Jordan Eberle’s two-goal game propels Seattle Kraken vs Edmonton Oilers to 3-2 win
Eberle wasted no time making his mark on the game, opening the scoring just 1:23 into the first period. The veteran winger capitalized on a textbook 2-on-1 rush with Beniers, taking a cross-ice feed at the top of the right circle and wristing a shot over Stuart Skinner’s left shoulder. The early goal set the tone for Seattle and gave them the momentum they would need to withstand Edmonton’s offensive pressure throughout the game.
The chemistry between Eberle and Beniers was on full display, with the young center recording two assists and playing a pivotal role in both of his captain’s goals. Beniers’ vision and playmaking ability have been crucial to Seattle’s strong start, and his partnership with Eberle continues to develop into one of the team’s most productive combinations. The duo’s connection has become a key element of the Kraken’s offensive strategy, particularly in critical moments.
Eberle’s second goal came at a crucial juncture in the third period, extending Seattle’s lead to 3-1 at the 12:11 mark. Beniers forced a turnover by Evan Bouchard at the Seattle blue line and immediately pushed the puck ahead for Eberle, who raced in on a breakaway. The captain displayed his finishing skills by snapping the puck over Skinner’s blocker, giving the Kraken what would prove to be much-needed insurance.
For Eberle, scoring against his former team always carries added significance. The veteran forward spent seven seasons with the Oilers from 2010 to 2017, establishing himself as a key contributor before being traded to the New York Islanders. His performance in this game demonstrated not only his continued excellence but also his ability to elevate his game in meaningful situations.
Fourth-line contribution and defensive resilience seal the win
Tye Kartye’s first goal of the season provided crucial secondary scoring for the Kraken, doubling their lead to 2-0 at 6:35 of the second period. The fourth-line winger capitalized on another 2-on-1 rush, one-timing Ryan Winterton’s pass from the top of the left circle and sending it under a diving Skinner. The goal showcased Seattle’s depth scoring, which has been instrumental in their strong start to the season.
The Kraken’s ability to generate offense from all four lines has been a hallmark of their early-season success. Kartye’s contribution exemplified the team’s balanced attack and their capacity to strike quickly on transition opportunities. The goal also highlighted the effectiveness of Seattle’s rush game, which created multiple dangerous scoring chances throughout the contest.
Joey Daccord continued his impressive form between the pipes, making 31 saves to earn his second win in nine career games against Edmonton. The goaltender came into the game riding high after a 32-save shutout against Winnipeg just two nights earlier. Daccord’s positioning and rebound control were particularly strong, as he faced numerous high-quality chances from Edmonton’s potent offensive attack.
The Kraken’s defensive structure was tested repeatedly in the third period as the Oilers mounted their comeback attempt. After Evan Bouchard’s power-play goal at 15:39 of the second period cut the deficit to 2-1, and Darnell Nurse’s shot from the blue line made it 3-2 with 5:25 remaining, Seattle’s defensive corps held firm. The team’s commitment to protecting the slot and blocking shots proved crucial in preserving the one-goal advantage.
Oilers’ offensive push falls short despite late pressure
Despite the loss, the Oilers showed flashes of the offensive firepower that carried them to the Stanley Cup Final last season. Leon Draisaitl extended his point streak against the Kraken to six games with two assists, including five multi-point performances in that span. The German superstar continues to be one of the NHL’s most dangerous offensive threats, particularly against Seattle, where he has consistently found success.
Evan Bouchard finally broke through for his first goal of the season with a power-play blast at 15:39 of the second period. Taking Ryan Nugent-Hopkins’ pass at the top of the right circle, Bouchard unleashed a slap shot that beat Daccord under the blocker. The goal was Edmonton’s fifth power-play marker in their last three games, demonstrating the continued effectiveness of their man-advantage unit despite their slow start to the campaign.
Darnell Nurse joined Bouchard in scoring his first goal of the season, tipping Mattias Ekholm’s slap shot from the blue line under Daccord at 14:35 of the third period. The goal ignited hope for an Oilers comeback and intensified the pressure on Seattle’s defense during the final minutes. Stuart Skinner made 20 saves in the losing effort, facing fewer shots than his counterpart but unable to prevent the crucial goals that gave Seattle the victory.
The Oilers’ 4-4-1 record reflects a team still finding its rhythm after their deep playoff run last season. While their offensive talent remains undeniable, inconsistency has plagued their early-season performances. According to the NHL’s official game recap, Edmonton’s inability to generate sustained pressure in the first period and their struggles on the 2-on-1 rush defense proved costly.
Emotional return for Brandon Montour adds depth to victory
The game carried additional emotional weight with the return of defenseman Brandon Montour, who had been away from the team for four games due to the death of his brother. Montour logged 23:39 of ice time and registered three shots on goal in his first game back, providing a steady presence on Seattle’s blue line during a critical contest.
Montour’s return added both skill and experience to the Kraken’s defensive corps at a crucial time. His ability to contribute offensively while maintaining defensive responsibility has made him a valuable addition since joining the team. The veteran’s presence was particularly important against Edmonton’s high-powered offense, which features multiple weapons capable of changing the game in an instant.
The Kraken’s support for Montour during his difficult time and his determination to return to the ice spoke volumes about the team’s culture and chemistry. His performance, despite the personal circumstances, demonstrated the professionalism and resilience that has characterized Seattle’s roster throughout the season. The entire team rallied around their teammate, and the victory provided a meaningful moment during a challenging period.
Franchise-best start positions Kraken for continued success
Seattle’s 5-2-2 record represents the best start in franchise history, surpassing previous benchmarks and establishing new expectations for the young organization. The Kraken have now defeated both conference finalists from last season in consecutive games, signaling their arrival as a legitimate contender in the Western Conference. As reported by TSN, this early success has energized both the fanbase and the locker room.
The team’s balanced approach has been key to their success, with contributions coming from all lines and strong goaltending providing a solid foundation. The Kraken’s ability to win in different ways—whether through shutouts, high-scoring affairs, or tight defensive battles—demonstrates their versatility and maturity as a team. This adaptability will be crucial as they navigate the long NHL season.
Seattle’s home ice advantage at Climate Pledge Arena has been particularly pronounced, with the raucous atmosphere providing an extra boost to the home team. The decibel-laden environment has become one of the league’s toughest venues for visiting teams, and the Kraken have capitalized on that support with consistent performances in front of their fans.
Looking ahead, the Kraken will host the Montreal Canadiens on Tuesday as they attempt to extend their winning streak. Meanwhile, the Oilers face a quick turnaround with a visit to Vancouver on Sunday, giving them little time to dwell on this setback. For Seattle, this victory represents more than just two points in the standings—it’s a statement that they belong among the NHL’s elite teams and a validation of the progress they’ve made as a franchise. Jordan Eberle’s leadership and clutch performance against his former team perfectly encapsulated the Kraken’s determination to build on their historic start and establish themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the Western Conference.
Par Mike Jonderson
Mike Jonderson is a passionate hockey analyst and expert in advanced NHL statistics. A former college player and mathematics graduate, he combines his understanding of the game with technical expertise to develop innovative predictive models and contribute to the evolution of modern hockey analytics.