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Schwartz’s hat trick leads Kraken past league’s stingiest defense

The Seattle Kraken soared to a 4-2 victory over the Los Angeles Kings on Saturday night, punctuated by Jaden Schwartz’s fourth hat trick in franchise history. Despite facing the league’s stingiest defense, Seattle found ways to capitalize on its chances and seize a statement win at home.

ByNik Davis|
Jan 18, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Kraken forward Jaden Schwartz (17) celebrates after scoring a empty-net goal for a hat trick during the third period against the Los Angeles Kings at Climate Pledge Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images
Jan 18, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Kraken forward Jaden Schwartz (17) celebrates after scoring a empty-net goal for a hat trick during the third period against the Los Angeles Kings at Climate Pledge Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images | Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images

The Seattle Kraken returned home in style on Saturday night, defeating the Los Angeles Kings 4-2 in front of an energized Climate Pledge Arena crowd. Despite being outshot 30-22, the Kraken made the most of their opportunities—and no one took better advantage than Jaden Schwartz, who recorded the fourth hat trick in franchise history. Schwartz wasted no time getting on the board, scoring just 28 seconds into the contest off a perfectly placed feed from Kaapo Kakko. Though the Kings evened things up on a power-play goal midway through the period, Schwartz struck again moments later to give Seattle a 2-1 lead.

Los Angeles entered the game with the league’s fewest goals allowed per contest (2.38), but the Kraken proved they could crack that defensive shell by continually pressuring the net. Chandler Stephenson added what would stand as the decisive goal early in the second period, capping a strong shift that also featured contributions from Oliver Bjorkstrand and Andre Burakovsky. The Kings tied it in the first on Jordan Spence’s goal and then threatened again in the second and third, but Seattle’s defense held firm.

One of the game’s biggest stories was once again Kaapo Kakko, who tallied assists on each of Schwartz’s goals. The chemistry between Kakko and Schwartz seemed effortless, and it’s becoming increasingly clear that Kakko’s playmaking ability is unlocking the best in his linemates. On the back end, Joey Daccord delivered another impressive performance, posting a .933 save percentage by turning aside 28 of 30 shots. His timely stops kept the Kings from capitalizing on their numerous chances, and he further solidified his case as the Kraken’s top netminder.

With the victory, Seattle showed it can compete against the league’s toughest defenses. Up next, the Kraken continue their homestand on Monday night against the Buffalo Sabres, aiming to build on the momentum of Saturday’s statement win—and perhaps add more highlight-reel moments from the Schwartz-Kakko connection.

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