Kulak Breaks Through, Dewar Shines as Penguins Top Kraken 6-3
The Penguins found their scoring touch in Seattle, and it came from some unexpected places.
Brett Kulak, who hadn’t lit the lamp since last year’s Western Conference Final, picked a perfect time to break the drought. Midway through the second period, with the game knotted at two apiece, Kulak stepped into a one-timer and buried his first goal of the season. It gave Pittsburgh a 3-2 lead they wouldn’t relinquish, and it was a moment that spoke volumes-not just about Kulak’s impact since arriving from Edmonton in the Tristan Jarry trade, but about the Penguins’ depth stepping up when it matters.
Pittsburgh’s 6-3 win over the Kraken wasn’t just about star power-it was a showcase of gritty, opportunistic hockey from throughout the lineup.
Defenseman Parker Witherspoon opened the scoring with a wrister from the point that found its way through traffic and past Seattle netminder Joey Daccord. It was Witherspoon’s third goal of the season, and it set the tone for a night where the Penguins’ blue line played a big role at both ends of the ice.
Connor Dewar had himself a night as well. The center scored short-handed in the first period-marking the third straight game the Kraken have allowed a shorty-and then capped things off with an empty-netter in the final seconds. Dewar’s hustle and two-way play gave the Penguins a jolt, and his ability to flip defense into offense was a key storyline in this one.
Seattle did show some fight. After falling behind 2-0 early, the Kraken clawed back with goals from Ben Meyers-his fifth of the season, a new career high-and defenseman Ryan Lindgren. Eeli Tolvanen added a third-period tally, but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Penguins’ balanced attack.
Justin Brazeau gave Pittsburgh breathing room early in the third with a goal to make it 4-2, and Rickard Rakell followed up with an insurance marker before Dewar’s second sealed the deal.
The Penguins have now won two of their last three after a tough three-game skid, and this one had to feel good-not just because of the win, but because of how they got it. Contributions from the back end, opportunistic special teams play, and a captain still doing captain things.
Speaking of which, Sidney Crosby hit yet another milestone, suiting up for his 1,400th career game. He marked the occasion with a pair of assists, continuing to show that even in year 19, he’s still the engine that drives this team.
In net, Stuart Skinner turned away 20 shots to earn the win, while Daccord made 26 saves in a tough outing for Seattle.
For the Kraken, the loss extends a rough stretch-four straight defeats, and six in their last seven. Defensive lapses and special teams struggles continue to plague them, and they’ll need to tighten things up quickly to stay in the playoff hunt.
But on this night, it was Pittsburgh’s mix of veterans and role players that stole the show. Kulak’s breakthrough, Dewar’s spark, and a full-team effort gave the Penguins a much-needed road win-and maybe, just maybe, a glimpse at the kind of depth-driven hockey they’ll need down the stretch.