Lane Lambert Seeks Redemption as Seattle Kraken Head Coach

Lane Lambert, a 60-year-old native of Melfort, Saskatchewan, who played 300 combined NHL games in the 1980s and won the Stanley Cup as an assistant coach with Washington in 2018, takes the reins as the head coach of the Seattle Kraken. This marks his first opportunity as a head coach, having previously served as an associate coach under Barry Trotz with the New York Islanders and Craig Berube with the Toronto Maple Leafs. Lambert expressed his eagerness to build on the lessons learned from his previous experiences, stating that he's a different coach this time around due to the value of experience.

Key Takeaways:

• Lambert was hired by the Seattle Kraken in May, marking his first head coaching position after serving as an associate coach for 11 seasons.
• The Kraken has started the season with a solid 3-0-2 record, but the team has since suffered consecutive regulation road losses.
• Lambert emphasizes the importance of details, structure, and defensive play, citing these aspects as crucial for the team's success.
• Defenceman Vince Dunn praised Lambert's intensity, saying that the coach's positive and negative energy is felt by the players at all times, while forward Jordan Eberle described the coach as intense and direct.
• Lambert's attention to detail and competitiveness have been noted by players, who appreciate his ability to connect with them on a personal level.

Statistics:

• The Seattle Kraken has started the season with a 3-0-2 record.
• The team has since lost two consecutive regulation road games to the Philadelphia Flyers and Washington Capitals.
• Lambert has served as an associate coach for 11 seasons before taking the reins as the head coach of the Seattle Kraken.
• The Kraken ranks third in the Pacific Division, with a goal differential of +4.

Sources:

• "Lane Lambert hoping for a longer runway after lessons learned as Toronto assistant coach" by Joshua Clipperton, The Canadian Press.
• The Canadian Press, May 2025.