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Seattle At Edmonton Preview: Chandler Stephenson and Conor McDavid Scratched From Lineup.
Edmonton, Alberta, CA - The Kraken conclude their three-game Eastern road trip in Edmonton on Saturday night. The Oilers have won the first two matchups on January 4 in Seattle and in Edmonton on January 27th. The teams will finish the season series next Thursday in Seattle. Seattle is 2-10-1 all-time against Edmonton, including 1-4-1 on the road.
Injury Report: Chandler Stephenson is scratched for Saturday's game and being evaluated in Seattle after leaving the second period of a 4-0 loss to the Minnesota Wild on Wednesday. Josh Mahura will also sit out.
Edmonton's injury list grows with Leon Draisaitl hurt in a 7-1 win over Utah on Tuesday and Conor McDavid who sustained an upper-body injury in a 4-3 overtime loss to Winnipeg on Thursday.
Milestones: Assistant Coach Bob Woods will coach his 1,000th NHL game.
Kraken Players to Watch: Jaden Schwartz leads active Kraken skaters with 17 goals, 18 assists, and 35 points in 33 career games vs. Edmonton. Jared McCann ranks second with 6 goals and is third in points (11) over 23 career games.
Captain Jordan Eberle enters on a points streak, posting 7 points (1g/6a) in his last five games. His 1.40 points-per-game since March 12 ranks 10th in the NHL.
In Net: Joey Daccord is 0-4-1 with a 3.89 GAA and .873 SV% in six career appearances vs. Edmonton. Philipp Grubauer is 3-5-0 with a 4.22 GAA and .847 SV% in nine career games against the Oilers.
Oilers Players to Watch: Zach Hyman has tallied with 7 points (5g/2a) in his last 6 games, including back-to-back goals. Hyman recently scored his 25th of the season on March 20 and is two games away from his 300th NHL game as an Oiler. He has 16 points (8g/8a) in 12 career games against Seattle.
Projected Lines For Seattle:
Jani Nyman -- Matty Beniers -- Kaapo Kakko
Jaden Schwartz -- Shane Wright -- Jordan Eberle
Eeli Tolvanen -- Jared McCann -- Andre Burakovsky
Tye Kartye -- John Hayden -- Michael Eyssimont
Vince Dunn -- Adam Larsson
Jamie Oleksiak -- Brandon Montour
Cale Fleury -- Ryker Evans
Joey Daccord - Philipp Grubauer
Projected Lines For Edmonton:
Vasily Podkolzin -- Ryan Nugent-Hopkins -- Viktor Arvidsson
Corey Perry -- Adam Henrique -- Zach Hyman
Jeff Skinner -- Mattias Janmark -- Connor Brown
Max Jones -- Derek Ryan -- Kasperi Kapanen
Mattias Ekholm -- Evan Bouchard
Darnell Nurse -- Jake Walman
Brett Kulak -- Troy Stecher
Stuart Skinner- Calvin Pickard
Puck Drop is: 10PM EST/ 7PM PST - Broadcast Channels: CBC, SN, CITY, KONG, KING 5, KHN.
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Hey Joonas Donskoi - Do a kickflip!; Former Kraken Forward Returns To A Skate Hall He Generously Donated To
Former Seattle Kraken forward Joonas Donskoi isn't just known as a hero for his clutch overtime goals, but for saving a skate hall in his hometown in Finland.
Donskoi suffered multiple concussions throughout his career, and it's why he was forced to retire from hockey at just 31 years of age. Throughout his career Donskoi would play 474 games, scoring 80 goals and 208 points. 75 of those games came with the Kraken, where he scored two goals and 22 points.
During his NHL career, he was known as a hard worker with quiet skill but, more importantly, as a fun teammate to be around on a daily basis. His character as a person was personified when he gave a donation to a skatepark in his hometown, Raahe, Finland.
