On Sunday night, the Seattle Kraken flipped the script on the New Jersey Devils, earning a 4-2 win at Climate Pledge Arena and splitting the season series one game apiece. Just 11 days after a tough overtime loss in Newark, Seattle bounced back with a regulation victory that showcased timely offense, gritty defensive play, and a third-period surge that turned the game on its head.
Ryker Evans Sparks the Comeback
The Devils struck first, with Dougie Hamilton converting on the power play in the opening period. It was the only goal through 20 minutes, but the Kraken weren’t about to let the game slip away early. Midway through the second, Seattle found its footing-and it came from a perhaps unlikely source.
After a rebound kicked out wide, Ryker Evans corralled the puck near the boards, skated it back to the blue line, and let one fly through a sea of bodies. The puck found its way through and beat Jacob Markstrom to tie things up. It was Evans’ fourth goal of the season-and his first point in nine games-but more importantly, it was a momentum-shifting moment for the Kraken.
Evans isn’t known for putting up big offensive numbers, but this was a clutch contribution. He read the play, picked his spot, and delivered a goal that gave Seattle life heading into the third.
Beniers, Catton Fuel Third-Period Surge
Tied 1-1 heading into the final frame, the Kraken wasted no time taking control. Less than 10 minutes in, Jordan Eberle kept the puck alive in the offensive zone and fed Matty Beniers, who skated in and ripped a shot that pinged off the crossbar and in. It was a beauty-and a milestone moment.
For Beniers, the goal came in his 300th NHL game. It was his 12th of the season and extended his point streak to three games.
With 34 points in 51 games, he’s now tied with Eberle atop the Kraken’s scoring leaderboard. Not a bad way to mark a career milestone.
And just 18 seconds later, the Kraken struck again.
Chandler Stephenson delivered a slick backhand pass to rookie Berkly Catton, who was parked right in front of the net. Catton went low with his shot and beat Markstrom to make it 3-1. It was his fifth goal of the season and a strong statement from a young player who’s been making the most of limited minutes.
Catton now has 11 points in 38 games, and while he’s not logging top-line ice time, he’s showing flashes of what could be a bright future. His ability to find space and finish plays is giving Seattle valuable depth scoring from the bottom six.
Efficiency Over Volume
On the stat sheet, the Devils had the edge in shots-29 to the Kraken’s 19-but Seattle’s efficiency was the difference-maker. The first period was dead even at nine shots apiece, but only New Jersey found the back of the net. In the second, the Devils again outshot Seattle 7-5, but it was the Kraken who lit the lamp.
The third period is where things got wild. The Devils fired 13 shots at Seattle’s net, but only one got through.
The Kraken, meanwhile, needed just five shots to score three goals. That kind of conversion rate doesn’t happen often, but when it does, it usually means you’re walking away with two points.
Seattle didn’t dominate possession or pepper the net, but they were opportunistic and clinical when it mattered most. They capitalized on their chances, got strong goaltending, and defended well enough to keep the Devils from clawing back.
What’s Next
With the win, the Kraken wrap up their season series with the Devils all square at one win apiece. They’ll stay home for their next matchup, hosting the Washington Capitals on Tuesday. If Seattle can carry this kind of third-period energy forward, they’ll be a tough out on home ice.
This was a game about resilience, timely execution, and young players stepping up in key moments. For a team still building its identity, those are the kinds of wins that can shape a season.