We referred to this Seattle Kraken game against the Anaheim Ducks on Thursday night as a “should win” that’s a “must win”. At this stage, with the Calgary Flames of the world still lurking around as a non-playoff team looking to jump in, the Kraken simply can’t afford to blow opportunities for points against NHL bottom feeders.
Despite their struggles at the Climate Pledge Arena, relative to their incredible success away from home, Seattle appeared to be determined to take care of business in this one.
Martin Jones received what’s been a rare start lately, not a bad idea for a netminder looking to get some time on ice and to restore some confidence. The Kraken will go nowhere in the potential postseason without very good goaltending.
22-year-old Ducks rookie Lukas Dostal gave number-one John Gibson a break in net for this one.
Kraken Goal Scorers:
1st Period
1-0 Kraken – Even Strength – Jaden Schwartz (19) from Will Borgen and Jamie Oleksiak, 7:56
Schwartz skated into the zone on the left wing and unleashed a slapper that fooled Dostal shortside.
2-0 Kraken – Even Strength – Matty Beniers (21) from Jared McCann, 10:37
Off a nice feed to the right side of the slot, Beniers deked Dostal, tapped it off the side of the net before tucking it home.
— The Ducks tallied the lone goal of the 2nd period. Brock McGinn scored with just 1:16 remaining. He took a feed from behind the net and beat Jones shortside from the left wing circle.
3rd Period
3-1 Kraken – Power Play – Daniel Sprong (20) from Jaden Schwartz and Matty Beniers, 15:42
Spronger danced past Cam Fowler in the slot and ripped one home top shelf.
4-1 Kraken – Even Strength (empty netter) – Alexander Wennberg (13) Unassisted, 17:45
Wennberg had tons of time and space to fire a puck 130 feet into the empty net.
— Seattle outshot Anaheim 39-19. Power plays: Seattle 1-for-2, Anaheim 0-for-2
Seattle 3 Stars:
1) Jaden Schwartz – Opening goal and an assist.
2) Matty Beniers – Game winning goal and an assist.
3) Adam Larsson – A force in his own end. Made a great play stopping a 2-on-1 when the score was just 2-to-1.
