On Thursday, Oct. 22, the Seattle Kraken hosted the Utah Mammoth for the two teams' first matchup of the 2026-27 National Hockey League (NHL) season. The Kraken were first on the board, with a goal just three minutes into the game. A power-play goal for Utah late in the first tied the game, but just a minute later, the Kraken were back in the lead.
The second period was all Seattle, with a power-play goal extending their lead by two goals. Logan Cooley scored twice in the first half of the third period, completing the Mammoth's comeback. Late in the final frame, the Kraken scored again to give themselves the lead once more, and a final empty net goal for Seattle secured the 5-3 victory over Utah.
Kraken started strong
With a score this close, it's hard to believe the Kraken started off as strong as they did. They opened the scoring just three minutes into the game, with Jordan Eberle striking first. His goal was a fortuitous bounce after his shot hit off the endboards, bounced off of Karel Vejmelka's back, and went into the net.
Vincent Trocheck evened the score on the Mammoth's first power play of the night, but Matty Beniers gave Seattle the lead once more when the Kraken scored their own power-play goal less than a minute later.
Early in the second period, the Kraken had a 5-on-3 chance, and Brandon Montour ripped a slapshot through the face-off circles, securing a two-goal lead for Seattle.
By the time the third period rolled around, the Kraken were in a good position to take the win. They had two goals over the Mammoth and were playing well. Unfortunately, a penalty from Jared McCann's high stick caused Utah to get within one. Even though the Kraken began the game strong, their collapse in the third period forced them to pick up the pace to get back into the game.
Samoskevich secured the comeback
Despite the Mammoth pressuring the Kraken, Seattle managed to complete the comeback. Bobby McMann had the puck in front of the net and dished it down to Mackie Samoskevich at the face-off circle. He ripped a shot past Vejmelka to put the Kraken back in the lead.
Samoskevich has been exceptional for Seattle, recording six points in his first 10 games with the team. He currently has the second-most goals on the team, with only Frederick Gaudreau ahead of him with six goals. The Kraken acquired Samoskevich during the offseason from the Florida Panthers, and he is already finding his stride with Seattle.
Grubauer continues to perform well
Philipp Grubauer is on another playing field to start the 2026-27 season. In the six games he has started this season, he has gone 4-1-1. His performance against the Mammoth helped secure his fourth win of the season, his second straight.
The Kraken have relied on Joey Daccord in the past, but to start the season, they are leaning heavily on Grubauer to help pick up the wins. Good thing for the Kraken, leaning on Grubauer is paying off for them.
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