In their final home game against the Dallas Stars this season, the Kraken were looking to bounce back from Saturday’s 5–1 defeat and show signs of life in what’s become a development-focused stretch run. The effort was there—and so were the shots—but once again, execution proved elusive against one of the NHL’s top teams.
Kakko hits milestone, but Stars take control
Kaapo Kakko gave the Kraken faithful something to cheer for early, burying his 14th goal of the season just 1:02 into the game. The tally not only gave Seattle a 1–0 lead—it also marked a new career-high in points for the 24-year-old winger with 41.
It’s a meaningful milestone for Kakko, who has found his stride in Seattle after being underutilized in New York. Since joining the Kraken, he’s looked every bit the top-line forward they hoped for, now producing at a level that should make him a top offseason priority for GM Ron Francis. A long-term deal seems like the natural next step to keep Kakko paired with Matty Beniers and Jani Nyman moving forward.
Unfortunately, that goal was the high point of the night.
Just over a minute after Kakko's goal, Matt Duchene responded for Dallas to tie it, and less than a minute later, Wyatt Johnston made it 2-1. Despite throwing 36 shots at Casey DeSmith, the Kraken couldn't find a way to break through again. Seattle controlled long stretches of the game but struggled to finish chances, a story that’s played out often this season.
Grubauer sharp in return
One bright spot? Philipp Grubauer. Making his first start since March 19, Grubauer looked far more composed than the version Kraken fans saw earlier this season. He stopped 28 of 30 shots and gave Seattle a chance to claw back—especially during a flurry of chances late in the second period—but the offense couldn’t match his effort.
With Grubauer’s contract and future up in the air, performances like this add an interesting wrinkle to Seattle’s offseason decisions. Joey Daccord is the clear starter moving forward, but a younger goalie in the pipeline is knocking on the door, fresh off his first AHL shutout. Grubauer may be playing to prove he still belongs in the NHL crease next year—whether in Seattle or elsewhere.
What’s next?
Seattle now heads out on a five-game road trip starting Wednesday in Vancouver. With the Kraken officially eliminated from playoff contention, the focus shifts fully to evaluation, development, and finishing strong.
Even if the postseason is out of reach, there’s still pride to play for—and players like Kakko, Beniers, Wright, and Nyman will have every chance to solidify their roles heading into next year.