Seattle Kraken 3-1 Victory Over Chicago Blackhawks Game Recap

The Seattle Kraken returned to winning ways at Climate Pledge Arena on Monday night, defeating the Chicago Blackhawks 3-1 in a game that saw the home side finally enjoy something they’ve been starved of this season: a comfortable multi-goal lead. With goals from Jamie Oleksiak, Matty Beniers, and Jordan Eberle, the Kraken improved to 6-2-4 on the season while maintaining their perfect regulation record at home. Joey Daccord was stellar between the pipes, making 29 saves and coming within 11:33 of his second shutout in less than two weeks.

The victory was particularly satisfying for a Seattle squad that had been living dangerously in tight games all season. Entering the contest, the Kraken were on pace to play 44 overtime games, which would shatter the league record of 30 set by the 2004 Boston Bruins. While collecting points in extra time has its benefits, head coach Dan Bylsma has emphasized the need for his team to build leads and play with more cushion, rather than constantly operating on a razor’s edge.

Jamie Oleksiak opens the scoring in the Seattle Kraken 3-1 victory over Chicago Blackhawks game recap

The first period was a tightly contested affair with both teams managing ten shots apiece, though neither could find the back of the net. The defensive structures were solid on both sides, and the lone power play opportunity of the period—awarded to Chicago after Kaapo Kakko was whistled for a high stick on Connor Bedard—yielded no results for the Blackhawks.

The breakthrough came at 2:57 of the second period when Chicago attempted to clear the puck from Seattle’s offensive zone. Colton Dach missed his attempted reception, and Oleksiak, skating up from his position at the blue line, pounced on the loose puck. The big defenseman unleashed a shot that navigated through a maze of bodies in front of Arvid Soderblom, finding its way into the net to give Seattle the lead.

It was exactly the type of “greasy” goal that Kraken head coach Lane Lambert had been calling for. Lambert had recently lamented his team’s lack of shot volume and the decline in net-front presence that had characterized their early-season success. The goal epitomized the philosophy Lambert had articulated at morning skate: “You’ve got to score ‘greasy’ goals in this league. We’re not going to be able to pass it into the net.”

Oleksiak’s goal was the result of smart opportunism and traffic in front of the opposing goaltender. The partially screened Soderblom had little chance on the play, and the Kraken had the advantage they desperately needed. For a team that had spent just over 46 minutes leading by more than a goal out of nearly 688 minutes of regulation play this season, this marker was significant—but they weren’t done yet.

Matty Beniers extends the lead with a power-play strike in the Seattle Kraken 3-1 victory over Chicago Blackhawks game recap

Just over four minutes after Oleksiak’s opener, the Kraken doubled their advantage with a beautifully executed power-play sequence. Ryan Donato was sent to the penalty box at 7:28 for tripping Mason Marchment, giving Seattle their chance with the man advantage. What followed was a textbook display of puck movement and precision passing.

Chandler Stephenson won the crucial faceoff, and the puck quickly found its way to Vince Dunn at the blue line. Dunn delivered a crisp pass to Eeli Tolvanen on his right, and the Finnish forward immediately fed it to Jordan Eberle, who had positioned himself perfectly beside the net. Eberle, showcasing excellent vision and patience, sent a backhanded drop pass into the slot where Beniers was waiting.

The young center didn’t hesitate, snapping a one-timer past Soderblom’s shoulder to make it 2-0 Seattle. The goal was a product of the line shuffling that Lambert had implemented before the game in an effort to generate more offense. The threesome of Tolvanen, Eberle, and Beniers had been assembled specifically for this purpose, playing together on both the power play and at even strength.

For Beniers, the goal continued a positive trend after a slow start to his season. The 2022 Calder Trophy winner has faced high expectations, and his chemistry with Eberle—who also factored into the play with his selfless passing—was evident. This was the type of dynamic offensive play that Seattle had been searching for, combining skill, timing, and smart positioning to convert on a prime opportunity.

The multi-goal cushion gave Daccord and the Kraken defense something they could work with. In a season marked by one-goal games and constant tension, leading by two felt almost luxurious. The crowd at Climate Pledge Arena, still yet to witness their team lose in regulation on home ice, roared their approval. For the visitors, meanwhile, the deficit represented a significant challenge against a team that had proven difficult to break down defensively.

Andre Burakovsky responds for Chicago in the Seattle Kraken 3-1 victory over Chicago Blackhawks game recap

The Blackhawks refused to go quietly, however, and they cut the deficit in half midway through the third period in a moment that carried extra emotional weight. Connor Bedard, Chicago’s young superstar, engineered the play by stealing the puck in Seattle’s offensive zone and immediately turning defense into offense.

