The Seattle Kraken celebrated their first NHL victory by defeating the Nashville Predators 4-3 on Thursday night. This was a significant milestone for the expansion team in just its second game.
Brandon Tanev netted his second goal into an empty net with 1:21 remaining, sealing the Kraken’s historic win.
“This victory speaks volumes about our group and the organization,” said goalie Philipp Grubauer, who made 27 saves. “It’s a reward for all the hard work put in over the past two years.”
Alex Wennberg and Jared McCann each contributed a goal and an assist for Seattle, starting the season with five consecutive away games while their home arena is completed.
Seattle became the latest expansion team to claim its first win against the Predators, joining Columbus (Nov. 16, 2000) and Vegas (Dec. 8, 2017).
“It’s great to get the first win in franchise history,” said coach Dave Hakstol. “There was some stress in the third period, but the guys stayed calm and focused. This is a big deal for everyone involved.”
Tanev’s second goal, the game-winner, came from Seattle’s only shot in the third period. Despite Mikael Granlund pulling Nashville within one goal with 39.9 seconds left, the Predators couldn’t find an equalizer.
Grubauer highlighted the Kraken’s resilience, even though they need to reduce the number of shots they face in the final period.
“Overall, we grinded it out,” Grubauer said. “Getting the first win was always tough, but we managed.”
Wennberg noted that while the Kraken played it safe in the third period to protect their lead, they need to improve on this strategy.
“We really wanted this win,” Wennberg said. “It wasn’t always pretty, but we did what we needed to do.”
Roman Josi and Eeli Tolvanen scored for Nashville, with Filip Forsberg assisting on both goals. Despite their strong record in season openers, the Predators couldn’t overcome the Kraken’s determined effort.
Nashville had NFL stars Julio Jones and Chester Rogers of the Tennessee Titans in attendance to rally the crowd, but it wasn’t enough to secure a win.
Tolvanen opened the scoring for Nashville with a goal 3:18 into the game. However, Seattle capitalized on Nashville’s penalties, with McCann scoring on a power play and Tanev adding another goal to give the Kraken a 2-1 lead by the end of the first period.
Josi tied the game on a 5-on-3 power play early in the second, but Wennberg’s easy tap-in goal midway through the period restored Seattle’s lead.
Nashville coach John Hynes acknowledged the Predators’ slow start and the impact of penalties on their performance.
“We didn’t start the way we wanted, and the penalties hurt us,” Hynes said. “We got better as the game continued, but it wasn’t enough.”
VIDEO TRIBUTE
The Predators honored Jeff Camelio, the Kraken’s head equipment manager, who spent 15 seasons as Nashville’s assistant equipment manager. The Kraken also have former Predators forward Calle Jarnkrok, who was picked in the expansion draft, and forward Colin Blackwell. Neither played Thursday, with Jarnkrok in COVID-19 protocol and Blackwell out due to a lower-body injury.
FORSBERG’S STREAK
Filip Forsberg assisted Josi’s goal, extending his streak of scoring in Nashville’s last five season openers, the longest active streak in the NHL.
UP NEXT
- The Kraken continue their road trip Saturday afternoon at Columbus.
- Nashville hosts the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday night.