"I heard they had some problems, so I just wanted to help a little bit," Donskoi said in an interview with Pat Pickens in 2019. "I used to skateboard a lot when I was younger so I think it's important for the kids, that they have different hobbies and opportunities and that they have something to do, so that's why I wanted to help."
Valtteri Karjula, a co-founder of the park who grew up skating with Donskoi, had shared the story about the donation and reached out to me to once again share the generosity of Donksoi.
In 2022, three years after the donation, the local skateboarders planned to raise Donskoi's Kraken jersey to the ceiling at the skate hall to show their appreciation. Donskoi returned to Raahe and the skate hall, holding an open event for all the fans, as he signed autographs for everyone, told Karjula.
Just a year later, the fourth-round pick (99th overall) in the 2010 NHL draft was forced to hang up the skates and retire from the game he loves, but it hasn't affected his passion for the sport.
According to Karjula "Donskoi began a coaching career with the local Minnesota Rogers Royals team. In March 2025, Donskoi returned to Finland and his hometown Raahe, where one of the founders of the park, Valtteri Karjula, recalled that Donskoi had once promised to come back and do a kickflip."
Donskoi kept his promise, returning to attempt a kickflip without any practice. "To keep his promise, the former NHL star had no choice but to put his helmet back on and do it. Okay, there was no time to practice the kickflip, so the kickflip turned into a kickturn. That's also a good achievement for a hockey player!"
The hard-working and beloved teammate has carried on the positive impact he made on the ice, off the ice and in his retirement.
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Kraken Rally In Second Period, But Fall 4-3 To Flames In Overtime
Calgary, AB - The Seattle Kraken concluded their road trip with a 4-3 overtime loss to the Calgary Flames on Tuesday night at the Scotiabank Saddledome. Nazem Kadri played a pivotal role in the Flames' victory, scoring both the game-winning goal and his second goal of the night. This win was crucial for Calgary, as it secured them two points, bringing their total to 79. The Flames are now just four points behind the St. Louis Blues, who sit in second place in the wild card standings with 83 points.
In goal, Joey Daccord defended the net for Seattle, while Dustin Wolf did the same for Calgary. Both teams celebrated milestones, with Seattle’s Ryker Evans and Calgary’s Matt Coronato each playing in their 100th NHL game.
The game began with a goal from Adam Klapka, who scored his second of the season to give the Flames a 1-0 lead. The Kraken answered in the second period, with Jaden Schwartz scoring his 21st goal of the season on a power play, followed by Tye Kartye’s fifth goal, which gave Seattle a 2-1 lead.
Calgary responded with two goals of their own. First, Kadri capitalized on a power play to score his 27th of the season, tying the game at 2-2. Then, Rasmus Andersson fired a snap shot past Daccord, assisted by Matt Coronato, putting the Flames ahead 3-2.
With less than two minutes on the clock Jordan Eberle tied things up 3-3 with a wicked wrist shot past Wolf, forcing the overtime.
The Kraken return home to host the final contest of the season with the Edmonton Oilers on Thursday at 7PM PST.
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Kakko Scores Twice, But Nugent-Hopkins’ Hat Trick Lifts Oilers To 5-4 Win Over Kraken
Edmonton, AB - The Seattle Kraken concluded their three-game Eastern road trip in Edmonton on Saturday with a 5-4 loss to the Oilers. With this victory, the Oilers have now won three of their matchups and will have a chance to complete a season sweep next Thursday in Seattle.
In net for the Kraken was Joey Daccord and scratched from the night's contest was Chandler Stephenson and Josh Mahura.
Kaapo Kakko opened the scoring for the Kraken with a power-play goal past Stuart Skinner in the first period. He then netted his second goal in the second, which tied the game at 2-2. Both of Kakko’s goals were assisted by fellow Finnish player Jani Nyman, who has tallied three points in five games since being recalled to Seattle from Coachella Valley Firebirds on March 14th.
Despite additional goals from Andre Burakovsky and Jaden Schwartz in the third period, the Kraken couldn’t overcome the Oilers, largely due to a hat trick from Ryan Nugent-Hopkins.
