The Seattle Kraken closed out a difficult stretch with a composed 4-1 win over the Calgary Flames on Saturday night. Rookie goaltender Nikke Kokko made 26 saves in his first NHL start, anchoring a performance that carried Seattle through a steady recovery after falling behind.
The result came hours after Seattle learned it had been eliminated from playoff contention. Despite that setback, the Kraken responded with focus and structure, building on a shootout win earlier in the week. The team has now won two straight following a six-game losing streak.
Kokko Steps In Under Pressure
Nikke Kokko entered the game under unusual circumstances. Seattle’s regular goaltending options were unavailable, forcing the rookie into a starting role. Joey Daccord and Philipp Grubauer remained out with lower-body injuries, while Matt Murray was away from the team.
Kokko handled the assignment with composure. He tracked the puck well and controlled rebounds in traffic. Calgary tested him early, but he settled quickly and limited second chances. His 26-save performance gave Seattle stability in net and allowed the team to build confidence as the game progressed.
Kokko had previously appeared in one NHL game earlier this season. That outing came in relief. This marked his first start, and he delivered a controlled, efficient effort.
Seattle Responds After Falling Behind
Calgary opened the scoring midway through the second period. Hunter Brzustewicz found space and beat Kokko with a clean shot, giving the Flames a 1-0 lead. The goal came during a stretch when Calgary showed more urgency and pushed play into Seattle’s zone.
Seattle answered quickly. Freddy Gaudreau tied the game just 54 seconds later, finishing a sequence that shifted momentum back to the Kraken. That response proved decisive, as Seattle maintained pressure through the remainder of the period.
Chandler Stephenson put Seattle ahead with 6:44 left in the second. He capitalized on a developing play and gave the Kraken their first lead of the night. Matty Beniers extended that lead in the closing seconds of the period, scoring with five seconds remaining to make it 3-1.
That late goal created separation and forced Calgary to chase the game in the third period.
Beniers Reaches Milestone
Matty Beniers’ goal marked his 20th of the season. He has provided steady production throughout the year and continues to play a central role in Seattle’s offense. His timing in this game proved important, as his late second-period goal shifted the pace heading into intermission.
Kaapo Kakko also reached a milestone. He recorded his 200th career point with an assist on Gaudreau’s goal. His contribution added to a balanced offensive effort from Seattle’s forward group.
Jordan Eberle sealed the result with an empty-net goal late in the third period. That goal capped a controlled final stretch in which Seattle limited Calgary’s opportunities.
Flames Struggle To Sustain Pressure
Calgary could not build on its early lead. The team generated chances but lacked consistency in finishing. Logan Cooley made 16 saves but faced sustained pressure during key stretches in the second period.
The Flames entered the game with a solid record over their previous 10 outings. However, they could not maintain that level against a structured Seattle effort. The loss highlighted ongoing challenges in converting chances and protecting leads.
Defenseman Abram Wiebe made his NHL debut for Calgary. His appearance marked a step in his development, though the team could not support it with a stronger overall performance.
Playing For Finish
Seattle approached the game with clarity despite its elimination from postseason contention. The team showed discipline and energy, focusing on execution rather than standings.
The recent wins suggest a group aiming to finish the season on a stable footing. After a difficult run of losses, Seattle has tightened its play and improved its consistency across both ends of the ice.
Calgary, now 33-37-9, continues to navigate an uneven season. The team has shown flashes of form but has struggled to sustain results over longer stretches.
Next Games
Calgary returns home to face Utah on Sunday, looking to respond quickly after the loss. Seattle will remain at home and host the Los Angeles Kings on Monday night.
For the Kraken, the focus remains on development and consistency in the final games. Kokko’s performance offers a positive note, providing a glimpse of depth in goal as the season winds down.
