Kraken win third straight

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The Seattle Kraken made it three in a row last night at Climate Pledge Arena with a 3-1 victory over the visiting Chicago Blackhawks.

The wins come after four consecutive road losses as the Kraken improve their record to 8-8-1 on the season.

Jaden Schultz scored what proved to be the game-winner, Seattle’s second goal of the game in the third period. It was a milestone score for Schultz – the 200th of his NHL career. The goal came off a pass from Schultz’s childhood friend, Chandler Stephenson, who centered a pass as he sped down the left wing. Defenseman Ryker Evans also assisted on the score.

``It’s a cool milestone,” said Schwartz, after the game. “It's not something you really think about on a day-to-day basis. But certainly, it's fun to chip in and help the team.’’

Kraken coach Dan Bylsma played Nostradamus noting. “I thought there was no doubt he was going to score tonight. He had three chances in the second [period], not counting the one timer that was blocked that had a real good chance going in. And he got a great play from Chandler on the abbreviated power play that resulted in the goal.”

In their two previous contests, the Kraken fell behind 2-0 in the first period (to Vegas and Columbus) only to rally for the win. Last night, Seattle had a good first period outshooting their guests, 10-4.

The Kraken scored their first goal off some nifty passing. Adam Larsson cleared the puck out of the defensive zone, hitting Oliver Bjorkstrand down the right wing, who sent a cross-ice pass to Jared McCann, who hit Matty Beniers driving to the net for the score.

Bjorkstrand had replaced Jordan Eberle on the line with Beniers and McCann after the Kraken captain crashed heavily into the boards and had to be helped from the ice. Seattle announced that Eberle had a `lower body injury’ and he didn’t return for the remainder of the game.

``It’s tough to see your captain go down,” said Stephenson. ``I don’t know how serious it is. He’s played through a lot and hopefully he’ll be back.

Down 2-0, the Blackhawks got on the scoreboard thanks to a former Kraken. Ryan Donato, who scored the first ever Kraken goal, pounced on a loose puck at center ice. Donato took the puck into the zone and scored off his own rebound after Joey Daccord’s save.

The Blackhawks had chances to tie the game but Daccord made some big saves off Lukas Reichel and Jason Dickinson. The Kraken iced the game when Brandon Tanev stole the puck from Connor Bedard (last season’s Rookie-of-the-Year) and fired into the empty net.

After the game, Bylsma said that Eberle would be evaluated today. The Kraken hope to have Daniel Sprong in the lineup this weekend. Seattle acquired Sprong, a former Kraken, on Tuesday from the Vancouver Canucks. Sprong has had visa problems getting into the country.

The Kraken have a busy weekend. They face the New York Islanders on Saturday afternoon and the New York Rangers, Sunday night.

 

Scoring Summary

First Period

No scoring.

Second Period

S- Matty Beniers 4 (Jared McCann 12, Oliver Bjorkstrand 4) 4:18.

Third Period

S- Jaden Schwartz 4 (Chandler Stephenson 9, Ryker Evans 6) 1:34. C- Ryan Donato (unassisted) 3:22. S- Brandon Tanev 5 (unassisted) empty net.

Shots on Goal- Chicago 19 (Ryan Donato 4), Seattle 26 (Matty Beniers, Brandon Montour 4).

Hits- Chicago 12 (Connor Murphy 3) Seattle 14 (Tye Kartye 4).

Blocked Shots- Chicago 12 (Seth Jones, Connor Murphy 3) Boston (Jared McCann, Ryker Evans 2).

Penalties- Chicago 6, Seattle 2.

Faceoffs- Chicago 48.2% Seattle 51.8%.

Referees- Wes McCauley, Brandon Schrader. Linesmen- Scott Cherrey, Joe Mahon.

Three Stars- 1. Jaden Schwartz. 2. Matty Beniers. 3.

 

 

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