On Tuesday night, we watched the Seattle Kraken take on the Pittsburgh Penguins for the first time this season. It's a cross-conference matchup, but one that's somewhat interesting considering both teams struggled in the first half of the season and are looking to turn things around in the second half.
game review
The Krakens scored early in the first quarter on a Chandler Stephenson field goal. Just over two minutes into the game, the puck went right through Penguins goaltender Tristan Jarry, who caught Stephenson's shot but ultimately passed it away, putting the Penguins behind early.
The Penguins responded seven minutes later with a goal from Filip Tomasino to tie the game. The Penguins dominated the rest of the first quarter, outscoring the Kraken 16-2 and getting nine high-definition calls but not allowing the Kraken a chance.
Despite the Penguins' dominance, the game was tied heading into halftime. However, the Penguins took their first lead of the game on a great pass from Brian Rust. The goal was scored while the referee was waiting to award a late penalty against the Kraken. Even with the Penguins, there was some concern when the penalty came as Sidney Crosby was cross-checked from behind and immediately headed back down the tunnel to the locker room. However, he would return a few minutes later and resume his normal shift.
This early goal by the Penguins would be the only goal of the second period. Although the Kraken fell behind in the period, they found their feet in the second quarter and were in the game. Despite spending more time in the offensive zone, they struggled to create anything and only had two high-danger chances heading into the break.
The Kraken will adjust in the third quarter. Jamie Oleksiak's goal tied the score two eight minutes into the game. Eeli Tolvanen defeated Jarry 50 seconds later, giving Kraken a 3-2 lead. Kappo Kakko then ended the game for the Kraken with an empty-net goal with a minute remaining.
While the Kraken are victorious here, they probably won't be happy with their performance here. The Penguins have a field goal percentage of 59.13%, a scoring chance of 60.87%, a high crisis rate of 73.68%, and an expected goals rate of 69.93%. The Penguins' goaltending has once again disappointed, with Jarry allowing 1.54 goals against expectations. These two teams will face off again later in January, which will give them a chance to avenge a game they didn't deserve to lose.
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