Buckle up for a hockey showdown that left fans on the edge of their seats! The Seattle Kraken triumphed over the Chicago Blackhawks in a decisive 3-1 win on Monday, November 3, marking their inaugural clash of three scheduled meetings this 2025-26 season. But here's where it gets intriguing—how did Seattle turn a sluggish start into a commanding victory? Let's dive into the game's key moments and takeaways, breaking it down step by step for newcomers to hockey's fast-paced world.
The match kicked off at a leisurely pace, with both sides generating just ten shots apiece in the opening frame without finding the back of the net. It was the Kraken who broke the deadlock early in the second period, swiftly building a two-goal cushion. Former Kraken forward Andre Burakovsky managed to get Chicago on the scoreboard in the third, but that solitary marker was all the Blackhawks could muster. Seattle sealed the deal with a late-game tally, pushing their lead to 3-1 and securing the points.
Oleksiak Kicks Off Seattle's Scoring Surge
Picturing Jamie Oleksiak as just a steady defender? Think again—this veteran showcased his offensive chops in a big way on October 14, netting his first goal of the 2025-26 campaign after a nine-game point drought. In this contest, he ignited the Kraken's attack mere minutes into the second period. Snagging a loose puck as Chicago scrambled to clear it from Seattle's zone, Oleksiak unleashed a crisp shot from the blue line—think of that as the line just inside the offensive zone where defenders often fire from—that sailed past goalie Arvid Soderblom into the open net. For hockey beginners, this highlights how a defensive player can unexpectedly become a game-changer, turning routine plays into scoring opportunities.
This strike boosted Oleksiak to a plus-1 rating for the season, reflecting his positive impact when on the ice. Over Seattle's five seasons in the NHL, he's been a rock-solid presence on the blue line, and now he's adding offensive flair, proving that versatility can elevate a team's performance.
Beniers and Eberle: The Dynamic Duo That Keeps Delivering
Ah, and this is the part most people miss—the magical partnership between Matty Beniers and Jordan Eberle that has become the stuff of Kraken legend. Their two goals in this game underscored why they should always skate on the same line; separating them would be like breaking up a winning team in any sport. Five minutes after Oleksiak's opener, Seattle capitalized on a power-play chance—a scenario where one team has a player advantage due to a penalty, often leading to high-scoring bursts. They dominated the ensuing faceoff (the drop of the puck to start play) and moved it to Eeli Tolvanen at the blue line. He threaded a pass to Eberle near the net, who executed a brilliant no-look backhand flip behind him, landing perfectly on Beniers' stick. Beniers wasted no time, rifling it into the open net for a two-goal lead. For those new to hockey, a power play is a thrilling power shift that can swing momentum, much like a timeout advantage in basketball.
Eberle's own goal came with just three minutes left, clinching the win. Beniers stripped the puck from Frank Nazar and tumbled to the ice, but Eberle scooped up the loose disc. With Tolvanen open on the wing, Eberle opted to charge the net solo, firing a shot to seal the 3-1 final score.
Out of Eberle's five seasonal goals, Beniers has assisted on three—a remarkable 60% connection. Conversely, Eberle has set up both of Beniers' tallies. Their chemistry isn't just luck; it's built over multiple seasons of line partnerships, fueling Seattle's early-season success. But here's where it gets controversial—should coaches ever tamper with this winning formula, even for strategic tweaks? Fans might debate if sticking rigidly to proven pairs limits team flexibility. What do you think? Is innovation worth risking synergy?
Daccord's Heroics and an Unexpected Twist
Joey Daccord, Seattle's standout netminder, delivered another goaltending clinic, stopping 29 of 30 shots for a stellar .967 save percentage. (For beginners, save percentage measures a goalie's effectiveness, with higher numbers indicating fewer goals allowed.) This victory marked his sixth win in ten outings, and his fourth outing permitting one goal or fewer—impressive stats that underscore his reliability.
Yet Daccord isn't content with just defending; he ventured into offensive territory with two ambitious attempts at a goalie goal—a rare and entertaining NHL tradition where the goalie joins the attack. Unfortunately, defender Artyom Levshunov thwarted both bids. When quizzed about his shots, Daccord quipped, 'Shooters shoot, so I shot it; I thought it was in.' This wasn't his debut in such escapades, and it probably won't be his last. And this is the part that sparks debate—is Daccord's flair for offense a fun distraction or a risky gamble that could leave the net exposed? Critics might argue it undermines team strategy, while supporters see it as harmless entertainment. Do you side with the purists or the thrill-seekers? Share your thoughts below!
Kraken Eyeing a Strong Finish to Home Games
Looking ahead, the Kraken face the San Jose Sharks on Wednesday, November 5, wrapping up their five-game home stand. With momentum on their side, Seattle hopes to end on a high note and build on this victory.
In wrapping up, this match showcased the Kraken's depth—from Oleksiak's timely goal to the Beniers-Eberle synergy and Daccord's acrobatics. But what truly captivates is how these elements blend into a cohesive team effort. Yet, the big question lingers: Are the Kraken poised for a deep playoff run, or is this early-season shine just a tease? And should NHL teams prioritize player chemistry over experimentation? We'd love to hear your take—agree, disagree, or offer your own insights in the comments!
This piece originally appeared on The Hockey Writers and was shared with permission.
