12/10/2024
Written by Marcus Sledge
SEATTLE – Aleksander Barkov played a pivotal role in the Florida Panthers’ 2-1 shootout victory over the Seattle Kraken at Climate Pledge spoiling the Kraken’s welcome home after a 4 game road stretch.
Barkov not only scored the game-tying goal but also converted in the shootout. Sam Reinhart sealed the win with a decisive move, deking to his right and lifting the puck over Joey Daccord’s left pad. Sergei Bobrovsky was flawless in the shootout, stopping attempts by Eeli Tolvanen and Oliver Bjorkstrand to secure a 2-0 edge.
Reinhart also contributed an assist as the Panthers (18-9-2) extended their winning streak to three games.
For the Kraken (14-14-2), Chandler Stephenson opened the scoring with a breakaway goal at 15:39 in the first period. Yanni Gourde set up the play with a pass from the blue line, allowing Stephenson to skate in and chip the puck past Bobrovsky’s glove. Jared McCann also notched an assist, while Daccord stood tall in goal with 32 saves.
The Panthers tied it at 1-1 late in the second period. Barkov capitalized on a setup by Reinhart, one-timing a pass from the right circle into an open net behind Daccord. The equalizer came moments after Florida’s Nate Schmidt made a critical defensive play, hustling to disrupt a breakaway attempt by Gourde.
The tightly contested game was ultimately decided in the shootout, where the Panthers’ offensive precision and Bobrovsky’s clutch saves made the difference.
Joey Daccord after missing Sunday’s victory over the Rangers willed Seattle to a point in the standings. Sergei Bobrovsky was less active, making 17 saves.
Head Coach Dan Byslma credited the Kraken defensive effort, calling it their best of the season.
Unfortunately for Seattle, Yanni Gourde was injured in the second period and did not return, Head Coach Dan Byslma did not provide an update when speaking to the media.
Next up: The Kraken host The Boston Bruins (15-12-3) with puck drop scheduled for 7pm, the Bruins are coming off a humiliating 8-1 loss in Winnipeg. Expect a Bruins team that will play with a purpose and likely very physical.
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