Cole Caufield found the net for the third consecutive game, contributing to the Canadiens‘ (4-5-1) effort, although they had recently achieved two victories in a row. Sam Montembeault made five saves on ten shots before being substituted out at 1:32 in the second period, with Cayden Primeau coming in to stop ten of the thirteen shots he faced in relief.
“Tuesdays have been tough for us,” commented Montreal coach Martin St. Louis about the Canadiens, who experienced a 7-2 defeat against the New York Rangers the previous week. “It’s a challenging game to assess; I’ll need to review it. The first goal came off a face-off loss where we failed in our duties, allowing a shot that struck (Canadiens defenseman Mike) Matheson. On the second goal, we didn’t block the shot, and it ended up in the net.
“The third goal occurred while we were short-handed. The fourth goal resulted from a turnover, and the fifth goal happened while we were down a player again. When a game starts this way, can we call it bad luck? Not particularly. We didn’t execute on a face-off. However, I felt we made an effort in the first period and seemed to push back a bit. Nevertheless, the fifth goal was a significant setback.”
Jamie Oleksiak opened the scoring just 25 seconds into the first period, putting Seattle ahead 1-0. His shot from beyond the left face-off circle deflected off Montreal defenseman Mike Matheson.
Ryker Evans increased the lead to 2-0 at 3:49 when his shot from the point deflected off Josh Anderson and slipped past Montembeault.
“On the first goal, it was going to my right, I believe it hit ‘Matty’ and bounced off the ice before it went over my pad,” Montembeault explained. “On the second one, I tracked it initially, but it crossed several bodies, and I lost sight of it. After that, I allowed two one-timer goals from the slot, and of course, I need to stop the fifth one.”
Schwartz’s power-play goal at 7:27 brought the score to 3-0, and Oliver Bjorkstrand extended the lead to 4-0 at 10:33.
“A lot of it was just about getting pucks on net,” stated Oleksiak. “Ryker, ‘Monty,’ and I managed to score with point shots, and getting forwards in front of the goalie was crucial.”
Caufield narrowed the gap to 4-1 at 16:11, marking his ninth goal in ten games with an assist from Juraj Slafkovsky, who returned after sitting out three games due to an upper-body injury.
Montour scored on a power play at 1:32 of the second period with a wrist shot from the point through traffic, making it 5-1. He then added his second goal at 8:44 with a backhand shot after a rebound of his initial attempt against Primeau, extending the score to 6-1.
Montour completed a natural hat trick at 14:12 of the third period with a one-timer from the left face-off circle, putting the score at 7-1, followed by Eeli Tolvanen extending it to 8-1 at 15:14.
“I think we started off strong,” Montour noted. “Getting one early, and then a few more, was a great boost, and we just kept the momentum going. Our energy level was high.”
Anderson scored the final goal at 15:28 for an 8-2 result.
NOTES: The Kraken set a franchise record for the quickest four goals to start a game, achieving it in just 10:33. Previously, Seattle scored four goals in the first 12:08 on January 14, 2023, during an 8-5 victory against the Chicago Blackhawks. This was also the fastest four goals scored to begin an NHL game this season (New York Rangers in the first 11:05 on October 22). … Kraken forward Jared McCann recorded two assists, tying his longest NHL point streak of seven games set last season, accumulating 12 points (four goals, eight assists) during this streak. … The seven-game point streak for Canadiens captain Nick Suzuki (three goals, eight assists) came to an end.
Kraken Dominate Canadiens in a Record-Breaking 8-2 Victory
Overview of the Game
In an electrifying matchup on October 2023, the Seattle Kraken delivered a stunning performance against the Montreal Canadiens, securing a record-breaking victory with a score of 8-2. This game stands as a testament to the Kraken’s offensive prowess and strategic gameplay, marking one of the largest margins of victory in franchise history.
Key Highlights from the Match
- Early Dominance: The Kraken established a strong lead early in the game, scoring three goals within the first period.
- Record-Breaking Scores: The eight goals scored by the Kraken is the highest in a single game for the franchise.
- Standout Players: Several players shone brightly, contributing multiple points and showcasing exceptional teamwork.
Game Statistics
| Team | Goals | Shots on Goal | Power Play Opportunities | PIM (Penalty Minutes) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle Kraken | 8 | 35 | 2 | 10 |
| Montreal Canadiens | 2 | 29 | 1 | 8 |
Player Performances
Several players were instrumental in the Kraken’s victory, contributing significantly to the scoreline:
- Jordan Eberle: Eberle scored two goals and assisted on three others, showcasing his elite playmaking skills.
- Matty Beniers: The young star scored one goal and added two assists, solidifying his role as a key player for the Kraken.
- Jared McCann: McCann found the back of the net twice and his energy on the ice was palpable.
Coaching Strategy
The Kraken’s head coach, Dave Hakstol, implemented a strategic game plan that emphasized speed and puck possession. Key tactical decisions included:
- Aggressive Forechecking: The Kraken applied pressure on the Canadiens’ defense from the onset, forcing turnovers that led to scoring opportunities.
- Effective Power Plays: Capitalizing on their power play opportunities, the Kraken converted 50% of their chances into goals.
Analysis of the Canadiens’ Performance
The Montreal Canadiens struggled to find their rhythm throughout the game. Key areas for improvement were noted:
- Defensive Lapses: The Canadiens’ defensive line was unable to adapt to the Kraken’s offensive strategies, leading to several unanswered goals.
- Goalkeeping Struggles: Goalie Sam Montembeault faced a barrage of shots and was unable to make crucial saves.
Fan Reactions
Fans in attendance at the Climate Pledge Arena were treated to an exhilarating display of hockey:
- Excited chants and cheers filled the arena as the Kraken continued to score.
- Social media buzzed with reactions, highlighting the team’s historic achievement.
Benefits of This Victory for the Kraken
The 8-2 victory against the Canadiens provides several advantages for the Seattle Kraken:
- Boosted Morale: A decisive win can significantly uplift team morale and confidence moving forward in the season.
- Fan Engagement: A record-breaking game fosters greater fan support, enhancing attendance and engagement in future games.
- Statistical Advantage: High-scoring games can positively influence individual player statistics, leading to potential All-Star considerations.
Looking Ahead: Upcoming Matches
As the Kraken continue their season, they will aim to build on this momentum. Upcoming matchups include:
- October 25, 2023 – vs. Florida Panthers
- October 27, 2023 – vs. New Jersey Devils
- October 30, 2023 – vs. Vancouver Canucks
First-Hand Experience of Attending the Game
Fans who attended the remarkable game shared their experiences:
“The energy in the arena was electric! Every time the Kraken scored, you could feel the excitement ripple through the crowd. It was a night to remember!”
Conclusion
This game not only showcased the Seattle Kraken’s capabilities but also underscored the importance of teamwork, strategy, and fan engagement in achieving success on the ice. With their sights set on continuing this trend, the Kraken are undoubtedly a team to watch for the remainder of the season.
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