The Seattle Kraken stumbled into December after a disheartening November, dropping four of their final five games and suffering a shocking back-to-back defeat to the San Jose Sharks. Confidence hit rock bottom as the Kraken looked ahead to a daunting four-game East Coast road trip featuring matchups against two of the NHL's elite teams. However, in a stunning turnaround, the Kraken regrouped and delivered a performance that showcased their potential to bounce back from adversity.
A bold start in Carolina
The Kraken's low point wasn’t just the losses to the Sharks; it was how they happened—uninspired play and defensive breakdowns. Heading into the trip, drastic changes were needed. Coach Dan Bylsma shook up the lines, and the adjustments paid off immediately against the Carolina Hurricanes. Known for their offensive firepower, the Hurricanes were held to under 20 shots, a stat almost unheard of in the last decade for them. Seattle’s suffocating defense and Joey Daccord’s poise in net propelled the Kraken to a 4-2 win, alleviating much of the anxiety among fans and players alike.
Momentum builds against Islanders and Devils
The road trip’s momentum carried into a rematch with the Islanders, whom Seattle had previously bested. This time, the Kraken showcased their defensive prowess, holding New York scoreless until late in the game. On the offensive end, Vince Dunn delivered a standout performance with three points, including a goal and two assists, while Seattle’s power play found its groove, converting on both opportunities in a commanding 5-2 victory.
The next stop was New Jersey, home to one of the league's top teams. The Kraken faced the Devils on the tail end of a back-to-back, with Philipp Grubauer stepping in between the pipes. Despite the 3-2 loss, the performance felt like a moral victory. Seattle held their own against a powerhouse, with defensive structure and special teams stepping up. Bad bounces led to two Devils goals, but the Kraken showed they could compete at an elite level. Brandon Montour nearly forced overtime, narrowly missing on a late-game opportunity.
Finishing in style at Madison Square Garden
The road trip ended with a rematch against the Rangers, who had shut out the Kraken earlier in the season. With Joey Daccord sidelined by illness, the team once again turned to Grubauer. The game began cautiously, with the Rangers taking a 1-0 lead into the second period. What followed was a stunning Kraken explosion, as they erupted for four goals in the second and five unanswered overall. The final 7-5 scoreline was a testament to the team’s offensive depth, with players like
Oliver Bjorkstrand and Eeli Tolvanen stepping up in pivotal moments.
A foundation for success
A road trip that seemed destined for disaster instead became a testament to the Kraken’s resilience. Winning three of four games, including victories over the Hurricanes and Rangers, Seattle demonstrated their ability to adjust and thrive under pressure. Vince Dunn’s return to health bolstered the blue line, while forward line changes sparked an offensive resurgence.
The Kraken return to Climate Pledge Arena riding a wave of confidence. With four home games ahead, they have an opportunity to build on their success and turn December into a defining month for their season.