Grubauer whitewashes Penguins

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If anyone sits down some day to make a ranking of Philipp Grubauer’s best games as a Seattle Kraken netminder, last night’s 2-0 win over the Pittsburgh Penguins will be right at the top.

Grubauer stopped 33 shots, 18 in the first period, en route to his first shutout of the season. Alex Wennberg, who’s been mentioned in trade rumors, had a goal and an assist while All-Star Oliver Bjorkstrand tallied the other Seattle goal.  to lead the Kraken to a `must win’ in their upward battle for a post-season playoff berth.

“It (the shutout) doesn’t happen if not for the guys in front of me,” said Grubauer, “blocking shots, taking the body, covering the lanes…”

The victory was a `must win’ for the Kraken who continue their upward climb for a playoff berth. With the win, Seattle’s tied for ninth place in the Western Conference – eight teams make the playoffs – with St. Louis and Calgary. Less than a week ago, the Kraken were 12th in the race.

The Kraken (26-22-11) have fewer wins than St. Louis and Calgary but the really bad news for Seattle hockey fans – eighth place Nashville continues to pull away from the pack. The Predators have won seven straight games (they handily defeated Minnesota last night, 6-1) and lead Seattle. St. Louis and Calgary by seven standing points.

Last night was another slow start for the home team as the Penguins- like the Bruins on Tuesday night- had an early 9-0 lead in shots, but Seattle took the lead at 12:25 of the first period. Will Borgen’s drive hit Wennberg in front, popped high in the air, and Bjorkstrand pounced on the rebound and sent it past Pittsburgh goalie Tristan Jarry.

“It feels better to have the lead. You’re not chasing the game,” said Bjorkstrand, who has scored in his last two games. “We didn’t panic. They had good pushes (early) but we stayed calm.”

“Our competitiveness was good tonight,” said Kraken coach Dave Hakstol, behind the bench for his 500th NHL game. “Pittsburgh’s good at getting too loose pucks. But we played a structured game.”

It was also a milestone night for Wennberg. He became the fifth player to reach the 100-point mark for the Kraken behind Jared McCann, Jordan Eberle, Yanni Gourde and Vince Dunn. Wennberg’s goal was marked by the veteran forward’s perseverance.

With Lars Eller in the penalty box for high sticking, Dunn barely kept a clearing pass in the Kraken O-zone and head manned the puck to Wennberg. He drove to the front of the net, and while Jarry made the original stop, Wennberg stayed in position to jam home the rebound of Kailer Yamamoto’s shot.

The Kraken played their best hockey in the third period, not going into a shell to protect the lead, but outshooting their guests by a 12-4 margin. Grubauer recorded his 21st career shutout, third with the Kraken and first since April 7, 2022.

“It’s more important to get those points than the shutout,” said Grubauer, who heard plenty of `Gruuu’ chants at last night’s contest. “It’s huge for the team because everybody plays their part and does their part.”

The Kraken conclude their six-game homestand tomorrow afternoon against the Edmonton Oilers. Seattle already boasts a winning record on the homestand, 3-1-1.

Scoring Summary

First Period

S- Oliver Bjorkstrand 13 (Alex Wennberg 16, Will Borgen 20) 12:25.

Second Period

No scoring.

Third Period

S- Alex Wennberg 9 (Kailer Yamamoto 6, Eeli Tolvanen 18) PPG. 15:02.

Shots On Goal- Pittsburgh 33, Seattle 28.

Faceoffs- Pittsburgh 48.1% Seattle 51.9%

Penalty Minutes- Pittsburgh 8, Seattle 6.

Referees- Graham Skilliter, Chris Schlenker. Linesmen- Bevan Mills, Tyson Baker.

Three Stars- 1. Philipp Grubauer 2. Oliver Bjorkstrand 3. Alex Wennberg.

 

 

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