PITTSBURGH — In an exciting third period, the Seattle Kraken rallied from a one-goal deficit to secure a 4-2 victory over the Pittsburgh Penguins on Tuesday night. Jamie Oleksiak and Eeli Tolvanen each found the back of the net less than a minute apart, turning the tide for Seattle.
Goaltender Joey Daccord played a pivotal role, turning away 31 shots and also recording an assist on Chandler Stephenson’s short-handed goal. Kaapo Kakko sealed the game with an empty-net goal, marking just the second win for the Kraken in their last seven games.
Pittsburgh’s Bryan Rust scored his 17th goal of the season, while Philip Tomasino contributed his fifth goal. Despite leading after two periods, this marked the Penguins’ first regulation loss of the season in such a scenario, primarily due to defensive lapses that allowed Seattle to capitalize.
Oleksiak’s equalizer came 8:04 into the third, as he charged down the slot receiving a pass and beating goalie Tristan Jarry from inside the right circle. Just seconds later, Tolvanen tapped in a centering feed from Shane Wright, giving the Kraken a quick two-goal swing.
Evgeni Malkin returned to action for Pittsburgh after missing four games due to an upper-body injury, contributing an assist to the game. However, the loss was disappointing for the Penguins, who struggled defensively against a Kraken team that appeared to be working its way through challenges.
Takeaways:
Kraken coach Dan Bylsma has yet to replicate the success he achieved in his past tenure with the Penguins, where he guided the team to the Stanley Cup in 2009. Nevertheless, the team’s determination to fight back in a game where they were often outplayed is a positive sign.
For the Penguins, this defeat resulted in a disappointing 1-3-1 record over a crucial five-game homestand, raising concerns about their position as they aim for a playoff spot.
Key moment:
Oleksiak’s goal, which came during a line change, was crucial as he glided down the middle to even the score, showcasing the momentum shift in favor of the Kraken.
Key stat:
Jarry’s performance was marked by irony; he stopped the first shot he faced, a feat he had accomplished six times this season, but unfortunately allowed a goal on the very next shot. Such missteps have certainly contributed to Pittsburgh’s struggles as they fight to remain relevant in the playoff conversation.
Up next:
Seattle’s road trip concludes on Thursday with a game against Winnipeg, while Pittsburgh is set to embark on a challenging seven-game, 12-day road trip starting in Buffalo on Friday.