The Winnipeg Jets controlled much of the offensive flow on Thursday night, but a decisive attack in the third period took the Seattle Kraken to a 5-3 victory at Climate Pledge Arena. Despite Winnipeg leading the way in shots, scoring chances and face-off percentage, Seattle took advantage of key mistakes and timely scoring to win the second game of the season series and improve to 2-0 against the Jets on the season.
Summary of the game
The match started with Winnipeg claiming early control. Strong puck movement through the neutral zone and constant pressure forced Seattle on its heels, and the Jets were rewarded at 10:17 when Alex Iafallo reached the edge of the crease and redirected Adam Lowry’s blast behind Philipp Grubauer, getting things started in the first period.
However, Seattle responded exactly when they needed it. At 15:15, Kaapo Kakko lined up in the slot and got a piece of Jaden Schwartz’s blast, lifted it up and into the back of the net, tying the match at 1-1. The Kraken didn’t create many scoring chances in the opening phase, but they did take advantage of their best chance. The period ended on a level note, with both teams seeing room for improvement: Winnipeg wanted more finishes, while Seattle sought more rhythm.
The second period was Winnipeg’s most dominant period. The Jets defeated Seattle 13-5, dictating zone time with extensive cycle shifts and structured puck support. Their work paid off early when Mark Scheifele scored his tenth goal of the season at 3:18, restoring the 2-1 lead.
But just like in the first period, Seattle responded with opportunistic scoring. At 7:27, Vince Dunn sent a low wrist shot that was deflected past Connor Hellebuyck, tying the game 2–2, despite the flow of play leaning heavily in Winnipeg’s favor.
The Jets regained control of the power play late in the frame. Kyle Connor hammered a feed from the circle and the shot was deflected off Ryan Lindgren before sliding into the back of the net, giving Winnipeg a 3-2 lead in the second period. With strong special teams, dominant possession and the momentum of Connor’s goal, the Jets looked ready to take over the game.
Everything unraveled for Winnipeg in the third period.
Seattle came out with a revamped structure and purpose, changing the pace of the game in their favor. The Jets were unable to clear their zone after an early penalty, and Eeli Tolvanen made them pay at 4:11, firing a one-timer to tie the game. The goal brought life to the Kraken bench and set the tone for the remainder of the period.
Just three minutes later, Jordan Eberle provided the turning point. His deflection at 7:21 gave Seattle its first lead of the night at 4-3, completely changing the momentum. Winnipeg struggled to generate high-danger pressure from then on, limited to nine shots in the period as Seattle tightened defensively.
Eberle added the empty-netter at 18:25, completing the comeback and securing a 5-3 Kraken victory.
Looking ahead
Winnipeg leaves this one knowing the chances they lost. The Jets won the shot battle, controlled possession and had advantages in hits and blocked shots – but fourteen giveaways and a flat third period proved costly. For Seattle, the win underlines their resilience and ability to capitalize on timely opportunities, turning a close match into a statement win.
#Krakens #Period #Comeback #Leads #Win #Jets #Hockey #Writers #Seattle #Kraken #Latest #News #Analysis