Jordan Eberle and Martin Jones both celebrated new additions to their families before contributing to the Seattle Kraken’s 3-1 win against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Saturday night, extending Pittsburgh’s losing streak to four games.
Eberle scored midway through the second period after Seattle had two goals disallowed due to challenges. Morgan Geekie added another late in the second, helping secure the Kraken’s victory.
“Obviously, when you have a baby midseason, there’s a lot on your mind, but once you’re on the ice, you focus,” Eberle said. Eberle’s wife gave birth to their second child, while Jones and his wife welcomed their first child on Friday.
“It’s been a roller coaster,” Jones added. “I tried to focus on playing hockey today, and it worked out.”
Eberle’s goal at 11:20 of the second tied the game at 1-1. Geekie’s goal with 1:27 left in the period put the Kraken ahead for good. Jaden Schwartz added an empty-net goal, his fifth of the season, and Jones made 32 saves in his best performance for Seattle so far.
Jake Guentzel scored on a breakaway for Pittsburgh midway through the second period, with Casey DeSmith making 27 saves. The Penguins ended their road trip with four consecutive losses, having been outscored 15-5 in losses to Edmonton, Calgary, Vancouver, and Seattle.
“Guys are discouraged. They’re proud and care about winning. When you go through times like this, everyone feels it,” Pittsburgh coach Mike Sullivan said. “We just need to turn our discouragement into determination.”
Seattle had four goals in the second period, but two were disallowed after successful Pittsburgh challenges. Ryan Donato’s goal was ruled offside, and Andre Burakovsky’s goal was nullified due to a high stick. Eberle eventually scored off a pass from Matty Beniers, tying the game.
Geekie’s goal late in the period came off a rebound from a Daniel Sprong shot. Jones made crucial saves against Sidney Crosby in the third period to maintain Seattle’s lead.
Guentzel returned to the Penguins’ lineup after missing four games with an upper-body injury, scoring his fourth goal of the season on a mistake by Seattle’s Jamie Oleksiak.
Game Notes:
- Sullivan tied Ed Johnston for most games coached in Penguins history at 516.
- Jeff Carter played only 4:18 for Pittsburgh and was being evaluated for a lower-body injury.
Up Next:
- Penguins: Host Boston on Tuesday.
- Kraken: Visit Calgary on Tuesday.
