In just 45 games, the Seattle Kraken matched their win total from their challenging inaugural season, earning a spot atop the standings that few anticipated.
Ryan Donato notched two goals and an assist, while Andre Burakovsky scored 1:10 into overtime, securing a 4-3 victory for the Kraken over the New Jersey Devils on Thursday night.
The Kraken snapped a two-game losing streak and achieved their 27th win, equaling last season’s record of 27-49-6. This victory, combined with Vegas’ loss to Detroit, placed Seattle in a first-place tie with the Golden Knights in the Pacific Division, with the Kraken holding a better points percentage.
“It tells me about the work that the group here has done. I mean, that’s the bottom line, right?” Seattle coach Dave Hakstol said. “That’s what we’re here for. You’re here to compete for a playoff spot and positioning, and No. 1 on the list — continue competing every night for important points that go into the bank toward a playoff berth.”
Donato propelled Seattle to an early 2-0 lead, but New Jersey mounted a comeback. Erik Haula’s short-handed breakaway goal at 6:04 of the third period tied the game at 2.
Brandon Tanev restored Seattle’s lead at 7:51, but New Jersey forced overtime with a late goal. Nico Hischier jabbed the rebound off Jack Hughes’ shot past Seattle goalie Martin Jones with 1:14 left, capping an extended flurry around the net after the Devils pulled goalie Mackenzie Blackwood.
It was the second consecutive game in which New Jersey forced overtime with a late goal after pulling the goalie. Hughes had scored with 8.6 seconds left in regulation against San Jose on Monday, leading to a shootout victory for the Devils.
Burakovsky’s 13th goal of the season slipped under Blackwood’s pad.
“I think I was just lucky. I don’t know who it was, (Jesper) Bratt maybe, it hit his stick and went five-hole,” Burakovsky said. “I mean, that’s not really what I was trying to do but it worked out.”
New Jersey had won five straight overall and seven consecutive road games. Despite securing nine out of ten points on their trip, coach Lindy Ruff was disappointed with the team’s performance.
“It turns out to be a good trip. I mean, you’re happy anytime you can get that amount of points,” he said. “We’re not happy with the way we’re playing. Didn’t like how we played tonight. Lost too many battles. Gave up too many preventable situations.”
Damon Severson scored midway through the second period to bring New Jersey within 2-1.
Jones made 27 saves and won for the eighth time in his nine starts. Blackwood made 36 saves, keeping the Devils competitive despite an early barrage of shots from the Kraken.
Donato scored two nearly identical goals, breaking an eight-game goal drought. He had scored in five of six games in December but had just four points during the drought.
Donato’s first goal came at 12:27 of the first period when he snapped a wrist shot from the right circle over Blackwood’s glove and under the crossbar. His second goal, from nearly the same spot, gave Seattle a 2-0 lead at 4:52 of the second.
WORTH NOTING
New Jersey forward Nathan Bastian returned after missing 22 games with an upper-body injury. Seattle played without forward Jaden Schwartz (undisclosed) and defenseman Justin Schultz (undisclosed). Schwartz missed his fourth straight game, while Schultz missed his third of the season. Schultz was limited to a season-low 10:12 of ice time on Tuesday in Edmonton.
UP NEXT
- Devils: New Jersey returns home to host Pittsburgh on Sunday.
- Kraken: Host Colorado on Saturday.
