Avalanche Too Much for Kraken

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Bo Crouch Axess Sports

Seattle ran into an early storm Thursday night as the Colorado Avalanche erupted for three first-period goals and seized full control of the game at Climate Pledge Arena.

Colorado wasted little time asserting itself, using its speed and puck movement to overwhelm Seattle’s defense in the opening minutes. The Avalanche struck first when Martin Nečas buried a wrist shot at 3:45 of the first period, giving the visitors an early 1–0 lead.

The Avalanche kept the pressure on from there, generating sustained offensive-zone time and firing pucks toward the Seattle net. Two more Colorado goals followed before the period ended, completing a dominant opening frame that left the Kraken searching for answers.

By the first intermission, Colorado had built a 3–0 advantage while also holding the edge in shots, 15–8, highlighting the Avalanche’s early offensive surge.

Seattle goaltender Joey Daccord faced heavy traffic throughout the period as Colorado repeatedly attacked off the rush and controlled play through the neutral zone. Meanwhile, the Kraken struggled to establish a forecheck or generate sustained pressure in the Avalanche zone.

For Seattle, the challenge entering the second period was clear: slow down Colorado’s transition game and find a way to create momentum offensively before the deficit grows further.

End of 1st Period

Avalanche 3

Kraken 0

2nd Period

Seattle finally found a spark in the second period, but the Colorado Avalanche still carried firm control of the game heading into the final frame Thursday night at Climate Pledge Arena.

After a dominant opening period by Colorado, Seattle began the middle frame with more urgency, pushing the pace and generating several scoring chances. The Kraken were rewarded midway through the period when defenseman Ryker Evans capitalized on a shorthanded opportunity, snapping a shot past the Colorado goaltender at 13:36 of the second period. The goal—assisted by Chandler Stephenson—cut into the Avalanche lead and briefly energized the Seattle crowd.

Despite the momentum shift, Colorado’s earlier offensive surge kept the Kraken chasing the game. The Avalanche continued to threaten offensively with their speed through the neutral zone and crisp puck movement, forcing Seattle to stay disciplined defensively.

Seattle did manage to tilt the ice at times in the period, even edging Colorado in shots as the frame wore on. But the Avalanche’s three-goal opening period cushion proved difficult to overcome, allowing Colorado to play a controlled, structured game through the remainder of the second while adding a fourth goal extending the lead back to three.

Heading into the second intermission, Colorado remained firmly in front.

After 2 Periods

Avalanche 4

Kraken 1

Seattle will need a strong third period push to mount a comeback, while Colorado looks to close out the game and secure two points on the road.

3rd Period

The Colorado Avalanche left little doubt in the final period Thursday night, protecting their lead and adding an insurance goal to defeat the Seattle Kraken at Climate Pledge Arena.

Trailing entering the third period, Seattle pushed early in an attempt to spark a comeback. The Kraken generated several chances and increased their offensive pressure, forcing Colorado’s goaltender to make key saves to keep the Avalanche comfortably in front.

But Colorado’s depth proved too much to overcome. Midway through the period, forward Joel Kiviranta redirected a shot in front of the net, extending the Avalanche lead and effectively sealing the game.

From there, Colorado focused on structured defense and puck possession, limiting Seattle’s opportunities and preventing the Kraken from building sustained momentum. Goaltender Scott Wedgewood remained steady in net, turning aside Seattle’s late attempts as the Avalanche closed out the victory.

The Kraken continued to battle until the final horn but were unable to break through again offensively against Colorado’s defense.

Final Score

Avalanche 5

Kraken 1

The strong closing period capped a dominant night for Colorado, while Seattle was left searching for answers after falling behind early and never recovering.

Looking Ahead

For the Kraken, Thursday night’s loss is another reminder of how thin the margin has become as the regular season winds down. With the Western Conference playoff race tightening, Seattle cannot afford many more nights like this if it hopes to stay in the hunt.

The Kraken will have little time to dwell on the defeat. A difficult stretch of games awaits, beginning with a matchup against the Vancouver Canucks before returning home to face the defending champion Florida Panthers and the high-powered Tampa Bay Lightning. Each contest represents a critical opportunity to regain momentum and collect valuable points.

Seattle has shown throughout the season that it can respond to adversity, but the urgency is growing with every passing game especially after dropping out of the final wildcard spot with this loss. If the Kraken hope to remain part of the postseason conversation, the response over the next week could define the direction of their season.

Post Game Press Conferences :

Coach Lane:

https://youtu.be/AQ9sQqkPaBs

Stephenson :

https://youtu.be/8i7JrEQAu5E

Eberle :

https://youtu.be/jLJ0az_Q1EY