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 did come at a cost for Seattle with the of team captain Jordan Eberle early in the second period.
The Hawks came into the night second to last in Central Division standings with starting goaltender Petr Mrazek hoping to start a two game road trip on a winning note. Joey Daccord made his third straight start for the Kraken with Philip Grubauer recovering from an injury suiting as the backup.
The Kraken were hoping for a better start than the previous two games. Both saw Seattle trailing 2-0 in the first period against Vegas and Columbus. Although the Kraken won both games the importance of a solid start was apparent to set the tone for the night. Kraken Head Coach Dan Bylsma emphasized pregame about having strong start, saying it was their focus to play well from the outset.
Seattle held the edge of play in the first twenty minutes outshooting Chicago 10-3. Yet both goalie held strong through 20 minutes.
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. The forward’s third straight game with a goal. Seattle with their 3-1 win, recorded their third consecutive 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 made 23 of 25 saves for Chicago.
Jaden Schwartz coined the effort as, “finding a way to win”.
Up Next:
The Kraken host both New York teams over the weekend. The Kraken see the Islanders come to town Saturday at 1pm. The Rangers follow on the back end of the back to back on Sunday at 6pm.
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