Justin Faulk netted his second goal of the night at 2:50 of overtime, securing a 4-3 win for the St. Louis Blues against the Seattle Kraken on Wednesday.
Vladimir Tarasenko capitalized on a defensive error behind the net and assisted Faulk, positioned in front of the goal, in scoring the game-winner. Tarasenko’s pass was his third game assist, as Faulk fired the puck past Martin Jones from close range.
“He’s dangerous,” Faulk said about Tarasenko. “He draws a lot of attention. He can score from anywhere, which opens up opportunities for his teammates.”
Tarasenko also assisted on Brayden Schenn’s goal and Faulk’s first of the night. Jordan Kyrou scored, and Jordan Binnington made 32 saves to help the Blues improve to 2-0.
For Seattle, Will Borgen, Ryan Donato, and Alex Larsson scored. The Kraken erased a two-goal deficit in the second period and had a strong defensive performance to force overtime.
“This is our hockey team tonight, how we battled, competed, and executed,” said Kraken coach Dave Hakstol.
Faulk’s first goal gave St. Louis a 3-1 lead late in the first period, scoring just 17 seconds after Schenn. However, the Blues gave up a two-goal lead for the second consecutive game.
“I’ll take the two points, but it was pretty ugly in the second and third periods,” Faulk admitted.
Donato’s goal came midway through the second period, and Larsson’s slap shot from the blue line tied the game with 1:29 left in the period. Binnington seemed to have Larsson’s shot lined up, but Torey Krug’s stick inadvertently redirected it into the net.
“We didn’t play a simple enough game,” said Blues coach Craig Berube. “We let them have too much time in the offensive zone.”
SUE BIRD CELEBRATION
Seattle fans cheered for Sue Bird, who was in attendance for another salute at Climate Pledge Arena, where she ended her career last month.
Game Notes
Blues forward Pavel Buchnevich missed the game due to an injury sustained during the morning skate. Josh Leivo made his NHL debut in Buchnevich’s place. Defenseman Colton Parayko played his 500th game for the Blues, joining an elite group of six others who have played more games for St. Louis.
UP NEXT
- Blues: At Edmonton on Saturday.
- Kraken: At Colorado on Friday night.
