The Seattle Kraken needed a spark-and they got one.
Vince Dunn and Jared McCann each delivered a goal and an assist, leading the Kraken to a much-needed 4-1 win over the New York Islanders on Wednesday night. The victory snapped a four-game skid for Seattle and gave them a jolt of momentum as they try to claw back into the playoff conversation.
This was a game where Seattle didn’t just show up-they dictated. After falling behind early, the Kraken tightened up defensively, capitalized on special teams, and leaned on key players to get the job done.
Islanders Strike First, But Kraken Respond
The Islanders wasted no time getting on the board. Just 2:38 into the game, Anthony Duclair stayed red-hot, burying a power-play goal-his fifth in as many games.
That’s eight goals in his last eight outings, matching a scoring stretch not seen since Brock Nelson back in 2022. Duclair’s finish came on the Isles’ first man-advantage of the night, and it looked like New York might be in control early.
But Seattle pushed back, and they didn’t wait long. Midway through the first period, they earned a five-on-three opportunity, and they made it count.
Dunn fired a shot from the point, and Matty Beniers got a piece of it in front to tie things up at 1-1. It was a gritty, opportunistic goal-the kind of play that can swing momentum-and it did.
The first period was choppy, with both teams combining for six penalties. But once Seattle found their rhythm, they didn’t let go.
Dunn Delivers Again
In the second period, Dunn didn’t just set the tone-he changed the game. With Seattle buzzing in the offensive zone, Ryan Winterton found Dunn in space at the right circle.
Dunn stepped into a clean wrist shot and beat Ilya Sorokin high for his seventh goal of the season. Ben Meyers also picked up an assist on the play, but it was Dunn’s finish that gave the Kraken a lead they wouldn’t relinquish.
It was Dunn’s third multi-point effort in his last four games, and he’s been quietly driving offense from the blue line as of late. When he’s active and confident like this, Seattle’s attack looks a lot more dynamic.
Kakko and McCann Seal It
Seattle didn’t sit back with the lead-they kept pressing. Just under seven minutes into the third, Kaapo Kakko cashed in on a rush chance, extending the lead to 3-1. It was the kind of insurance goal that takes the pressure off and lets a team settle in defensively.
Then, with the Islanders pushing and Sorokin pulled for the extra attacker, McCann put the game on ice. After a save by Philipp Grubauer, the puck quickly moved up ice, and McCann buried the empty-netter with 1:36 left on the clock. That goal gave McCann points in 17 of the 25 games he’s played this season-a quiet but steady presence in the Kraken’s offensive mix.
Grubauer, meanwhile, was solid between the pipes, stopping 24 shots and even picking up a secondary assist on McCann’s goal. It was a complete performance from the veteran netminder, who looked sharp and composed all night.
Islanders Close Out Road Trip Flat
For the Islanders, this was a frustrating way to end a seven-game road trip. They finished 3-3-1, but this finale left a sour taste. After the game, captain Anders Lee didn’t mince words.
“I didn't think we were very sharp, off in too many areas,” Lee said. “Just a frustrating game tonight, I think we kind of shot ourselves in the foot more than they beat us.”
That may be true to an extent-the Isles did take some untimely penalties and struggled to generate sustained pressure-but Seattle earned this one. They played with urgency, executed on special teams, and got big nights from their top players.
The Islanders now head home to face Buffalo on Saturday afternoon, looking to reset and regroup.
As for the Kraken, this win was more than just two points-it was a reminder of what they’re capable of when they play their game. If they can bottle this effort, they might just be ready to make some noise down the stretch.