McCann Ignites Kraken Offense In 5-1 Win Over Capitals

The Seattle Kraken delivered a statement victory on Tuesday night at Climate Pledge Arena, defeating the Washington Capitals 5-1 in a contest packed with drama, milestones, and a hint of comic misfortune. Jared McCann, returning to form after an injury-plagued season, led the charge with two goals and two assists, tying his personal best for goals in a single month and injecting new life into a Kraken offense that’s struggled for much of the campaign.

McCann’s performance was nothing short of electric. The forward, recently reunited on the top line with Jordan Eberle and Matty Beniers, seemed to find instant chemistry. "I feel like we’ve had chances in the past couple of games here that haven’t really gone for us," McCann said after the game, according to local reports. "We’ve had some good opportunities, especially coming out of our D-zone. We’re playing good defensively – breaking up a lot of plays and going the other way. That’s what makes us successful. I’m playing with two guys that create off of nothing. I’m definitely lucky to play with those guys."

The game started quietly, with both teams locked in a scoreless first period despite some high-quality chances. Capitals center Dylan Strome tested Kraken goalie Philipp Grubauer early, but the netminder stood tall, ultimately finishing with 19 saves on the night. On the other end, Washington’s Logan Thompson was equally sharp, absorbing 27 shots and even taking a puck to the chin that briefly halted play in the second period. After a quick check from the trainer, Thompson stayed in the game, determined to battle through.

Seattle’s breakthrough came just seconds into the second period. With 1:30 of power-play time carrying over from the first, the Kraken wasted no time. The puck worked its way to Eberle low on the left, who zipped a pass across the slot to McCann. The forward, down on one knee, rifled a one-timer from the top of the right circle that beat a screened Thompson, putting the Kraken up 1-0 at 1:15. That goal marked the beginning of a dominant stretch for Seattle.

Midway through the second, McCann struck again. After a shot from Beniers was kicked aside by Thompson, McCann pounced on the rebound near the right post, tucking it in for his 14th goal of the season and his fourth in as many games. The assist extended Beniers’ point streak to four games, a testament to the young center’s growing influence. Notably, this was McCann’s first multi-goal performance of the season and his eighth goal in January, tying a personal record he first set in March 2023.

The Kraken weren’t done yet. With just over two minutes left in the second, Adam Larsson sent a stretch pass to Eberle, who carried over the blue line and left a drop pass for McCann. His shot rang off the left post, but Eberle was right there to tap home the rebound, giving Seattle a commanding 3-0 lead. That goal was Eberle’s team-leading 19th of the season, and the home crowd could sense something special brewing.

Then came the night’s strangest—and perhaps most memorable—moment. Just 1:27 into the third period, McCann broke in alone and appeared to complete his second career hat trick, sending hats raining down from the stands. But as the ice crew swept up the souvenirs, officials announced a review. The linesman had spotted a high-sticking infraction by Beniers well before McCann’s breakaway. After a lengthy delay, the double-minor penalty was upheld, and McCann’s goal was wiped off the board. "I just feel bad for the people who threw their hats on the ice, to be honest with you," McCann quipped postgame. "Maybe they’ll get a refund or something like that, who knows?" The crowd groaned, but the Kraken bench stayed focused.

The penalty gave Washington a golden opportunity, and Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin didn’t miss. Just over a minute into the four-minute power play, Ovechkin tapped in a cross-crease feed from Ryan Leonard, cutting the deficit to 3-1. The goal was Ovechkin’s 22nd of the season and the 919th of his storied 21-year NHL career, further extending his all-time record. It was also his 330th career power-play goal, another league best. Despite his heroics, Ovechkin has yet to notch a game-winner against the Kraken and faces an uncertain future, with his $47.5 million contract in its final year and playoff hopes for Washington fading.

Seattle responded with resilience. With just under seven minutes left, Ryker Evans sent a centering pass that deflected off Capitals forward Tom Wilson’s skate and into the net, restoring the three-goal cushion. Evans, who has now scored in back-to-back games, continues to impress as a key contributor from the blue line.

Moments later, after successfully killing off the remainder of Beniers’ double-minor, the Kraken iced the game. Beniers collected a pass from McCann, streaked down the right wing, and snapped a wrist shot past Thompson to make it 5-1. The goal was Beniers’ 13th of the season and his ninth in January, tying the franchise record for goals in a single month. The young forward’s breakout month has been a bright spot in a season full of ups and downs for Seattle.

There was no shortage of oddities in this one. Capitals defenseman Martin Fehérváry lost a skate blade during a second-period scramble and had to hop on one foot back to the bench, while Ryan Leonard was hobbled by a shot block. Late in the third, Ryan Winterton appeared to score for Seattle, but the goal was overturned due to interference. Jacob Melanson capped the night with his first NHL fight, dropping the gloves with Brandon Duhaime and earning an ejection with just over a minute to play.

For the Kraken, the win improved their record to 3-2-0 on a six-game homestand that will wrap up Thursday against the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Capitals, meanwhile, fell to 1-3-1 on their own six-game road trip, which concludes the same night in Detroit against the Red Wings. Seattle’s penalty kill also shone, snuffing out four of five Washington power plays and providing the backbone for a much-needed victory in a tight division race.

As the hats were swept away and the final horn sounded, the Kraken could take pride in a complete team effort—and in the return of their offensive spark. McCann, Beniers, and Eberle are finding their stride at just the right time, and with Grubauer steady in net, Seattle’s playoff hopes are very much alive. Next up: a marquee matchup with Toronto, where the Kraken will look to keep the good times rolling in front of their home fans.