Grubi, Tolvy lead Kraken past Utah

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When goaltender Philipp Grubauer cleared waivers and was sent to the Coachella Valley Firebirds of the AHL, there were some Seattle Kraken fans who wondered whether this was the end of the player Kraken TV announcer John Forslund dubbed `the German gentleman.’

But last night at Climate Pledge Arena it was like old times as the Kraken faithful chanted, `Gruuuu’ after every Grubauer save, particularly in a hectic third period as the Kraken posted a 4-2 victory over the Utah Hockey Club.

Grubauer stopped 22 of 24 shots faced to pick up his second straight win in as many appearances since his return to the NHL. Grubauer compiled a 5-2 record at CV, refocusing his game while most of the Kraken had time off during the 4Nations break.

Grubi’s best save came in the third period when after an initial stop on Utah’s Michael Kesserling the netminder was bowled over by Michael Carcone. Lying down on the ice, was able to get a piece of Carcone’s shot as it was headed towards the net.

``It was good to go down (to Coachella Valley) and play for a few games,’’ said Grubauer, who felt he got his rhythm back playing for CV. ``We goalies need to play a lot of games. It’s tough to sit on the bench for 25 days and get thrown in there. Though, that’s my job.’’

``I think there were more than the 24 (Utah) shots registered,’’ said Kraken coach Dan Bylsma. ``They’re dangerous on the power play and (Grubauer) had some big saves on the PK.’’

Eeli Tolvanen opened the scoring only 31 seconds into the contest off a pass from linemate Chandler Stephenson, reaching the 20-goal mark for the first time in his career. Tolvanen would add an empty net goal with 1:09 remaining in the contest.

``It meant a lot,’’ said Tolvanen, of the milestone goal. ``I’ve gotten a chance to play here. I’ve had it in my head. Last year I had 18 goals with 15 games left in the season.’’

Utah HC has a legitimate shot at the playoffs in their first year since leaving Arizona, as they and St. Louis are tied with 69 points, two points behind Vancouver and Calgary for the final playoff berth in the Western Conference. They took a 2-1 lead off goals from Nick Schmaltz and Kevin Stenlund, but its defense helped the Kraken get back in the game.

Brandon Montour coming off a two-goal game on Wednesday against Montreal (including the fastest overtime goal in NHL history) scored the tying goal off a pass from Jordan Eberle. But Montour’s shot actually went through the legs of defenseman John Marino into the net.

Kaapo Kakko scored the game winner at 10:29 of the third period. Veteran defenseman Mikhail Serachev tried to shoot the puck around the boards from the right corner. But the puck hit the side of the net and came to Kakko, who circled behind the net and beat Utah goalie Karel Vejmelka on the open side..

Tolvanen’s empty-netter wrapped things up as the Kraken (29-34-4 overall) have won two in a row and three out of four since the trade deadline.

``It’s amazing to win at home,’’ said Grubauer, hearing the `Gruuu’ chants once again. ``The crowd was great tonight.’’

The Kraken welcome the Winnipeg Jets tomorrow night featuring fan favorite Brandon Tanev who was dealt to the Jets at the trade deadline. He should get a warm reception from the Seattle faithful.

Scoring Summary

First Period

S- Eeli Tolvanen 20 (Chandler Stephenson 35) :31.

U- Nick Schmaltz (Kevin Stenlund) 16:45.

Second Period

U- Stenlund (John Marino, Michael Carcone) 7:36.

S- Brandon Montour 16 (Jordan Eberle 11, Eeli Tolvanen 12) 18 :54.

Third Period

S- Kaapo Kakko (unassisted) 10:29.

S- Tolvanen 21 (Eberle 12) EN, 18:51.

Shots on Goal- Utah 25 (Nick Schmaltz 4), Seattle 22 (Jared McCann 4)

Hits- Utah 16 (Lawson Crouse 3), Seattle 22 (Cale Fleury 8).

Penalty Minutes- Utah 6, Seattle 4.

Faceoffs- Utah 61.7%. Seattle 38.3%.

Blocked Shots- Utah 11 (Ian Cole, Sean Durzi 2). Seattle (Cale Fleury 8).

Referees- Trevor Hansen, Beau Halkidis. Linesmen- Trent Knorr, Caleb Apperson.

Three Stars- 1. Philipp Grubauer 2. Eeli Tolvanen 3. Kaapo Kakko.


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