The Seattle Kraken delivered a masterclass in resilience Thursday night, authoring a remarkable three-goal third period to secure a 3-2 victory over the Chicago Blackhawks. Jaden Schwartz’s tiebreaking goal late in the final frame capped off an impressive rally from a two-goal deficit, giving Seattle their third win in four games and snapping Chicago’s impressive six-game point streak.
What made this victory particularly compelling was the dramatic shift in momentum. After 40 minutes of play, the Kraken found themselves down 2-0 and searching for answers against a Blackhawks team that had been rolling. The final 20 minutes showcased Seattle’s offensive firepower and never-say-die attitude, turning a potential loss into a character-building win that could resonate through the remainder of their road trip.
Schwartz seals the Seattle Kraken three-goal period 3-2 win over Chicago Blackhawks
The comeback began with Tye Kartye’s deflection goal at 5:09 of the third period, a crucial marker that finally solved Spencer Knight after two periods of frustration. Just over two minutes later, Shane Wright redirected Ryker Evans’ shot through the Chicago goaltender to level the score at 2-2.
The decisive moment arrived on the power play when Schwartz converted a beautiful pass from Brandon Montour, deflecting the puck through Knight’s five-hole with 8:22 remaining in regulation. The play capped a natural hat trick of deflection goals for Seattle, each one demonstrating the Kraken’s commitment to getting bodies and pucks to the net.
“That third period was all about simplifying our game,” Schwartz said after the match. “We knew we had to get pucks on net and create traffic. Sometimes the ugliest goals are the most effective.”
For the Blackhawks, the collapse was uncharacteristic of their recent play. Chicago had entered the contest riding a 5-0-1 stretch and looked firmly in control after Tyler Bertuzzi’s 10th goal of the season just 43 seconds into the second period. Teuvo Teravainen’s power-play marker at 10:07 extended the lead and appeared to put the game out of reach.
Key performances that fueled Seattle’s rally
Jaden Schwartz’s clutch gene
Schwartz has built a reputation as a player who rises to the occasion in critical moments, and his game-winner against Chicago further cemented that legacy. The veteran winger’s ability to find soft spots in defensive coverage and convert high-pressure opportunities has become invaluable for Seattle’s playoff aspirations.
His seven power-play goals this season rank second on the team, and his 23 points in 18 games demonstrate consistent offensive production. More importantly, Schwartz’s leadership during the second intermission helped calm a Kraken team that had generated chances but had nothing to show for it.
Joey Daccord’s quiet excellence
While the third-period offensive explosion grabbed headlines, Joey Daccord’s work between the pipes provided the foundation for the comeback. After allowing two second-period goals, the Seattle netminder locked down his crease when it mattered most, stopping all seven third-period shots he faced.
Daccord’s 22-save performance lowered his goals-against average to 2.31 on the season, placing him among the league’s top 10 goaltenders. His ability to shake off the second-period goals and maintain focus exemplified the mental toughness Seattle has developed this season.
Brandon Montour’s playmaking vision
Montour finished with two primary assists, both coming on crucial plays. His long point shot created Kartye’s deflection goal to start the rally, and his perfect pass to Schwartz on the power play demonstrated his elite vision and execution under pressure.
The defenseman’s eight points in his last six games have anchored Seattle’s blue line production, and his plus-9 rating over that span shows his commitment to responsible two-way play.
Chicago’s missed opportunities in Seattle Kraken three-goal period 3-2 win over Chicago Blackhawks
Wasted dominance in first 40 minutes
The Blackhawks controlled extended stretches of play through two periods, outshooting Seattle 21-18 and generating numerous high-danger scoring chances. Chicago’s penalty kill had successfully neutralized Seattle’s power play for three opportunities before finally yielding in the third.
Bertuzzi and Teravainen’s second-period chemistry should have been the story of the night. The duo combined for both Chicago goals, with Bertuzzi’s slot finish and Teravainen’s power-play one-timer showcasing the offensive skill that has driven Chicago’s recent success. Instead, those highlights became footnotes in Seattle’s comeback narrative.
Injury concerns clouding momentum
The loss of Andrei Burakovsky in the first period after a collision with Ryan Lindgren added to Chicago’s frustrations. The veteran forward did not return to the game, and his absence forced head coach Luke Richardson to shuffle his forward lines at a critical juncture.
Burakovsky had been enjoying a resurgent season with 19 points in 20 games, and his absence may have contributed to Chicago’s inability to maintain offensive pressure in the third period. The team announced they would evaluate him further on Friday, leaving his status for Buffalo uncertain.
What the Seattle Kraken three-goal period 3-2 win over Chicago Blackhawks means for both teams
For Seattle, this victory represents more than just two points in the standings. The comeback mentality displayed Thursday night in Chicago could serve as a turning point in a season where the Kraken have struggled with consistency. Their ability to rally from a multi-goal deficit on the road against a hot team demonstrates growth and maturity.
The win also provides valuable momentum heading into Saturday’s matchup in Pittsburgh, where Seattle will face another playoff contender. With three wins in their last four games, the Kraken have climbed within striking distance of the Pacific Division lead, and their power play’s late-game execution offers hope for continued offensive production.
Chicago, meanwhile, must quickly regroup ahead of Friday night’s tilt in Buffalo. While the six-game point streak’s end stings, the Blackhawks have proven they’re a legitimate threat when playing their structured, disciplined style. Spencer Knight’s 24-save performance reflected the strong goaltending that has anchored their recent run, and special teams will remain a focus after Thursday’s third-period collapse.
The Western Conference playoff race promises to be tight, and Chicago’s ability to bounce back from this setback could determine whether they remain in contention or fade down the stretch. With 58 games remaining, there’s plenty of time to build on the foundation they’ve established during their impressive November surge.
This matchup highlighted the fine margins in today’s NHL, where leads can evaporate quickly and resilience often separates good teams from great ones. The Kraken proved they have that resilience in spades, while the Blackhawks discovered how quickly fortunes can change when execution falters for even brief moments.
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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.