The Kraken’s final stop on their road trip is Tuesday, March 25th, in Calgary against the Flames, before returning home on Thursday for their final season meeting with Edmonton.
Post Game Video:
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Kraken Assistant Coach Reaches 1000th Game Milestone
Seattle Kraken assistant coach Bob Woods coached in his 1000th game on Saturday against the Edmonton Oilers.
A 10th-round pick in the 1988 NHL draft, Woods would never receive the opportunity to play in the NHL but was an effective player in the minor leagues, skating in 751 games in the AHL, ECHL and IHL.
Woods began the transition into coaching while still playing as an active player, serving as a player-assistant coach for four years. Following his retirement, Woods was hired to be the head coach of Mississippi Sea Wolves in the ECHL and did so for an additional four seasons.
Woods would move to an assistant coach role for the Hershey Bears in the AHL before becoming the head coach for about a season and a half. The Washington Capitals decided it was time to give Woods his first sniff of the NHL life in 2009, promoting him to be an assistant coach of their NHL squad.
Outside of the 2014-15 and 2015-16 seasons when Woods left the NHL to be the GM/HC of the Saskatoon Blades in the WHL, Woods has served as an assistant coach since his debut with the Capitals.
He's spent time with the Capitals, Anaheim Ducks, Buffalo Sabres, Minnesota Wild and now the Kraken.
The Kraken fell short in Woods' 1000th game, losing 5-4 to the Oilers on the road. Woods is in charge of the penalty kill and the defensive aspects for the Kraken, and while injuries and trades have hampered the Kraken, the team has struggled to be consistent in that aspect.
They rank 23rd in goals allowed per game and 22nd in penalty kill percentage, both marks that could also be better if goaltending faired similarly to the previous season.
Despite that, Woods has a tremendous history of turning young defensemen into all-star calibre players, and he's attempting to do so now with Ryker Evans. HC Dan Bylsma is a fan of Woods' reputation and believes he can do the same with the Kraken.
“Bob has done a great job with lots of different types of defensemen in different places,” said Bylsma. “There’s John Carlson with Washington; a young Cam Fowler in Anaheim; 21-year-old Rasmus Ristolainen in Buffalo; and Gary Suter, Jared Spurgeon and Matt Dumba in Minnesota. At every stop, now here, he’s always been able to establish relationships with all those players and every defenseman he coaches to get them playing their best not only for the team but playing their best hockey.”
When you read some of the names Woods has worked with, you'll realize just how long he's been in the NHL and it's a testament to his ability to adapt to the always-changing and evolving game.
“The game has changed,” said Woods. “Plus, you've got analytics. You have so many more tools now [to evaluate players]. It's become a big part of the game. I think the players are basically still the same, maybe changed a little bit. If you're honest and ask what they think, I find being able to communicate is a big thing then and now. Is it hard to make decisions [about players and playing time]? Absolutely, but I've always believed, if you know it's the right decision, it's not a tough decision ... As coaches, we're always learning. Whenever you think you don't need to learn anymore, you're going to be in trouble. If you don’t you stay up with things, you will be left out.”
As it stands, the Kraken have the sixth-best odds of landing the first overall pick, which could very well be Matthew Schaefer. The Kraken are yet to draft a defenseman in the first round, and if they elect to do so, having Woods with the organization to help develop him could be very beneficial.
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Kraken Prospects Ready To Battle Rival Thunderbirds In Round One Of WHL Playoffs.
While the Seattle Kraken may not be heading to the postseason, their prospects are gearing up for the WHL playoffs. Let's start with Kaden Hammell and Julius Miettinen of the Everett Silvertips, the Kraken’s 2023 and 2024 NHL Draft picks. The Silvertips have climbed to fifth place in this week’s CHL rankings with a 46-12-4-4 record. After a 5-3 victory over the Portland Winterhawks on Saturday, March 15, they claimed their 10th U.S. Division title.
