Brandon Montour scored twice, including the game-winner in overtime, as the Seattle Kraken defeated the Tampa Bay Lightning 4-3 on Thursday night. The win ended a four-game losing streak for Seattle and kept the team within reach in the Western Conference playoff race.
Seattle built leads during the game but had to respond to Tampa Bay’s repeated pushbacks. The Lightning erased a two-goal deficit in the second period before Montour delivered the deciding goal in overtime. The result highlighted Seattle’s ability to recover after recent struggles and close out a tight game.
Philipp Grubauer played a key role in goal, making 30 saves to steady the Kraken through stretches of pressure. Tampa Bay, which had entered the game on a strong run, saw its momentum slowed despite a solid offensive effort.
Montour Leads With Two Goals
Montour drove Seattle’s offense from the blue line. He opened the scoring late in the first period by slipping past coverage, taking a pass near the net, and finishing with a backhand shot.
He added the decisive goal in overtime. After receiving a pass from Shane Wright, Montour skated into space and beat Andrei Vasilevskiy cleanly to end the game 2:47 into the extra period.
His performance reflected both offensive awareness and timing. Montour joined the attack effectively and capitalized on key opportunities.
Kraken Strike Early And Often
Seattle started strong and carried momentum through the opening period. After Montour’s first goal, Tampa Bay responded quickly when Anthony Cirelli tied the game less than two minutes later.
The Kraken answered before the period ended. Chandler Stephenson created space along the boards and found Kaapo Kakko open in the slot. Kakko finished the play to restore Seattle’s lead heading into the intermission.
The quick response showed Seattle’s ability to maintain pressure and recover from setbacks within the same period.
Second Period Swings Momentum
Seattle extended its lead early in the second period. Bobby McMann scored at 3:35, continuing his productive stretch since joining the team. The goal gave the Kraken a 3-1 advantage and put Tampa Bay on the defensive.
The Lightning responded with urgency. Jake Guentzel cut the deficit with a breakaway goal, finishing calmly after getting behind the defense. Tampa Bay continued to push and found the equalizer when Corey Perry scored from the slot on a power play.
The sequence shifted momentum. Tampa Bay regained control and generated sustained offensive pressure. Seattle relied on Grubauer to make key saves and keep the game level.
Goaltending And Defense Hold In Third
The third period featured tighter play from both teams. Defensive structure improved, and scoring chances became more limited.
Grubauer faced consistent pressure but remained composed. He tracked shots well and controlled rebounds, preventing Tampa Bay from taking the lead.
Vasilevskiy, on the other hand, also settled into the game after allowing three goals. He finished with 15 saves and made several stops to send the game into overtime.
Neither team broke through in regulation, setting up a decisive extra period.
Overtime Execution Decides Outcome
Seattle controlled possession early in overtime and looked for a clean entry into the offensive zone. Wright’s pass to Montour created the opening needed to finish the game.
Montour’s shot beat Vasilevskiy from close range, ending the contest and securing an important result for Seattle.
The Kraken executed quickly and avoided overtime. The decisive sequence reflected strong awareness and efficient decision-making.
Key Contributions Across Lineup
Seattle received contributions throughout the lineup. McMann and Kakko each recorded a goal and an assist, providing secondary scoring support. Stephenson and Wright contributed with key plays that led to goals.
Grubauer’s performance anchored the team defensively. His 30 saves helped the Kraken withstand Tampa Bay’s push, especially during the second period.
For Tampa Bay, Guentzel and Cirelli each contributed offensively, while Perry added a power-play goal. Charle-Edouard D’Astous recorded two assists and helped drive the Lightning’s attack from the blue line.
Despite those efforts, Tampa Bay could not secure the extra point after erasing the deficit.
Standings And Momentum
The win provides Seattle with a needed boost after a difficult stretch. The Kraken remain in contention for a playoff spot and will look to build on this performance.
Tampa Bay had been trending upward before this result. The team still showed offensive capability but will need to tighten defensive coverage in key moments.
The game reflected the importance of finishing opportunities. Seattle capitalized on its chances, while Tampa Bay could not convert late pressure into a win.
Up Next
Seattle continues its road trip with a game against the Buffalo Sabres. Tampa Bay returns home to face the Ottawa Senators as it looks to regain momentum.
The result reinforces how quickly momentum can shift late in the season. Seattle found a way to close, while Tampa Bay was left to regroup after a missed opportunity.
