After rolling to a convincing 5-1 win over the Washington Capitals on Tuesday night, the Seattle Kraken earned themselves a lighter day on Wednesday. Only a handful of players-Cale Fleury, Josh Mahura, Tye Kartye, Joey Daccord, and Matt Murray-hit the ice for an optional skate. The rest of the squad took the opportunity to rest up, and for a couple of them, to reflect on a night that was anything but ordinary.
Melanson vs. Duhaime: A Tension-Filled Tilt
Let’s start with the fireworks. Jacob Melanson found himself in the middle of a personal storm with Capitals forward Brandon Duhaime.
From the opening puck drop, Duhaime was clearly targeting Melanson, trying to bait him into a fight. Melanson didn’t bite-at least not right away.
But with the game already out of reach for Washington late in the third, Melanson finally obliged.
“I don’t know [what I did to him], but I mean, if I got that guy that mad at me, then I must be doing my job the right way,” Melanson said. “Obviously, he wanted it the whole night, and he finally got it.”
That’s the kind of quote that tells you everything you need to know about Melanson’s mindset. He’s not just comfortable playing the agitator role-he embraces it. And in this case, it paid off.
What most fans didn’t catch live was a moment in the second period that’s now making the rounds on social media. As Melanson skated past the Capitals’ bench, Duhaime appeared to reach over the boards and jab Melanson in the face with the butt end of his stick. That’s not just crossing a line-it’s jumping over it.
Melanson said he didn’t even realize it was Duhaime who caught him in the face during the play.
“I didn’t [know it was him], and I feel like that would have made things a little different,” he said. “But I mean, it’s just part of the game. He’s trying to get under my skin, and I respect it.”
Respect might be a strong word there, but Melanson kept his cool. And when the gloves finally dropped, he made sure to stand his ground. That’s a big moment for a young player carving out his identity in the league.
Duhaime, for his part, didn’t just lose the fight-he lost the war. He took an extra penalty in the final scrum and got hit with a $2,500 fine from the NHL’s Department of Player Safety the next morning for unsportsmanlike conduct. The Kraken got the win, Melanson got the last laugh, and Duhaime got a bill.
The Lindgren Bowl (Sort Of)
While the Melanson-Duhaime drama stole the spotlight, another storyline quietly played out beneath the surface: the latest installment of the Lindgren family rivalry. Seattle defenseman Ryan Lindgren faced off against his brother Charlie’s team, although Charlie didn’t get the start in net for Washington this time around-he backed up Logan Thompson.
Still, for Ryan, it was a meaningful moment.
“Yeah, it really is the coolest thing,” he said. “It’s something we both dreamed of growing up-playing in the NHL-and any time we get to play against each other is… I mean, it’s incredible. Obviously, it’s a little more fun when he’s in net, but yeah, it’s really special.”
The Lindgren family showed up in full force for the occasion, turning the game into a mini family reunion. From watching the Seahawks game together to visiting Seattle landmarks like Pike Place Market, it was a full itinerary of family bonding.
“It’s always fun to see [Charlie], and my parents come into town, my grandpa, my other brother,” Ryan said. “More so for them, too-they really, really love it and enjoy seeing us out there together.”
This wasn’t the first time the brothers have squared off. They’ve gone head-to-head in the AHL, and more memorably, in the 2024 NHL playoffs, when Ryan’s Rangers swept Charlie’s Capitals in the opening round. Ryan didn’t hold back on that memory either.
“We were lucky enough to sweep them, too,” he said with a grin. “So, I kind of got that over him, which is nice.”
Sibling bragging rights aside, it’s a reminder of how rare and special it is to have two brothers make it to the NHL-let alone face each other on the ice.
Kraken Holding Serve in the Wild Card Chase
Tuesday’s win was big for morale, but in the standings, the Kraken didn’t gain any ground. They remain locked in a tight three-way tie at 57 points with the Los Angeles Kings and San Jose Sharks. Right now, San Jose holds the final wild-card spot, but with the Central Division teams lurking, the only safe haven is a top-three finish in the Pacific.
That makes every point critical, especially with the Olympic break looming.
Thursday’s matchup adds another layer of intrigue, as Kraken head coach Lane Lambert faces his former team, the Toronto Maple Leafs. Lambert was behind the bench in Toronto last season as an associate head coach, and now he’ll look to go 2-0 against his old squad. Seattle already beat the Leafs once this season, thanks to Josh Mahura’s overtime winner back on October 18.
Beniers on the Brink of History
One player who’s heating up at just the right time? Matty Beniers.
With nine goals in January, he’s now tied with Jordan Eberle for the most goals scored in a single month by a Kraken player. One more, and he stands alone in the franchise record books.
Beniers has found his scoring touch again, and it’s coming in clutch as Seattle tries to stay in the playoff hunt. He’s playing with confidence, and when he’s on, the Kraken’s offense becomes a whole different animal.
One Last Home Game Before the Break
Thursday’s game against Toronto isn’t just a coaching reunion or a chance for Beniers to make history-it’s also Seattle’s last home game until February 28. Thanks to the Olympic break and a road-heavy schedule on either side of it, the Kraken won’t be back in front of the home crowd for nearly a month.
So, yeah-there’s a lot riding on this one.
From Melanson’s grit to Beniers’ scoring surge, the Kraken are showing signs of a team that’s ready to battle. The standings may be tight, but Seattle’s playing with an edge-and that could make all the difference down the stretch.