Vince Dunn scored his second goal of the game 2:15 minutes early in overtime as the Seattle Kraken pulled off a thrilling comeback, defeating the Vancouver Canucks 5-4 on Saturday at Climate Pledge Arena. This win not only marked the end of Seattle's five-game losing streak but also showcased Dunn's heroics, as he played pivotal roles down the stretch.
The Kraken rallied from what seemed like insurmountable odds, having been down 4-1 during the third period. With just 49 seconds left on the clock, Jaden Schwartz netted his second goal and tied the game, forcing the extra session. Matty Beniers also contributed to the Kraken's surge with another score, bringing his team to life after enduring lackluster outings.
Brock Boeser was instrumental for the Canucks, scoring two goals, including one on the power play, yet Vancouver's efforts to snap out of its own slump were not enough. The Canucks, who were without star players Quinn Hughes and Elias Pettersson due to injuries, fell to 17-11-7 after failing to secure points. Conor Garland did manage to score, breaking his own 13-game goal drought.
Further north, the Winnipeg Jets continued their winning ways by overcoming the Ottawa Senators 4-2 at Canada Life Centre. The victory marked the Jets' third consecutive win and showcased the depth of their offensive capabilities. Nikolaj Ehlers led the charge with one goal and two assists, demonstrating why he’s becoming such a key player for the Jets this season.
Winnipeg’s coach Scott Arniel praised his team's composure saying, “We don’t panic, we don’t start cheating, we don’t start trying to do things away from our structure.” This disciplined approach paid off when Gabriel Vilardi scored the decisive power-play goal, putting the Jets up 3-2 late in the third period.
The Senators initially took the lead with two goals from Tim Stutzle and Ridly Greig but struggled to maintain momentum as the Jets capitalized on their mistakes. Mark Scheifele's breakaway goal tied the game, showcasing the Jets’ ability to shift gears and seize control.
Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Flyers also secured important points, defeating the Anaheim Ducks 3-1. Noah Cates continued his scoring streak, netting his fifth consecutive game, vastly contributing to Philadelphia's morale as they opened what could be seen as a pivotal road trip. Morgan Frost and Joel Farabee added goals, bringing some much-needed scoring depth to the Flyers after their recent struggles.
Flyers goaltender Samuel Ersson's strong 32-save display helped contain the Ducks, who failed to find their offensive rhythm again. Ducks forward Troy Terry did score, but Anaheim's reliance on individual efforts isn't translating to the scoreboard. “You’ve got to score goals to win,” stated Ryan Strome, perhaps reflecting the frustrations shared by many within the Ducks' locker room.
Then on the ice at Amalie Arena, the Tampa Bay Lightning overwhelmed the New York Rangers with a dominating 6-2 victory. Brayden Point and Nikita Kucherov each logged impressive performances, contributing one goal and two assists each. Anthony Cirelli and Ryan McDonagh added short-handed goals as Tampa Bay showcased their strength on both special teams and at even strength.
Andrei Vasilevskiy turned away 42 shots, helping thwart New York's comeback attempts after they initially tied the game 1-1. The Rangers are suffering through poor form, dropping to 4-14 over their last 18 games. For New York, this latest defeat highlights the challenges they face, especially concerning starting goaltender Igor Shesterkin, who was pulled early for allowing five goals on just 13 shots.
After the games, multiple players across the league reflected on the importance of maintaining confidence through tough stretches. For the Kraken, Jets, Flyers, and Lightning, these victories not only add points to their standings but serve as building blocks for their identity as teams capable of resilience and offensive prowess.
This week’s NHL match results have underscored the varying fortunes of franchises attempting to navigate through season challenges. The Kraken's last-minute heroics, the Jets' strategic offensive play, the Flyers' improving form, and the Lightning's dominance highlight the unpredictability of the league and the excitement it generates for fans.
Up next for the teams, the Canucks look to turn their season around against the Calgary Flames on New Year’s Eve, desperately seeking to capitalize on regained form. The Kraken will return home to face Utah, aiming to use the momentum of their latest victory. Winnipeg, basking in the afterglow of their latest win, will continue to test their structures when they meet their next opponents this week.
Fans across the National Hockey League can look forward to more thrilling games as the teams navigate through this competitive season, building toward what promises to be another memorable playoff run.