Jared McCann scored a goal and added an assist, while Philipp Grubauer made 19 saves to earn the first shutout in Seattle Kraken history. This led the expansion team to a 3-0 victory over the New York Islanders on Wednesday night.
Mason Appleton contributed a goal and an assist, and Vince Dunn also scored, helping the Kraken to their third win in seven games. Grubauer, earning his 19th career shutout and his first since last May with Colorado, praised his teammates for their defensive effort.
“Great performance from everyone,” Grubauer said. “Without the guys in front of me, there’s no chance for this. … It feels great to get that first shutout.”
The Kraken head into the All-Star break, sitting last in the Pacific Division with a 15-27-4 record.
“Tonight was a hard-fought, well-earned team win,” said Seattle coach Dave Hakstol. “Our guys were ready to play. I liked the way we competed and skated.”
Semyon Varlamov made 28 saves for the Islanders, who lost four of their last six games. New York remains 17 points out of the second wild card spot in the Eastern Conference, and their 19 shots were a season-low.
“Too many turnovers, and we got outcompeted. Their will was stronger than ours,” Islanders coach Barry Trotz said. “They wanted it more. Words don’t mean much; actions count. … This was one of the more disappointing games I’ve coached as an Islanders coach.”
Seattle broke the deadlock at 6:04 of the third period when former Islander Jordan Eberle passed the puck to McCann, who fired a sharp-angled shot that deflected off Varlamov’s shoulder and into the net. It was McCann’s career-high-tying 19th goal of the season.
Dunn extended the lead just 2 1/2 minutes later, taking a pass from Appleton, skating through traffic, and backhanding the puck past a screened Varlamov for his fifth goal of the season.
Appleton added an empty-netter in the final seconds, bringing his season total to five goals.
The Islanders started slowly in the first period, managing only two shots on goal in the first 11 minutes of the second. Grubauer made a stellar sliding save on Zach Parise’s one-timer with 6:51 left in the second period, while Varlamov denied Colin Blackwell in close and then blocked his follow-up shot.
Seattle dominated the first period, outshooting New York 11-5. The Kraken had the first six shots on goal, with New York’s first attempt coming at 6:37 from Andy Greene. The Islanders didn’t register another shot until Brock Nelson’s attempt with 5:37 remaining in the period.
“That’s the identity we strive for,” Eberle said. “We defend much like the Islanders did when I was here.”
STATS
McCann has recorded three goals and four assists in his last six games. His assist on Appleton’s empty-netter was the 100th of his career. … Seattle’s Marcus Johansson assisted on McCann’s goal, giving him five assists and six points in his last six games. … The Kraken improved to 7-7-1 when scoring first and 6-4-2 when tied after two periods. The Islanders dropped to 1-2-3 when tied after 40 minutes.
SCHEDULING QUIRK
The Islanders wrapped up a stretch in which they played 22 of their last 26 games at home. After beginning the season with 13 straight road games, they opened UBS Arena on November 20 and are now 9-10-3 at their new home. After the All-Star break, New York will play nine of their next 11 games on the road.
SEEING A FAMILIAR FACE
The Islanders honored Jordan Eberle with a video tribute during a first-period stoppage, and he received a warm ovation from the crowd. Eberle acknowledged the fans and his former teammates at the Islanders’ bench. He spent four seasons with the Islanders, scoring 76 goals and adding 93 assists before being selected by Seattle in the expansion draft.
“I have a strong connection with this group,” Eberle said. “Some of my best and worst memories (losing in the Stanley Cup semifinals twice) are with this team.”
UP NEXT
- Kraken: Host Arizona on February 9 before playing four of the next five on the road.
- Islanders: Visit Vancouver on February 9 to start a four-game road trip.
