Jamie Oleksiak and Adam Larsson are locks to return to the Kraken. Each are underneath contract and have had strong seasons. Larsson has arguably been Seattle’s finest general defenseman and set a brand new career-high in objectives.

Vince Dunn has actually come on this yr for the Kraken and leads the staff in assists. He’s a two-way defenseman who handles his personal finish, can move the puck, and has a savvy knack for understanding when to fill in on offense. Carson Soucy had a powerful season as properly and needs to be a lock to return.

With the highest 4 defensemen considerably set, Evans might want to show extra worthwhile than a gaggle of youthful guys who’ve all had up and down seasons.

The 2 brothers Haydn and Cale Fleury are each restricted free brokers and Francis has a troublesome name right here. Haydn was an everyday scratch early within the season, acquired into the lineup after the NHL Commerce Deadline however has struggled with an damage since. Cale has proven some indicators, however inexperience could price him.

Will Borgen has yet another yr on his contract which can be sufficient to maintain him. He’s younger and whereas he hasn’t put up massive numbers, his underlying analytics are sturdy.

Evans probably has a distinct talent set than a lot of the returning defensemen and if that talent reveals in coaching camp, he might exchange considered one of these gamers. Protection is a troublesome place to play, particularly for a younger rookie. As Francis hinted, the American Hockey League would be the almost certainly beginning place for Evans however don’t be stunned if sooner or later subsequent season, he’s enjoying NHL video games.

Matty Beniers off to nice begin, however Seattle Kraken nonetheless want talent on offense

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Seattle, WA

Disputed penalty costs Seattle Sounders lead in draw vs Whitecaps

Published

5 hours ago

May 19, 2024

Press Room

Disputed penalty costs Seattle Sounders lead in draw vs Whitecaps

SEATTLE (AP) — Ryan Gauld scored on a penalty kick in the fifth minute of second-half stoppage time, and the Vancouver Whitecaps salvaged a 1-1 draw with the Seattle Sounders on Saturday night.

Seattle Sounders 1, Vancouver Whitecaps 1: Box Score

Gauld’s tying goal came following a lengthy video review where referee Victor Rivas and video official Pierre-Luc Lauziere determined Seattle defender Nouhou committed a handball inside the penalty area in the 90th minute.

Gauld sent Seattle goalkeeper Stefan Frei the wrong direction with his left-footed shot for his fourth goal of the season. Gauld also scored against the Sounders in a 2-0 win last month.

Seattle’s Jordan Morris scored his second of the year in the opening minutes of the match but the Sounders will feel it was a harsh penalty decision that cost them the chance at three points. Seattle was trying to complete a six-point week and pick up wins over its two Cascadia rivals after winning in Portland last weekend.

Instead, the Sounders remain with just one victory at home so far this season.

The Sounders nearly picked up a late winner as designated player Pedro de la Vega had a shot hit the post in the final seconds of the match. De la Vega entered in the 76th minute for his first appearance since March 2 when suffered a hamstring injury against Austin FC. He also had a header hit the crossbar in the 82nd minute.

Morris’ goal came off a scramble in the penalty area in the ninth minute. Alex Roldan’s initial shot was saved by Vancouver goalkeeper Yohei Takaoka, but was pushed right toward Morris and his left-footed shot found net. His only other goal this season came on April 6 against Montreal.

Seattle’s Own 🤩
Jordan Morris makes it 1-0! #SEAvVAN pic.twitter.com/CgNzdzLeEp
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— Seattle Sounders FC (@SoundersFC) May 19, 2024

After losing its last two league matches, both on the road, the Whitecaps earned a point with the late draw. But Vancouver has not won since beating Seattle on April 20 and scored just two goals in its last five MLS games.

While Vancouver gets to go home this week, it doesn’t get much easier. After a midweek home game against Calvary FC in the Canadian Championship quarterfinals, the Whitecaps host Lionel Messi and Eastern Conference-leading Inter Miami next Saturday.

Brock: How Seahawks’ defense will create ‘illusion of complexity’

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Seattle, WA

Surging Pride seek 1st victory in Seattle

Published

12 hours ago

May 18, 2024

Press Room

Surging Pride seek 1st victory in Seattle

By Kyle Foley

Orlando Sentinel Correspondent

The Orlando Pride will be out in Seattle on Sunday looking to make it 10 games in a row undefeated, including a six-game winning streak.

Vying for the top spot in the NWSL, the Pride (6-0-3, 21 points) will take on the Seattle Reign FC (2-6-1, 7 points) at Lumen Field (Bally Sports Florida, 6).

The Pride have a 2-7-7 record against the Reign and have never won in Seattle.

