Kraken Flip the Script on Islanders with 4-1 Win Behind Special Teams, Dunn Milestone, and Grubauer’s Steady Hand
The last time the Seattle Kraken and New York Islanders met, both teams skated through 65 minutes of scoreless hockey before the Islanders claimed a shootout win. This time around, the offenses woke up - and Seattle made sure to do most of the talking.
The Kraken responded to an early deficit with four unanswered goals, taking control of the game and closing out the season series with a 4-1 win at Climate Pledge Arena. With the victory, each team walks away from their two meetings this season with a win apiece.
Special Teams Swing the Momentum
It didn’t start the way Seattle would’ve liked. Just two minutes into the game, Frederick Gaudreau was whistled for hooking, and the Islanders wasted no time cashing in. Anthony Duclair buried a power-play goal just 19 seconds into the man advantage, giving New York the early 1-0 edge.
But from that point on, the Kraken’s penalty kill - which has struggled mightily this season - stepped up in a big way. Coming into the game ranked 30th in the league with a 72.6% success rate, Seattle killed off six straight penalties after that early goal. That’s no small feat, especially against a team like the Islanders that can grind you down with sustained zone time.
On the flip side, Seattle’s power play - which has quietly climbed into the top 10 in the league at 23.4% - made its presence felt. After a pair of Islander penalties gave the Kraken a brief 5-on-3, they didn’t waste the opportunity.
Jared McCann’s slap shot produced a rebound that Vince Dunn quickly fired back on net, and Matty Beniers was perfectly positioned to tip it home. That goal tied the game and sparked a momentum shift Seattle wouldn’t give back.
They finished the night 1-for-4 on the power play, but that lone tally was a tone-setter. It gave the Kraken the jolt they needed and seemed to rattle the Islanders, who never fully regained their footing.
Vince Dunn Hits 50-Goal Milestone
Seattle’s second goal came off the stick of a player who’s been a cornerstone of their blue line since Day 1 - and it was a historic one.
Vince Dunn jumped into the rush after Ryan Winterton fed him a cross-ice pass, and Dunn didn’t hesitate. Skating into the faceoff circle, he snapped a shot past Ilya Sorokin to give the Kraken a 2-1 lead.
That goal was Dunn’s 50th as a member of the Kraken, making him the first defenseman in franchise history to hit the milestone. He also added an assist on the Beniers goal, giving him 31 points in 48 games this season. Dunn’s blend of offensive instincts and defensive reliability continues to anchor Seattle’s blue line, and performances like this one are a reminder of just how impactful he can be at both ends of the ice.
Grubauer Shuts the Door - and Chips In Offensively
Philipp Grubauer turned in one of his best performances of the season, stopping 24 of 25 shots for a .960 save percentage. While his last two starts ended in losses, Grubauer’s play has remained steady - and on this night, he gave Seattle exactly what it needed.
He wasn’t just making saves, either. With the Islanders pushing late and their net empty, Grubauer played the puck behind his net and fired a crisp outlet pass to Brandon Montour. Montour’s attempt at the empty net missed wide, but McCann hustled to the puck and buried it to seal the win - and Grubauer earned the secondary assist.
It was a fitting cap to a night where Seattle’s goaltender did a little bit of everything. From timely saves to smart puck movement, Grubauer was locked in from start to finish.
What’s Next
With the win, Seattle gets a much-needed boost as they continue to fight for playoff positioning in a crowded Western Conference. They’ll be back on home ice Friday night to host the Anaheim Ducks - and if their special teams and goaltending look anything like they did against the Islanders, they’ll be in good shape to keep the momentum rolling.
This was a night where the Kraken showed poise, resilience, and a bit of offensive flair. From a bounce-back penalty kill to a milestone goal from one of their leaders, Seattle reminded everyone that when they’re clicking, they’re a tough team to handle.