On Sunday, the Silvertips secured the Scotty Munro Memorial Trophy as the WHL regular season champions with a win over the Spokane Chiefs. This marks the second time in franchise history that Everett has won the title, the first since the 2006-2007 season.
Looking at their individual performances, Hammell, a 6'1" defenseman from Langley, BC, has totaled 36 points (10 G, 26 A) in 58 games.
Meanwhile, Julius Miettinen, a 6'3" center from Helsinki, Finland, leads the team with two shorthanded goals and six power-play goals. Despite missing several weeks due to an injury sustained at the World Juniors, Miettinen recently celebrated his 100th WHL goal and has 36 points (11 G, 25 A) in just 34 games played.
With top scorer Carter Bear out indefinitely due to a severe lower-body injury, the Silvertips will undoubtedly be relying on the powerhouse duo of Hammell and Miettinen in the upcoming playoffs.
The Silvertips will wrap up their regular season this weekend with two games against the Wenatchee Wild: Friday, March 21, in Everett, featuring the team’s annual awards and Over-agers ceremony, and Saturday, March 22, in Wenatchee.
Everett has also secured home ice for the playoffs, with Round 1, Games 1 and 2 scheduled for Friday, March 28, and Saturday, March 29 against rivals the Seattle Thunderbirds.
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Kraken @ Flames Preview: Two Rookies Set To Hit Milestones As Calgary Faces Playoff Push
Calgary, AB - The Seattle Kraken close out their road trip Tuesday night and face the Flames at Calgary’s Scotiabank Saddledome, aiming to finish the regular season series on a high note. Seattle has claimed two of the first three matchups this season, with a 3-2 win in Calgary on Feb. 8 and a 2-1 overtime victory in Seattle on Oct. 19. Calgary took a 3-2 win at Climate Pledge Arena on Feb. 4. Historically, Seattle is 5-8-1 against the Flames but boasts a strong 4-2-0 record on the road. The Kraken have also won four straight at the Saddledome, dating back to Nov. 1, 2022.
The Flames are hungry to secure a wild card spot in their final push to make the playoffs and are currently on a points streak, having won their last three road games. Calgary is just one point behind the Vancouver Canucks, who are in third place in the Wild Card standings with 78 points. A win tonight against the Kraken could provide a boost.
Milestones:
Ryker Evans is set to play his 100th NHL game on Tuesday. The Calgary native was the second player ever drafted by the Kraken and has appeared in 63 games this season, posting impressive stats since being called up from the Coachella Valley Firebirds at the start of the year. Evans ranks third in hits (108), tied for third in blocked shots (84), 10th in assists (19), and 11th in points (24).
Injury Report:
- Chandler Stephenson (SEA) was scratched for Saturday’s game against Edmonton due to an upper body injury from last Wednesday’s loss in Minnesota. He is day-to-day with no further updates.
- Mikael Backlund (CAL) sat out the last five games with an upper body injury and no return date or updates have been announced.
Matching Up Against Calgary:
- Jordan Eberle leads active Kraken skaters with 17 goals, 24 assists, 41 points, and 3 game-winning goals in 49 career games vs. Calgary.
- Jaden Schwartz ranks second with 8 goals, 20 points, and third with 12 assists in 30 games. Three of his goals have come on the power play, a team high.
- Jared McCann has 6 goals, 9 assists, and 15 points in 22 games, ranking third in goals and fourth in assists and points.
In Net: Joey Daccord is 3-1-1 with a 2.61 GAA and .913 SV% in seven career games vs. Calgary. Philipp Grubauer is 3-5-1 with a 2.82 GAA and .917 SV% in 10 games against the Flames.
Players to Watch for Seattle:
- Adam Larsson is two goals away from his career high of eight, which he reached twice with Seattle. He also ranks second on the team in assists (14) and third in points (18) in 44 career games against Calgary.
- Brandon Montour is one goal shy of setting a new regular-season career high with 17.
