Seattle Kraken 4, New Jersey Devils 3, in OT. With the win, the Kraken took over first place in the Pacific Division by virtue of the Vegas Golden Knights loss to the Detroit Red Wings. Seattle and Vegas are tied in points but the Kraken have played one less game.
Goalies: MacKenzie Blackwood visiting Martin Jones
The Kraken came out with a lot of purpose and much more sustained energy than they showed in their last home performance, which is entirely understandable. Returning west after seven games out east is rarely a happy formula. Against that backdrop, Seattle lost 4-1 on Monday afternoon to the Tampa Bay Lightning, a team that requires consistent intensity to master.
After a loss Tuesday night in Edmonton and then a day off, Seattle appeared poised to resume exhibiting its well established brand of hockey on Thursday evening. They’d score first and pile up 15 shots on goal in the 1st period against a Devils team that owns the best road record in the NHL, 18-2-and-1.
Kraken Goal Scorers
1st Period
1-0 Kraken – Even Strength – Ryan Donato (9) from Will Borgen, 12:27
After taking a stretch pass along the boards, Donato stepped into the right circle and ripped one top shelf, short side.
2nd Period
2-0 Kraken – Even Strength – Ryan Donato (10) from Jared McCann and Cale Fleury, 4:51
Almost the exact same shot from almost the exact same spot, a bit more on the rush.
— The Devils jumped on the board with a shot from the high slot from D-man Damon Severson at 11:32.
3rd Period
— Eric Haula tied the game shorthanded on a breakaway at the 6:04 mark but Seattle waited only 1:46 to retake the lead.
3-2 Kraken – Even Strength – Brandon Tanev (9) from Ryan Donato and Yanni Gourde, 7:51
The Kraken forecheck created a turnover and Tanev was alone in front to convert a nice feed.
— The never-say-die road Devils pulled their goalie and tied the game with 1:14 remaining. New Jersey captain Nico Hischier lit the lamp from on the doorstep.
Overtime
4-3 – Even Strength (3 on 3) – Andre Burakovsky (13) from Vince Dunn, 1:10
He held the puck, spun down into the right wing circle and fired one five-hole through Blackwood.
— The Kraken finished the evening with 40 shots on goal, the Devils with 30. Both teams were 0-for-1 on the power play. Seattle’s penalty kill has been gradually improving.
Kraken 3 Stars:
1) Ryan Donato – Big night for number-9 as he lights the lamp twice and adds an assist.
2) Brandon Tanev – Game winning goal, excellent penalty kill, and huge shot block in 1st period.
3) Yanni Gourde – Created mayhem on the PK, assist off the forecheck on the game winner.
