Kraken Show Resilience in Overtime Victory Over Lightning
Thursday night saw the Seattle Kraken travel to face the Tampa Bay Lightning, seeking redemption from their earlier season loss. The two teams had clashed on March 17 in Seattle, where the Lightning secured a decisive 6-2 victory. This time, however, the Kraken flipped the script, edging out a 4-3 win in overtime.
Montour's Magic Moment
Brandon Montour was the star of the night for Seattle, bookending the game with crucial goals. The Kraken struck first, with Montour capitalizing on a slick play initiated by Oscar Fisker Molgaard.
Molgaard's speed was key, outpacing the Lightning to set up Frederick Gaudreau in the neutral zone. Gaudreau found Montour, who deftly backhanded the puck into the net to give the Kraken an early lead.
The game remained tight, with both teams trading goals to end regulation tied at 3-3. In overtime, Berkly Catton's shot was deflected by Andrei Vasilevskiy, but Shane Wright kept the play alive, finding Montour in the faceoff circle.
Montour's sharp-angle shot sealed the win, showcasing his knack for seizing scoring opportunities. His performance underlined his value as a two-way defender, now boasting 31 points in 53 games this season.
McMann's Milestone
Bobby McMann also shone brightly, notching a goal and an assist to reach a significant career milestone of 100 NHL points. Acquired from the Toronto Maple Leafs at the trade deadline, McMann has quickly proven his worth as a depth scorer, amassing nine points in just seven games with Seattle. His contributions are a testament to the Kraken's savvy trade deadline moves.
A Team Effort
Seattle's victory was a testament to their resilience. Despite the Lightning's comeback efforts, the Kraken held firm.
Head coach Lane Lambert praised the team's adaptability, highlighting their ability to persevere despite injuries and a short bench. With key players like Jared McCann and Jaden Schwartz sidelined, and Jordan Eberle taking a hard hit from Emil Lilleberg, the Kraken's depth was tested.
Yet, they rose to the occasion, embodying the team spirit needed for a playoff push.
Next Stop: Buffalo
The Kraken's road trip continues as they head north to face the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday, March 28. With Buffalo leading the season series after a December victory in Seattle, the Kraken will be eager to even the score. This matchup promises to be another exciting chapter in their quest for postseason success.