“I think Seattle’s a really good team. We respect them a lot,” Pride midfielder Morgan Gautrat said. “For us, obviously, we’ve been in a good run and we’re on a roll and I feel like for us, we’re in a confident space and I think we’re just looking to go cross country and get three points.”

While Barbra Banda and the Orlando attack have rightfully been the center of attention for the Pride, it has been their defense that has been most impressive. Orlando has allowed just seven goals all season, the second-fewest in NWSL, despite struggling with injuries.

Head coach Seb Hines said he believes that such success is the product of squad depth and the ability of players to fill in holes whenever they are called upon.

“We can rely on anyone who has to go in and do a job in those positions,” Hines said. “So it’s made easier for me because our principles, our culture has been terrific and they do whatever it takes to get the three points at the end of the game.”

Up next

Pride at Seattle

When: Sunday at Lumen Field, 6

TV: Bally Sports Florida

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Seattle, WA

Seattle Mariners at Baltimore Orioles odds, picks and predictions

Published

19 hours ago

May 18, 2024

Press Room

Seattle Mariners at Baltimore Orioles odds, picks and predictions

The Baltimore Orioles (28-14) welcome the Seattle Mariners (24-21) to Oriole Park at Camden Yards for the 2nd game of their 3-game series. First pitch is set for 4:05 p.m. ET (FS1). Let’s analyze FanDuel Sportsbook’s lines around the Mariners vs. Orioles odds and make our expert MLB picks and predictions for the best bets.

Season series: Orioles lead 1-0

The Mariners lost to the Orioles to open the series 9-2 Friday, failing to cover as run-line underdogs. They closed +117 on the moneyline. Seattle has won 3 of its last 5 games yet is just 6-8 over its last 14. The Mariners have struggled offensively, scoring just 2 runs in 2 of their last 3 games.

The Orioles have won 2 straight and 5 of their last 7. However, they are just 1-4 against the spread (ATS) in their last 5 games (23-19 ATS on the season). Baltimore is the 7th-best home team in MLB with a 16-9 record.

Mariners at Orioles projected starters

RHP Luis Castillo vs. TBD

Castillo (4-5, 3.31 ERA) makes his 10th start. He has a 1.12 WHIP, 1.8 BB/9 and 10.6 K/9 through 54 1/3 IP.

Last start: Win, 6 IP, 2 ER, 7 H, 0 BB, 8 K in an 8-4 home win over the Oakland A’s Friday
Career vs. Orioles: 1-0, 1.50 ERA (6 IP, 1 ER), 2 H, 2 BB, 8 K in 1 start
2024 road splits: 2-2, 2.92 ERA (24 2/3 IP, 8 ER), 2 HR, .189 opponent batting average (OBA) in 4 starts

While the Orioles have yet to announce a starter, 30-year-old Cole Irvin seems on deck and could’ve started Friday. It was noted he didn’t start due to injury, so he’s a likely option for Baltimore.

Irvin 2024 home stats: 2-1, 3.22 ERA (22 1/3 IP, 8 ER), 1.12 WHIP in 4 starts

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Mariners at Orioles odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated at 9:45 a.m. ET.

Moneyline (ML): Mariners -106 (bet $106 to win $100) | Orioles -110 (bet $110 to win $100)
Run line (RL)/Against the spread (ATS): Mariners -1.5 (+158) | Orioles +1.5 (-192)
Over/Under (O/U): 7.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Mariners at Orioles picks and predictions

Prediction

Marines 5, Orioles 3

Moneyline

BET MARINERS (-106).

Castillo struggled to start the season, but he has been on fire over the last month. He has pitched 32 2/3 innings and has 6 ER. During that span, in his starts, the Mariners have road wins over the Rockies and Rangers and home wins over the Braves and A’s. Seattle is 4-1 over his last 5 starts.

It has also scored at least 4 runs in 3 of its last 5, so it has sustained some success offensively. The Orioles blasted the Mariners in the first game and are 16-11 after a win. Seattle is 13-7 after a loss. Considering those trends and Seattle’s pitching edge, take MARINERS (-106).

Run line/Against the spread

PASS.

There’s no value here. The Mariners are too risky as run-line favorites, while the Orioles are far too expensive as run-line underdogs. Ultimately, the moneyline has the only team-specific value here.

Over/Under

LEAN OVER 7.5 (-110).

Both teams have had success on the Over as of late. The Mariners are 8-2 O/U in their last 10 games and have scored at least 6 runs in 4 of those.

The Orioles have tallied at least 7 in 3 of their last 9 and are 5-4 O/U in that span. Baltimore is 21-17-3 O/U on the season. The recent trends point to the Over, so back OVER 7.5 (-110).

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