First: Let’s get physical
At Monday’s Kraken practice at the Bell Center in Montreal, the message was unmistakable. Kraken coach Dan Bylsma had his players complete drills with lots of physical tackles.

Bylsma was then asked if the drills had anything to do with the way the team played during Saturday night’s loss to Carolina and whether he expected what they practiced to be more clearly implemented in Tuesday night’s game become. A grinning, tight-lipped Bylsma nodded vigorously at the question and then said a few sparse words: “Yes, a holdover from Saturday’s game,” he said. “And yes, I would like to see more of that (physical play).”

As if to drive that point home, the Kraken announced about an hour later that forward John Hayden had been promoted – along with defenseman Cale Fleury – from AHL Coachella Valley to the NHL roster. No stranger to physical play, Hayden is not afraid to drop his gloves to tackle opponents or charge head-on into corners or the front of the net to fight for pucks.

The Kraken had salary cap space to add both players since defenseman Vince Dunn is now on Long Term Injured Reserve. Dunn’s salary will not count against the cap as long as he remains out, which is expected to be several more weeks.

Bylsma didn’t mince words about what he believes represents an improvement for the Kraken in these areas.

“The competition and executing under pressure in difficult situations,” he said. “That’s the game. You win the game if you are able to execute in these areas, the tight spots, wall play, defensive zone coverage and defensive zone exits. And offensively, in the offensive zone, the game is won.”