Kraken Lose Eberle; "Find a Way to Win" in Rugged Win Against Blackhawks

11/14/2024

(Seattle, WA)

It was not pretty, it was not glamourous, but the Kraken grinded out a gritty 3-1 against Chicago. The defense was stellar in the first period, with contributions offensively in the second period to secure a third straight win for Seattle. The win came at a cost with their captain Jordan Eberle injured early in the second period.

The Hawks came into the night second to last in Central Division standings. Joey Daccord made his third straight start for the Kraken with Philip Grubauer recovering from an injury suiting as the backup. On the other end of the ice, Chicago started Petr Mrazek with hopes to start a short two game road trip on a winning note.

The Kraken sought a better start than the last two games. Both contests saw Seattle trailing 2-0 in the first period in two straight games against Vegas and Columbus. Although the Kraken won both games the importance of a solid start was apparent.

Seattle held the edge of play in the first twenty minutes outshooting Chicago 10-3, but no goals to show for it in a scoreless opening frame.

Kraken Head Coach Dan Bylsma emphasized a strong start, saying it was their focus to play well from the outset.

On the opening shift of the second period, Jordan Eberle slid into the left corner wall. The Kraken training staff helped him off, with the team captain in considerable pain. He did not return.

The Kraken got on the board when Matty Beniers scorched a snap shot past Petr Mrazek to put the Kraken up 1-0 4:18 into the second period.

Seattle outshot Chicago 10-6 in the second frame.

Insurance came early at 1:34 of the third period. On a brief power play when Jaden Schwartz was on the receiving end of a Chandler Stephenson feed from the left corner. From the tape of Stephenson to Schwartz to the back of the net. The goal from Schwartz was the 200th of his NHL career. The Kraken led 2-0, but the lead did not last long.

Chicago responded moments later at 3:22 of the third when former Kraken Ryan Donato scored an unassisted goal to put the Hawks back in the game.

Seattle defended well in the third period being outshot 10-6 in the third period. Joey Daccord made key saves down the stretch. Near the end, Brandon Tanev deposited an empty net goal with 19 seconds left. Tanev’s third straight game with a goal. Seattle with their 3-1 win recorded their third straight victory.

Joey Daccord saved 18 of 19 Blackhawk shots, with most of Chicago’s chances coming in the third period. Petr Mrazek in the loss saved 23 of 25 Kraken shots.

Jaden Schwartz dubbed the result as the team, “finding a way to win”.

Although they came away with the win, the impending absence of Jordan Eberle leads to a question of how Seattle will adjust their forward lines. Who will replace the captain? And what would that mean to an under the radar fourth line?

Up Next:

The Kraken host both New York teams over the weekend with their tilt against the New York Islanders Saturday at 1pm and their game against the New York Rangers Sunday at 6pm.