The Seattle Kraken didn’t have to wait long for their first win, clinching a 4-3 victory over the Nashville Predators on Thursday night in just their second game as an NHL franchise.
Brandon Tanev led the charge with two goals, including an empty-netter with 1:21 remaining that ultimately sealed the win for Seattle.
“I think it’s phenomenal,” said Kraken goalie Philipp Grubauer, who made 27 saves in the game. “This win speaks volumes about the group and the organization, and it’s a reward for everyone who has worked so hard to get us here.”
Alex Wennberg and Jared McCann also scored goals and assisted on assists for the Kraken, who are playing their first five games on the road while their home arena is being renovated.
With this win, Seattle joins Columbus (2000) and Vegas (2017) as the only expansion teams to win their first game against the Predators.
“It’s great to get that first win in franchise history,” said Kraken coach Dave Hakstol. “You could see a bit of tension in the third period, but the guys stayed calm and focused. It’s a big deal for everyone involved.”
Tanev’s second goal was the game-winner, coming on Seattle’s only shot of the third period. Nashville’s Mikael Granlund, who had two assists in the game, pulled the Predators within one with 39.9 seconds left, but the Kraken held on for the victory.
Grubauer credited the Kraken for keeping things simple, though he acknowledged they need to tighten up defensively to prevent so many shots in the final period.
“Overall, we grinded it out,” Grubauer said. “Getting that first win is always tough, and we did it.”
Wennberg noted that the team became too cautious in the third period while trying to protect their lead but emphasized that the victory was more important.
“We really wanted this win,” Wennberg said. “Sometimes it’s not pretty, but we did what we needed to do.”
Roman Josi and Eeli Tolvanen scored for Nashville, with Filip Forsberg adding two assists. The Predators came into the game with a strong track record in season openers but couldn’t overcome their early mistakes.
Nashville coach John Hynes acknowledged that the team didn’t start as well as they wanted and that penalties were a factor.
“We got better as the game went on, but it wasn’t enough,” Hynes said.
Game Notes:
- The Predators honored former assistant equipment manager Jeff Camelio, now with Seattle, with a video tribute during the first period.
- Calle Jarnkrok and Colin Blackwell, both former Predators now with the Kraken, did not play due to COVID-19 protocol and injury, respectively.
- Filip Forsberg extended his streak to five consecutive season openers with a point, the longest active streak in the NHL.
Up Next:
- The Kraken continue their road trip Saturday afternoon against the Columbus Blue Jackets.
- The Predators will host the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday night.
