On Thursday, January 29, the Seattle Kraken hosted the Toronto Maple Leafs. This game concluded their six-game homestand. The Kraken already faced the Maple Leafs in Toronto on October 18 and won 4-3 in overtime. In the rematch, the Kraken took an early lead, but the Maple Leafs tied it late in the first period.
The Kraken scored two unanswered goals in the second period. They led 3-1 heading into the final frame. Toronto scored a power-play goal early in the second, but two more unanswered Kraken goals sealed the win 5-2 victory. This win also ensured the Kraken won the season series.
Kraken’s first line is on fire
Just a minute into the first period, the Kraken gained control of the puck in the Maple Leafs zone. Jordan Eberle began skating through the neutral zone. He passed it to Jared McCann, who skated it into the Kraken zone. He sent it to Matty Beniers as he positioned himself between the two faceoff circles. His shot went over Anthony Stolarz’s leg and over the line first goal of the evening.
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This goal was one historical for the Kraken. Beniers set the record for most goals scored by a player in one month, as this was his 10th goal in January. McCann also set the record for most points with his assist, bringing the record to 18.
McCann broke his record later in the match with his empty net goal, bringing his total to 19 points. This also means that of his current 28 points, only nine were achieved in the previous three months of this season. January is the first full month of the 2025/26 season in which McCann has had the opportunity to play, following his previous injuries; he’s been great all month.
The Kraken have one more game in January, and both Beniers and McCann have a chance to extend their records. As of this moment, they’ve etched their names in the Kraken’s record book, and they should feel accomplished. The top line has consistently performed to the best of their ability this season and has shown no signs of slowing down.
Wright with an impressive performance
The first line was not the only one to score a goal in this match. Six minutes into the second period, Jaden Schwartz ripped a shot from the blue line, but Stolarz made the save. Shane Wright stood in front of the net and grabbed the rebound, send it past Stolarz to give the Kraken their lead back.
Eight minutes into the third period, Brandon Montour kicked the puck out to Wright in the Kraken’s zone. He skated it away from the boards and toward the net to cancel Toronto’s power play goal just two minutes earlier.
This was Wright’s first multi-goal game of the season, but his second multi-point night. He continues to perform well, and this was the most minutes he has played, 15:41, since earlier this month. As trade rumors continue to swirl around Wright, this might have been the wake-up call some teams needed to see his potential.
Lindgren continues to make mistakes
Yes, the Kraken closed out the homestand with another win, but they still made a simple mistake. Nicholas Robertson’s shot in the first period bounced off Ryan Lindgren’s skate as he stood in front of the net, resulting in Robertson’s goal. Lindgren has cost the Kraken several goals this season, either through the penalties he has taken or an unlucky rebound on the other team’s shot.
Fortunately, the Kraken were able to secure the victory, thanks to a complete team effort that corrected Lindgren’s earlier mistake.
Kraken hits the road
The Kraken will play their final game of the month on Saturday, January 31, when they take on the Vegas Golden Knights to close out the 17-game stretch.
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