- Kaapo Kakko is one point shy of matching his career high of 40, set in 2022-23, and five goals away from his career-high 18 from that same season
Players to Watch from Calgary:
Matt Coronato will play his 100th NHL game Tuesday night, making him the 13th player from the 2021 draft class to reach this milestone. Coronato has scored four goals in his last three games. On March 22, he hit 20 goals, becoming the first Flames player under 22 to do so since Matthew Tkachuk scored 23 in 2019-20.
Dustin Wolf, the rookie goaltender known in the Pacific Northwest for his years with the WHL’s Everett Silvertips, has been outstanding in his first season. He’s played 42 games, posting a 23-14-5 record with a 2.63 goals-against average and a .911 save percentage.
Puck drop is scheduled for 9Pm EST/ 6PM PST.
Next Game: Seattle Kraken host the Edmonton Oilers on Thursday, March 27th at Climate Pledge Arena.
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Kraken Announce Veteran Forward Is Day-To-Day
Seattle Kraken forward Chandler Stephenson is day-to-day with an upper-body injury, head coach Dan Bylsma announced on Monday.
The 30-year-old exited the Kraken's 4-0 defeat against the Minnesota Wild on Wednesday with an injury and did not return. He played just 15 shifts and 11:33 of ice time before leaving. He also did not participate in their 5-4 loss to the Edmonton Oilers on Saturday.
Stephenson signed a long-term contract with the Kraken in the offseason in hopes of helping the team push for a playoff spot. Although it seems very likely the Kraken won't make it to the postseason, Stephenson has still been able to produce a fairly positive output.
In 69 games, the playmaking center has scored 11 goals and 48 points in 69 games, three fewer points than he recorded last season with the Vegas Golden Knights.
With Stephenson out, Tye Kartye jumped back into the lineup, shifting John Hayden into a center role. Hayden has spent most of the season with the Firebirds in the AHL and when he has been up with the Kraken, he's played on the fourth line.
Stephenson practiced on a separate rink in a non-contact jersey today, but the Kraken have not revealed if he'll travel with the team to Calgary. The Kraken return to Seattle on Thursday when they take on the Oilers.
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Kraken Prospect Finishes WHL Season Leading All Defenseman In Points
Seattle Kraken prospect Tyson Jugnauth led all WHL defensemen in points this season.
The 20-year-old finished the season with 13 goals and 89 points in 65 games. He ranked 13th among all WHL players and held a 17-point lead over the next closest defenseman, Mazden Leslie.
Born in Toronto, ON, Jugnauth moved to British Columbia when he was young and played his minor hockey in Kelowna. He played two seasons with the West Kelowna Warriors in the BCHL, scoring 13 goals and 67 points in 75 games, earning Top Defenseman honours.
Following the two years in the BCHL, Jugauth joined the University of Wisconsin for an additional one-and-a-half seasons. He played 45 NCAA games, scoring five goals and 17 points.
Mid-way through his sophomore season, Jugnauth joined the Portland Winterhawks in the WHL, scoring seven goals and 41 points. His 2024-25 campaign was spectacular and has reopened a move back to the NCAA because of their agreement with the Canadian Hockey League.
Jugnauth will spend the 2025-26 season with Michigan State University.
The fourth-round pick (100th overall) in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft remains unsigned, allowing him to return to the NCAA. Jugnauth is eligible to sign his entry-level contract and play with the Coachella Valley Firebirds in the AHL, but at the moment, it seems he and the organization believe the best thing for his development is to return to college.
Much can change, but Jugnauth is currently gearing up for the WHL playoffs.
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Kraken Defenseman To Skate In His 100th NHL Game Against Flames
Seattle Kraken defenseman Ryker Evans will skate in his 100th career NHL game tonight against the Calgary Flames.
The Kraken selected Evans in the second round (35th overall) in the 2021 NHL Entry Draft, following a three-goal and 25-point campaign in the WHL with the Regina Pats. He played in just 28 games that season due to injuries and quickly followed that season with 14 goals and 61 points in 63 games.
