On Tuesday, March 18, the Seattle Kraken faced off against the Chicago Blackhawks for the third and final time this season. The series was evenly split 1-1, but with the Kraken’s 6-2 victory in this game, they took the win in the season series.
Kraken with a High-Scoring Second Period
Four of the six goals the Kraken scored during this game were in the second period. They took 13 shots on the net compared to Chicago’s six. Seattle not only had better scoring chances during the second, but the Kraken also had better puck control.
Although Adam Larsson kicked off the scoring for the Kraken in the first period, it was Jordan Eberle who kicked Seattle off in the second period. Jamie Oleksiak had the puck at the blue line. He passed it up to Chandler Stephenson who was next to the goal post. He saw Eberle open in the center of the ice and dropped the puck down to him. He took a shot to tie the game at 5:55.
Just 26 seconds later, the Kraken extended their lead. Andre Burakovsky stole the puck from Connor Bedard off a missed pass. He passed it through the center of the ice for Jared McCann. He skated up to the net unattended. McCann took the shot and the puck bounced off the crossbar and into the back of the net.
In the second half, Matty Beniers and Shane Wright also scored a goal each to bring the score to 5-2. Wright again scored in the third to bring the final score to 6-2. This game was a full team effort for the Kraken. Twelve players recorded a point in this game, with several recording more than one.
Kraken Played Clean Hockey in the 2nd & 3rd
Both the Kraken and the Blackhawks took two penalties each in the first period. At the beginning of the game, Pat Maroon and John Hayden each had to sit for five minutes due to fighting. Three minutes into the game, Michael Eyssimont took a high stick to Alex Vlasic and Eyssimont joined Hayden in the box. It was during this extra-man advantage that Bedard was able to open the scoring for Chicago. Tyler Bertuzzi scored 14 minutes later in the first, but that was it for the Blackhawks.
The Kraken did not let Chicago get the best of them for the rest of this game. Seattle didn’t draw any more penalties for the rest of the game. Although tempers flared at the opening faceoff, they did not let their emotions get the best of them again.
Related: Get to Know the Newest Kraken, Michael Eyssimont
With this cool-headed approach to the game, the Kraken found success. They dominated the ice in the second, as mentioned above. In the third period, the two teams took an even number of shots with both taking eight. However, Seattle managed to find the back of the net once more to extend their lead.
This game in Chicago began a four-game road trip for the Kraken. After earning five out of six possible points in the homestand they just had, this was a great way for them to kick off the visiting games.
Daccord Was Stellar
Joey Daccord was back in the net for the Kraken against Chicago. He made 27 saves on 29 shots for a save percentage (SV%) of .931. Coming off of the overtime loss against the Winnipeg Jets on Sunday, March 16, this was a huge win for Daccord. This game marked his 23rd win in 47 games this season. Daccord continues to prove he is the starting goalie for the Kraken, and this game against Chicago was no exception.
Following this game, the Kraken play the second half of a back-to-back against the Minnesota Wild on March 19. Philipp Grubauer will likely be in the net here, giving Daccord a much-needed chance to rest.
Back-to-Back Games
The Kraken will head to Minnesota, where they will take on the Wild on Wednesday, March 19 in the second half of a back-to-back.
