The Seattle Kraken suffered their first regulation loss of the season, falling to the Philadelphia Flyers by a score of 5-2 on Monday night. Here are three takeaways from the game:
1. A Historic Debut Amidst Defeat
Despite the loss, the game marked a significant moment for Kraken prospect Berkly Catton, who made his NHL debut. Catton, the Kraken's 2024 first-round pick, skated on the first line alongside Jordan Eberle and Matty Beniers. He quickly made an impact, earning an assist on Eberle's opening goal just 7:16 into the game. This assist made Catton the fourth Kraken player in franchise history to record a point in their NHL debut, joining Matty Beniers, Jani Nyman, and Ville Ottavainen. Notably, Catton's assist was the fastest point recorded by a Kraken player in their debut, surpassing Beniers' previous mark. While the team couldn't secure the win, Catton's performance offers a promising glimpse into the future.
2. Goaltending Struggles and Missed Opportunities
Joey Daccord started in goal for the Kraken but was pulled after allowing five goals on 21 shots through two periods. Philipp Grubauer played the third period, saving all six shots he faced. The Flyers' first goal was a result of a mistake by Daccord when he exited the crease to clear the puck. The Kraken also failed to capitalize on key chances, including a short-handed breakaway and a 2-on-1 opportunity. Coach Lane Lambert noted the team's inability to win battles and maintain speed throughout the game.
3. Power Play Consistency and Defensive Lapses
The Kraken extended their streak of games with a power-play goal to five, tying the second-longest streak in team history. Jani Nyman scored Seattle's lone power-play goal, bringing the score to 4-2 in the second period. However, the Kraken's power play couldn't convert on two-man advantage chances in the third period. Defensively, the Kraken allowed too many odd-man rushes, including a short-handed breakaway. The Flyers capitalized on these defensive breakdowns, with Owen Tippett scoring twice and Travis Konecny, Tyson Foerster, and Noah Cates also finding the back of the net. Cam York contributed three assists for the Flyers, while Dan Vladar made 20 saves to secure the win.