Evans would spend the following season with the Coachella Valley Firebirds, where he further impressed the Kraken organization. In his rookie campaign, he scored six goals and 44 points in 71 games, but he took things to another level in the playoffs, recording five goals and 26 points in 26 games.
The 2023-24 campaign saw Evans receive his first bit of NHL action, playing in 36 games. Now, in the 2024-25 season, the 23-year-old has established himself as a full-time NHL defenseman, averaging 19:24 of ice time.
In 63 games, Evans has scored five goals and 24 points. The Calgary, AB native took over the second power play duties while Vince Dunn was out with an injury and saw an uptick in his numbers. The production dropped off since Dunn returned, but his overall impact on the game never wavered.
His ability to defend the rush and efficiently move the puck has proved to be a valued asset, and he's continued to gain the trust of the coaching staff. Evans will be an RFA when the season concludes and is inline to get a pay raise.
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Edmonton @ Seattle Preview: Kraken Kick Off Homestand Facing Stanley Cup Contenders
Seattle, WA - The Kraken begin their final March homestand Thursday against the Edmonton Oilers, closing out the regular-season series. Seattle is 0-3 against Edmonton this season, losing 5-4 on March 22 and 4-2 on January 27 and 4. The Kraken are 2-11-1 all-time vs. the Oilers, including 1-6-0 at home.
Five Kraken players are on multi-game point streaks heading into Thursday’s contest: Jaden Schwartz (3 points; 2G/1A), Vince Dunn (2A), Matty Beniers (2A), Jared McCann (3A), and Andre Burakovsky (2 points; 1G/1A).
Injury Report:
Chandler Stephenson (SEA) is likely out for two more games and is listed day-to-day with no further updates since sustaining an upper-body injury during the Kraken’s game in Minnesota earlier this month.
Two of Edmonton’s top players, Conor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl, are scratched for Thursday after both sustained upper-body injuries this week. Draisaitl leads Oilers players in points with 101 for the season.
Milestones: Several Kraken Players Nearing Career Highs
Kaapo Kakko is one point shy of tying his career high of 40, set in 2022-23, and five goals away from matching his career high of 18 from that season.
Adam Larsson is two goals shy of tying his career high of 8, a mark he's reached twice with Seattle.
Brandon Montour needs just one more goal to set a new career high of 17.
Kraken vs. Edmonton: Key Matchups
Schwartz leads Kraken skaters with 18 goals, 18 assists, and 36 points in 34 career games vs. Edmonton, also leading the team in power-play goals (4) and game-winners (2). McCann leads Seattle with 49 points this season and ranks second on the team in goals (6) and points (13) in 24 career games against the Oilers.
In Net:
Joey Daccord is 0-6-1 with a 3.82 GAA and .874 SV% in eight career games vs. Edmonton. Philipp Grubauer is 3-5-0 with a 4.22 GAA and .847 SV% in nine career games against the Oilers.
Players to Watch:
Matty Beniers, Jani Nyman and Kaapo Kakko - This new line has contributed to several goals and increased the pressure on the net. During the Kraken’s game against Calgary, several attempts on goal were made by Nyman, but they hit the post. Collectively, they have 83 points for the season.
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins tallied his fourth career hat-trick in Edmonton’s 5-4 win over Seattle on March 22nd, adding nine points (4G/5A) in his last five games. Nugent-Hopkins has 18 points (5G/13A) in 13 career games against Seattle.
Following this matchup, Seattle faces the Dallas Stars in back-to-back games on March 29 and 31. With 66 points and 10 games remaining, a playoff run seems unlikely as the Kraken face two Stanley Cup contenders this week.
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Kraken Forward Has Status Upgraded; Will Be Out Against Oilers
Chandler Stephenson practiced in full contact today but won't be with the Seattle Kraken when they host the Edmonton Oilers tonight.