Bedard broke away with Andre Burakovsky on his wing, and as two Kraken defenders converged on the teenage phenom, he made the smart play to dish the puck to his linemate. Burakovsky, facing an open net with Daccord caught slightly out of position, made no mistake, firing the puck home at 8:27 of the third period.

The goal was particularly meaningful for Burakovsky, who was playing his first game back at Climate Pledge Arena since being traded to Chicago over the summer. The former Kraken winger had spent time in Seattle and was familiar with his old teammates, making the marker all the more bittersweet. His finish was clinical, and it gave the Blackhawks life with just 11:33 remaining in regulation.

Daccord’s shutout bid was spoiled, but the netminder had been outstanding to that point. Similar to his recent shutout performance against Winnipeg, Daccord was composed and positional throughout, though the Kraken would need one more goal to seal the victory. The atmosphere in the building shifted slightly—the comfortable two-goal cushion had evaporated, and suddenly Seattle was back in familiar territory: protecting a one-goal lead.

Jordan Eberle’s insurance marker seals the Seattle Kraken 3-1 victory over Chicago Blackhawks game recap

With the game hanging in the balance and less than four minutes remaining, the Kraken needed someone to step up and restore the two-goal advantage. Enter Jordan Eberle, the team’s captain and most experienced playoff performer. At 16:09 of the third period, Eberle delivered the dagger that would seal Chicago’s fate.

The play began in the neutral zone when Beniers disrupted Bedard’s puck possession, knocking the disc loose despite taking a tumble in the process. Eberle, displaying the veteran instincts that have defined his career, was quick to react and scooped up the loose puck. With Beniers recovering and unable to join the rush, Eberle found himself in a 2-on-1 situation.

Rather than looking for a pass, the captain elected to shoot, carrying the puck in and firing it past Soderblom to restore Seattle’s two-goal cushion. It was Eberle’s second point of the night, having earlier assisted on Beniers’ power-play goal with that clever backhanded feed. The goal showcased not only Eberle’s offensive skill but also his composure in critical moments—exactly the kind of leadership quality the Kraken need from their captain.

The insurance marker allowed Seattle to breathe easier over the final minutes, and the Kraken managed the game professionally to secure the victory. Daccord finished with 29 saves on 30 shots, while Soderblom stopped 26 of 29 for Chicago. The final buzzer confirmed a 3-1 victory for the home side, much to the delight of the Climate Pledge Arena faithful who continue to enjoy an unblemished regulation record on home ice.

What the Seattle Kraken 3-1 victory over Chicago Blackhawks game recap means moving forward

This victory represented more than just two points in the standings for the Seattle Kraken. It was a statement game that addressed several concerns that had been building throughout their early-season run. The ability to build and maintain a multi-goal lead, something they had achieved for less than an hour of their entire season entering Monday’s contest, was critical for the team’s confidence and development.

Lane Lambert’s lineup adjustments paid immediate dividends, particularly the combination of Tolvanen, Eberle, and Beniers. The trio combined for all three goals and showed the kind of chemistry that could prove valuable as the season progresses. The power play converted on one of its opportunities, and the team generated the type of traffic and “greasy” goals around the net that Lambert had been demanding.

Daccord continues to prove he’s capable of being a number-one goaltender in this league. While he fell just short of another shutout, his 29-save performance was rock solid and gave his team every chance to win. The Kraken will need that consistency in net as they navigate the long NHL season, especially given their tendency to play in tight, low-scoring affairs.

For Chicago, the loss continues a difficult stretch, though there were encouraging signs. Bedard’s playmaking on the Burakovsky goal demonstrated his elite vision and hockey IQ, while the team competed hard despite the road environment. However, their inability to solve Daccord for more than a single goal and defensive lapses on Seattle’s second and third goals proved costly.

The Kraken will look to build on this momentum when they close out their homestand against the San Jose Sharks on Wednesday, November 5. According to detailed game coverage from The Hockey Writers, maintaining this level of defensive structure while continuing to generate offense will be crucial. Meanwhile, Chicago continues their road trip with a date against the Vancouver Canucks on the same night.

The two teams will meet again later in November when Seattle travels to the United Center on November 20, giving the Blackhawks a chance at revenge on home ice. For now, though, the Kraken can savor a well-earned victory that provided some breathing room—a commodity that’s been in short supply throughout their season. As the campaign progresses, the lessons learned from this game about building leads and playing with a cushion could prove invaluable for a team with legitimate playoff aspirations. The NHL’s official game recap highlighted how this performance showcased the kind of complete team effort that Seattle will need to replicate consistently if they hope to secure a postseason berth in the competitive Western Conference.