The Seattle Kraken concluded their preseason on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, with a 4-2 victory over the Edmonton Oilers at Climate Pledge Arena, finishing with a 3-2-1 record. Here are three key takeaways from the game:
1. Ryan Winterton's strong performance
Ryan Winterton had a standout game, scoring two goals against the Oilers. His first goal was a shorthanded effort in the first period, capitalizing on a misplay by Oilers goalie Calvin Pickard. Winterton stole the puck from Pickard behind the net and wrapped it into the vacated goal. His second goal, which ultimately became the game-winner, came in the third period. Frederick Gaudreau passed to Winterton, who fired a shot past Pickard.
Winterton's performance has raised questions about whether he could make the Kraken's opening night roster. With several players potentially missing from the lineup due to injuries, Winterton could be a valuable addition. He played 12 games with the Kraken last season, recording one assist, and also tallied 37 points in 56 games with the Coachella Valley Firebirds. Coach Lambert noted that the team is looking to fill roster holes, and Winterton's recent success makes him a strong contender.
2. Special Teams Shine (and Need Work)
Special teams played a significant role in the Kraken's win. The Kraken went 2-for-6 on the power play. Josh Mahura and Eeli Tolvanen both scored power-play goals in the first period, with Jaden Schwartz providing the screen on both shots. Winterton's shorthanded goal further highlighted the Kraken's special teams prowess.
However, there's still room for improvement. The Oilers scored one power-play goal on five attempts. Additionally, their second goal came just seven seconds after a Kraken penalty expired. Cleaning up those late-penalty situations will be key for the Kraken moving forward, as allowing goals immediately after a power play or penalty kill was an issue for the team last season.
3. Goaltending Solid
Joey Daccord had a strong performance in goal, saving 32 of 34 shots. Daccord made 12 saves in the first period alone, including a left-pad save on a shorthanded bid by Kasperi Kapanen. His performance helped the Kraken maintain their lead and secure the win. Overall, the Kraken concluded the pre-season with a 3-2-1 record. The team will take a couple of days off for team-building before returning to practice to prepare for their regular-season opener at home against the Anaheim Ducks on October 9.
