For the Kraken, Vince Dunn and Eeli Tolvanen found the net, but the team still seeks its first win in a season-opening game (0-3-1). Philipp Grubauer recorded 22 saves in the match.
“There were many positives. Perhaps a cautious start, but during the first period, we had a lot of good moments,” commented Seattle coach Dan Bylsma. “That level of play carried into the second period. The ways we lost the game involve moments and periods that need addressing.”
This marked Bylsma’s debut as head coach of the Kraken. He was appointed on May 28, taking over from Dave Hakstol after two seasons leading Coachella Valley, Seattle’s AHL affiliate. Bylsma previously spent six seasons with the Pittsburgh Penguins (2008-14), culminating in a Stanley Cup victory in 2009, and also coached the Buffalo Sabres for two seasons (2015-17).
St. Louis surged back in the second period, scoring three consecutive goals within 1:55 after falling behind 2-0.
“It demonstrates how competitive the League is,” said Dunn. “If you ease up, they can quickly capitalize on it.”
Kyrou reduced the deficit to 2-1 with a power-play goal at 13:42, evading defenseman Jamie Oleksiak and sliding the puck through Grubauer’s five-hole with a backhand effort.
“It was a nice set breakout,” explained Kyrou. “I had a bit of a step on my defender, and [Robert Thomas] executed a clever fake to the middle, which opened space for me.”
Broberg equalized at 2-2 with a wrist shot from the top of the left circle past Grubauer’s glove at 15:17 of the second period. The 23-year-old defenseman signed a two-year contract worth $9.16 million ($4.58 million annual average) with St. Louis on August 20 after the Edmonton Oilers declined to match the Blues’ offer sheet submitted a week earlier.
“It felt amazing,” said Broberg. “I had a great screen in front of the net, so watching it go in was definitely satisfying.”
Kyrou netted his second goal of the game at 15:37, giving St. Louis a 3-2 advantage by shooting under Grubauer’s glove during a breakaway after Alexandre Texier intercepted the puck inside St. Louis’ zone.
Kraken Struggle in Season Opener as Blues Rally for Overtime Win
Overview of the Matchup
The highly anticipated season opener between the St. Louis Blues and the Seattle Kraken unfolded with unexpected twists and turns. Both teams entered the game with high hopes, but the evening ultimately belonged to the Blues, who managed to secure a thrilling overtime victory against the Kraken, highlighting significant challenges for Seattle as they embark on their new season.
Game Highlights
- First Period: The Blues took an early lead, with a quick goal within the first five minutes.
- Second Period: The Kraken responded, showcasing their offensive skills but struggled to capitalize on several power play opportunities.
- Third Period: The tension escalated as the Blues maintained their lead, only for the Kraken to tie the game late in the period.
- Overtime: A sudden-death period led to the Blues finding the back of the net again, sealing a 4-3 victory.
Key Players
| Player | Team | Goals | Assists</th |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jordan Kyrou | St. Louis Blues | 2 | 1 |
| Vince Dunn | Seattle Kraken | 1 | 2 |
| Brayden Schenn | St. Louis Blues | 1 | 0 |
| Matty Beniers | Seattle Kraken | 1 | 1 |
Analysis of the Kraken’s Performance
The Seattle Kraken had a rocky start to their season, struggling to find their rhythm against a determined Blues squad. Despite showing moments of brilliance, particularly in the second period, their inability to maintain consistent pressure ultimately cost them the game.
- Defensive Struggles: The Kraken’s defense showed vulnerabilities, allowing the Blues to exploit open lanes. Their defensive transitions were sluggish, leading to several breakaway opportunities for St. Louis.
- Power Play Challenges: The Kraken had multiple chances to convert on the power play but failed to execute effectively. Their special teams were a significant factor in the loss, as they could not capitalize when it mattered most.
- Goaltending Concerns: Although the Kraken’s goalie made several key saves, inconsistent performances left room for improvement. Securing the net will be crucial as the season progresses.
The Blues’ Resilience
The St. Louis Blues demonstrated remarkable resilience throughout the match. Their ability to respond to the Kraken’s equalizer in the third period showed mental fortitude and determination. Key factors in their overtime win included:
- Strong Offensive Play: The Blues consistently pressured the Kraken’s defense, creating scoring opportunities and maintaining a high shot count.
- Team Chemistry: The synergy between players was evident, particularly during fast-break situations that caught the Kraken off-guard.
- Strategic Adjustments: The coaching staff made effective adjustments during intermissions, particularly in the third period, allowing the team to regain control before overtime.
Takeaways for the Kraken
As the Kraken reflect on this season opener, several key takeaways can guide their improvements moving forward:
- Enhancing Defensive Coordination: The need for better communication and positioning among defensemen is critical. Working on these aspects during practice will be essential.
- Power Play Execution: Focused training on power play strategies will help maximize scoring chances and capitalize on opponent penalties.
- Building Momentum: Establishing a winning mindset early in the season can help the Kraken bounce back from this loss and build confidence for upcoming games.
Looking Ahead: Upcoming Matchups
The Kraken will look to regroup for their next matchup, aiming to leverage lessons learned from their performance against the Blues. Their schedule includes several challenging opponents, which will test their resolve and adaptability.
Next Games:
| Date | Opponent | Location |
|---|---|---|
| October 12, 2024 | Los Angeles Kings | Away |
| October 14, 2024 | Vancouver Canucks | Home |
| October 16, 2024 | Calgary Flames | Away |
Fan Reactions
Fans of both teams expressed their thoughts on social media following the game. Positive reactions highlighted the excitement of overtime play and the competitive spirit displayed. However, many Kraken fans voiced their concerns regarding the team’s defensive strategies and overall execution.
- Positive Feedback: “What a game! The intensity was palpable!”
- Concerns Raised: “We need to tighten up our defense if we want to compete this season.”
Conclusion
While the Seattle Kraken faced a significant challenge in their season opener against the St. Louis Blues, the experience serves as a valuable lesson for the team. With adjustments and a focused mindset, they can bounce back and aim for a successful season ahead.