The 30-year-old suffered an upper-body injury against the Minnesota Wild on Mar. 19, missing the previous two games. He skated on his own on Monday in a non-contact jersey.
In 69 games, Stephenson has scored 11 goals and 48 points, three points back of the mark he set last year.
Thankfully for the Kraken, they won't have to worry about slowing down Leon Draisaitl and Connor McDavid for the second consecutive game. Draisaitl is expected to return before McDavid, but both centers will be out tonight.
With Stephenson out, the Kraken's forward lines will remain the same as it did against the Calgary Flames. Josh Mahura will return to the lineup in place of Cale Fleury.
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Kraken Defeat Oilers 6-1; Set Franchise Record For Most Goals Scored In A Period At Home
Seattle, WA - The Seattle Kraken delivered a commanding performance to kick off their final March homestand with a resounding 6-1 win over the Edmonton Oilers. The victory not only prevented the Oilers from sweeping the season series but also set a franchise record for the most goals scored in a single period at home. This marks the third time the team has scored five goals in a period, joining similar feats on January 14, 2023, against Chicago, and November 29, 2022, against Los Angeles.
The Kraken’s explosive second period was the highlight of the game, as they netted five goals to break open what had been a tight contest. Jaden Schwartz played a key role, scoring twice in the middle frame to give Seattle a 2-0 lead. His first goal came on the power play, followed by an unassisted strike just under two minutes later.
The Kraken didn’t stop there; Jani Nyman and Matty Beniers added goals of their own, and Andre Burakovsky capped off the dominant period to give Seattle a commanding 5-0 lead.
Oilers’ goaltender Calvin Pickard was pulled after allowing five goals on 29 shots. Olivier Rodrigue came in to replace him, but the damage had already been done. Despite the lopsided score, Edmonton kept Pickard in the net through most of the period, opting to let him try and weather the storm.
The game began with some drama, as Edmonton thought they had taken a 1-0 lead late in the first period. Left winger Jeff Skinner appeared to score at 19:08, but the goal was overturned after a challenge by Kraken head coach Dan Bylsma. A video review revealed that Connor Brown had played the puck with a high stick, nullifying the goal.
Ten Kraken skaters registered points, combining for 15 total on the night. Jaden Schwartz extended his goal streak to three games with two goals, bringing his season total to 23, matching his highest in seven years.
Andre Burakovsky added four points (2g/2a) over his last three games, while Jared McCann tallied a goal and assist, pushing his streak to five points (1g/4a). Matty Beniers also extended his streak, contributing a goal and two assists, and Vince Dunn added an assist to keep his streak alive.
Jani Nyman recorded his second career multi-point game, while Kaapo Kakko matched his career-high 40 points with an assist.
In goal, Joey Daccord was outstanding, stopping 36 shots—tying his career high—and helping secure the win with key saves throughout the game. Edmonton's Zach Hyman netted the Oilers only goal in the third preventing the shut out.
Next Game: Following this matchup, Seattle faces the Dallas Stars in back-to-back games on March 29 and 31.
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Stars at Kraken Preview: Seattle Faces Back-to-Back Against Texas' Cup Contenders
Seattle, WA - The Seattle Kraken are looking to carry the momentum from their impressive 6-1 victory over the Edmonton Oilers on Thursday night into their matchup against the Dallas Stars on Saturday at home. The Kraken will host the Stars for the first of two home games between the two clubs. Saturday's contest marks the second of three total meetings this season, with the Stars having won the previous encounter 2-0 on October 13, 2024, at the American Airlines Center.
Historically, the Kraken have struggled against Dallas, holding a 2-6-2 record in their all-time series, including a 1-2-1 mark at home. 30 points separates the two teams as the Stars currently rank second in the Western Division with 98 points, just behind the Winnipeg Jets.
Kraken's Key Players and Recent Success
The Kraken have seen standout performances from several players in recent games, contributing to their success on the ice. Five Kraken skaters are on active points streaks, each delivering key contributions during the last three consecutive games:
- Jaden Schwartz has posted five points (4 goals, 1 assist).
