The Kraken came into the game with a clear underdog mentality, ready to prove they could hang with the defending champions. The first period was marked by relentless pressure from the Panthers, but Seattle's defense held its ground. Late in the frame, the Kraken struck first with a perfectly executed breakaway goal by Chandler Stephenson, set up by a crisp pass from Yanni Gourde. It was a textbook display of counterattacking hockey, showcasing Seattle's ability to capitalize on limited opportunities. Despite being outshot 14-7 in the opening frame, Seattle’s defense and goaltending held firm, with Joey Daccord making several highlight-reel saves to preserve the 1-0 lead heading into the intermission.
Defensive battles and controversy
The second period mirrored the first, with Seattle absorbing relentless pressure from the Panthers while trying to capitalize on counterattacks. The physicality ramped up, and frustrations boiled over when Anton Lundell took a roughing penalty after throwing Yanni Gourde to the ice. The Kraken remained composed, but controversy struck late in the period.
Gourde found himself on a breakaway with a clear path to the net, only to have his hands slashed by Nate Schmidt just as he was about to shoot. No penalty was called, much to the dismay of Kraken fans and head coach Dan Bylsma, whose protests were audible from the broadcast booth. Moments later, the Panthers tied the game with a late-period goal, shifting momentum heading into the third.
Missed call on a Yanni Gourde breakaway. Aleksander Barkov scores seconds later.
— Emerald City Hockey (@EmeraldCityHky) December 11, 2024
What a momentum shift. Dan Bylsma is rightfully livid. pic.twitter.com/FFNu8I9oxW
Heartbreak in the final frames
The final period saw Florida’s offense remain relentless, but Seattle’s defense and goaltender Joey Daccord were up to the task. Daccord made several key saves to force overtime and secure a hard-earned point for the Kraken.
In the extra frame, the Panthers dominated puck possession early, keeping the Kraken defenders on the ice for extended shifts. However, Seattle created some thrilling chances of their own. Shane Wright came within inches of a game-winner, while Oliver Bjorkstrand nearly sealed the victory in the final seconds but lost control of the puck at the last moment.
In the shootout, Florida converted on both of their attempts, while Seattle failed to find the back of the net. Despite the loss, the Kraken’s effort against one of the league’s elite teams was commendable.
Looking ahead
For a team fighting to solidify their playoff hopes, games like these could loom large. Seattle played with grit and determination but couldn’t afford even the smallest mistakes against a team as clinical as Florida.
The Kraken have a chance to rebound tomorrow night when they host the Boston Bruins, seeking redemption after being shut out in their previous meeting. If the Kraken can replicate last night’s effort and capitalize on key opportunities, they’ll have a strong shot at turning things around.