The Seattle Kraken defeated the Nashville Predators 4-1 on Thursday night, January 1, 2026, marking their fifth win in the last six games. The victory, fueled by a dominant first period, showcased the Kraken's ability to capitalize on early momentum and maintain a strong defensive presence throughout the game. Here are three key takeaways from the Kraken's performance:

1. Explosive First Period Sets the Tone: The Kraken came out firing, scoring three goals in the first period. Matty Beniers led the charge with two goals, his first coming at 3:48 mark. Jamie Oleksiak further extended the lead at 10:41, followed quickly by Beniers' second goal just ten seconds later. This quick offensive burst put the Predators on their heels and forced them to play catch-up for the remainder of the game. The Kraken's ability to generate early offense and establish a comfortable lead proved crucial to their success.

2. Grubauer's Solid Goaltending and Kraken's Defensive Prowess Philipp Grubauer's performance in goal was a significant factor in the Kraken's victory. He stopped 24 of the 25 shots he faced, providing a reliable last line of defense. The Kraken's penalty kill was also perfect, shutting down Nashville's early power-play opportunities. Although Roman Josi scored a power-play goal for the Predators in the second period, the Kraken's overall defensive structure limited Nashville's scoring chances and prevented them from mounting a serious comeback.

3. Contributions Throughout the Lineup The Kraken's success wasn't limited to a few star players; instead, contributions came from various players. Besides Beniers' two goals and Oleksiak's goal, Jared McCann sealed the victory with an empty-netter. Ryker Evans, Jordan Eberle, Ryan Winterton, Jacob Melanson, and Kaapo Kakko each contributed with assists. This depth of contribution highlights the Kraken's improved team chemistry and their ability to generate offense from multiple sources. Coach Lane Lambert praised his team’s complete effort.

The Kraken's win against the Predators demonstrates their growth and consistency as they continue their point streak to six games. With a combination of explosive offense, solid goaltending, and contributions from throughout the lineup, the Kraken are building momentum and solidifying their position in the NHL standings. The Predators, on the other hand, will need to address their slow starts and find more consistency in their game if they hope to bounce back from this defeat.