Pregame: Seattle's Eberle Line Ready For Game 7 Challenge In Dallas

With A Berth In The Conference Final On The Line Tonight, The Kraken's Eberle-Beniers-Kartye Line Looks To Continue Solid Play

Happy birthday to Seattle Kraken winger Jordan Eberle, who turns 33 today. To make the celebration complete, his Kraken will have to win Game 7 of their second round series tonight against the Stars in Dallas.

A victory would send Seattle on to the Western Conference Final vs. the Vegas Golden Knights, who last night eliminated the Edmonton Oilers in six games.

Eberle is no stranger to long postseason runs. His New York Islanders made it to the Eastern Conference Final in both 2020 and 2021. When the Kraken plucked Jordan in their 2021 expansion draft, though, it led to a season with no playoff appearance at all.

2022-23 has been a much grander story, one still being written. They surprised the defending Cup champion Colorado Avalanche in seven games in the first round. But Kraken leading scorer Jared McCann was lost to the team midway through Game 4 on a late hit by Cale Makar.

To replace McCann on Eberle's line alongside Matty Beniers, Kraken GM Ron Francis called up a forward who was never drafted. But Tye Kartye didn't let that deter him, scoring 28 goals for the Coachella Valley Firebirds, winning AHL rookie of the year.

For the past nine playoff games, Eberle has shepherded linemates who are both more than a decade his junior (Kartye 22, Beniers 20). The veteran and his 20-something partners have meshed beyond expectations.

When their line is on the ice during 5-on-5 play, the Kraken have outscored their opponents 9-2, outshot them 45-23, and owned a 57% on-ice Corsi rating. Kartye (55%) and Beniers (54%) rank first and second on the Kraken in postseason on-ice Corsi. (Source: Natural Stat Trick.)

In Saturday's Game 6 victory, Beniers and Kartye became the fifth pair of rookie teammates since 2013 to score in a potential elimination game, according to NHL Stats. Kartye, in fact, was credited with the game-winning goal, a short-side laser that put Seattle in front, 4-1.

Yanni Gourde - who didn't smile after scoring himself in Game 6 - broke into a wide grin thinking about Kartye's poise. "That goal, looking off Ebbs on the other side. I love it, taking the shot, going blocker side, amazing shot. You can see the confidence this kid has had since he got to the National."

Kartye had never played an NHL game prior to his April 26 call-up  in Colorado. He scored in that game, too, the eighth player in NHL history with a goal while making their NHL debut in the playoffs. (Source: NHL Stats.)

Kartye has also been a physical presence. Four hits in Game 6 raised his series total to 33. "He's not running around, looking (to hit somebody)," observed Kraken coach Dave Hakstol. "He's taking what's there, in every part of the game, whether it's offense, a little play he has to make, or on the physical side."

Beniers, meanwhile, had a goal and an assist Saturday, making six points total in the series. Still months shy of his 21st birthday, the Calder Trophy finalist (for NHL rookie of the year) drew praise from coach Hakstol for his 200-foot game.

"Matty's had his ups and downs, with the responsibilities that we place on him," Hakstol said. "He continues to show up and battle and compete." Beniers and Kartye have each scored three goals during the playoffs, tied with Dallas’ Wyatt Johnston for the league lead among rookies.

As for the line's elder statesman, Eberle on Saturday demonstrated the patience learned during 940 career NHL games.

On a 1st period power play, Stars' goalie Jake Oettinger was down and out after making a save. The rebound came to Eberle's stick, but Kraken forward Jaden Schwartz and Dallas defenseman Esa Lindell were between Jordan and the cage.

Resisting the natural urge to fire immediately, Eberle faded toward the lower edge of the left wing circle, moved the puck to his backhand, found a lane, and feathered a shot into the vacated cage.

Combined with an empty-netter sealing the 6-3 victory, Eberle now has a team-high six postseason goals, plus five assists. He previously won Game 4 against Colorado in overtime with another power play goal.

Yet in the victorious Kraken dressing room Saturday, Eberle jokingly claimed his young linemates were the ones keeping him motivated. "Karts is rookie of the year in the 'A' and Bernie's up for rookie of the year here. I'm the one who's nervous playing with them, trying to keep up."