The Kraken came from behind to beat the New York Rangers by a 7-5 score Sunday in Manhattan. And Seattle forwards Oliver Bjorkstand and Eeli Tolvanen combined for three goals and seven points Sunday, driving the bus on offense to lead the Kraken to victory.
The Seattle Kraken looked overwhelmed in the first periood-and-a-quarter Sunday against the New York Rangers. But thanks to great days on offense from forwards Oliver Bjorkstrand and Eeli Tolvanen, the Kraken dominated the Blueshirts and came away with a 7-5 win.
Indeed, Bjorkstrand produced two goals and four points in Sunday's win, while Tolvanen added a goal and three points. Other Kraken players chipped in on offense -- including center Chandler Stephenson, who had two points, as well as youngster Shane Wright, who posted a goal and two points -- but Bjorkstrand, whose performance gives him nine goals and 20 points thus far this year, and Tolvanen, who now has eight goals and 13 points, led the way for Seattle in this game.
This was the third time this season that Seattle posted at least seven goals in a game. But it was the first time since an Oct. 29 8-2 win over Montreal that the Kraken scored more than five goals in a game. And Seattle's balance on offense was on display Sunday, as 13 different Kraken players had at least one point.
As the final score illustrated, Seattle's defense wasn't at its best. But their determination on offense -- along with a few timely saves from goalie Philipp Grubauer -- was what ultimately gave the Kraken the 'W' Sunday afternoon.
For Bjorkstrand, who now has at least one point in eight of his past nine games, Sunday's performance marked a season-high in points in a single game this season. And Tolvanen had a multi-point game for the first time this season. Both forwards have something to build on now, as Seattle has a homestand that runs for the next four games. And if they can be more consistent on offense, the Kraken will continue moving up the ranks of the Pacific Division.
Bjorkstrand and Tolvanen don't have to do all the heavy lifting for Seattle, but when they put up points the way they did Sunday, it takes pressure off other Kraken veterans. Putting up nearly 10 points between the two of them is a great sign for Seattle, and so long as Kraken forwards continue adding goals and assists in large numbers, Seattle is going to crawl up the Pacific ranks and eventually put themselves in a Stanley Cup playoff position.