The Seattle Kraken wrapped up their homestand with a disappointing 3-0 loss to the Ottawa Senators, marking the second time this season the Senators have blanked the Kraken. Despite a strong start, Seattle was unable to maintain momentum, and Ottawa capitalized on defensive lapses to take control of the game.
The Kraken came out firing, controlling play in the opening period. They outshot the Senators 15-7, testing Linus Ullmark early and often. Ullmark, however, was flawless, turning away every Seattle chance. Despite dominating the offensive zone, the Kraken couldn’t solve the Senators’ netminder, leaving the first period scoreless.
The second period saw the Senators seize the lead. Shane Pinto broke the deadlock at 8:02 with a shot that slipped past Joey Daccord, a goal the Kraken goalie would likely want back. Ottawa doubled its lead just minutes later, as Noah Gregor took advantage of a defensive miscue for a clean shot from the right side that found the net.
Tim Stützle delivered the final blow in the third period, breaking through on a breakaway. While Daccord initially made the save, an unfortunate bounce sent the puck over his shoulder and into the net. From there, the Kraken’s energy visibly dwindled, and their push for a comeback fell flat.
Tim Stutzle makes it 3-0 Senators in the 3rd period! pic.twitter.com/TGcNZ854tW
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) December 18, 2024
The tale of two teams
This loss highlights the “Jekyll and Hyde” nature of the Kraken’s season. While flashes of strong, cohesive play are evident, the team continues to struggle with consistency. Defensive breakdowns and a lack of sustained offensive pressure remain significant challenges.
The Kraken, now preparing for an upcoming road trip, are still navigating growing pains under new head coach Dan Bylsma. Despite the setbacks, there have been positive strides this season, but maintaining focus and finding consistency will be critical as they aim to build momentum heading into the new year.
Seattle’s next opportunity to bounce back comes on the road, where they’ll face a string of Western Conference opponents looking to solidify their footing in a turbulent season.