- Andre Burakovsky has accumulated four points (2 goals, 2 assists).
- Jared McCann has tallied five points (1 goal, 4 assists).
- Matty Beniers has scored three points (1 goal, 2 assists).
- Vince Dunn has contributed three assists.
These players were instrumental in the Kraken’s dominant win against Edmonton, which also saw them set a franchise record for the most goals in a single period at home. This offensive firepower has propelled Seattle forward, and they'll need to continue this strong play to compete with the high-scoring Stars.
Key Matchups and Players to Watch
Seattle will look to some of their top skaters to step up in this matchup against Dallas:
Kaapo Kakko has four goals and six points (4 goals, 2 assists) in seven career games against the Stars, and his ability to produce will be crucial.
Brandon Montour is tied for second in assists (11) and ranks third in points (12) in 16 career games against Dallas. His ability to set up plays will be key in creating offensive chances.
Jordan Eberle, ranked first on the team in assists (13) and second in points (17), has been a key performer in his 35 career games against the Stars. Eberle also shares the team lead in game-winning goals (2) with Jared McCann.
Eeli Tolvanen has shared second on the team in goals (6) and ranks fourth in points (11) in 18 career games vs. Dallas. His offensive contribution will be vital in this contest.
Goaltending Matchup
The Kraken will rely on their goaltenders to keep them competitive against the Stars. Joey Daccord has a 1-1-1 record with a 3.30 goals-against average (GAA) and a .884 save percentage in three career appearances against Dallas. Meanwhile, Philipp Grubauer has a 2-6-3 record with a 2.59 GAA and a .917 save percentage in 14 career games against the Stars.
For Dallas, Jake Oettinger has played 52 games and won 34, earning a reputation as one of the top 10 goalies in the NHL. Oettinger also represented Team USA in the Four Nations Face-Off in February.
Players to Watch:
Wyatt Johnston (DAL): On a three-game goal streak, Johnston is tied for third in goals (28), fifth in assists (37), and fourth in points (65) for Dallas. He has six points (4g/2a) in seven career games against the Kraken.
Mikko Rantanen (DAL): The 6'4" right winger has 78 points (30g/48a) in 72 games this season. A key player in Colorado's Stanley Cup win, Rantanen was also named to Finland's roster for the 2024-25 Four Nations Face-Off.
Jaden Schwartz (SEA): Schwartz is on a four-game goal streak, with five points (4g/1a) during that stretch. He leads the Kraken in goals (23), is third in points (45), and tops the team in game-winning goals (6). Schwartz has 20 points (9g/11a) in 38 career games against Dallas.
Puck drop is scheduled for 7PM PST / 10PM EST.
Morning Skate Video:
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Kraken Forward To Be A Game-Time Decision Against Stars
Seattle Kraken forward Chandler Stephenson will be a game-time decision tonight against the Dallas Stars.
The Kraken held an optional skate this morning, and following the practice, HC Dan Bylsma spoke to the media, stating that Stephenson will be a game-time decision.
The 30-year-old has missed the previous three games with an upper-body injury. In that time, the Kraken have posted a 1-1-1 record.
Tye Kartye has replaced Stephenson in the lineup during his absence, scoring one goal in three games.
Stephenson has recorded the second most points among Kraken players this season, scoring 11 goals and 48 points in 67 games. He trails Jared McCann, who's recorded 18 goals and 51 points.
If the Saskatoon, SK native can return tonight, he'll provide a much-needed boost to the middle of the ice. McCann has played as a center during his absence due to the current lack of depth following the trade of Yanni Gourde. Stephenson will also improve the Kraken's penalty kill and power play if he can return.
The Stars sit in third place in the NHL, trailing just the Winnipeg Jets and the Washington Capitals. They possess a talented roster, including forwards Mikko Rantanen, Jason Robertson and Wyatt Johnston. The Kraken will need Stephenson's veteran presence and experience against the Stars.
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