Seattle, Washington - The Winnipeg Jets continued their winning streak, securing their third consecutive victory by defeating the Seattle Kraken 3-2 on March 16, 2025. The game concluded with Dylan Samberg scoring the overtime winner, making it the first such goal of his career.
The Kraken opened the scoring with both Jani Nyman and Michael Eyssimont finding the back of the net, giving them a 2-0 lead. Nyman, who scored his second goal in three games with Seattle, showcased his skill by netting one during the power play.
Things started turning around for Winnipeg with just 17 seconds left in the first period. Cole Perfetti managed to find the net, cutting the Kraken's lead to 2-1. This goal proved pivotal as it not only gave the Jets momentum heading to the second period but also boosted team morale significantly.
Winnipeg's Kyle Connor tied the game at 2-2 midway through the second period. He capitalized on the Kraken's mistake after taking advantage of the pressure applied by his teammates. Connor's effort marked his 36th goal of the season, demonstrating his offensive prowess.
Despite the Jets controlling play for parts of the game, Kraken goaltender Joey Daccord remained resolute, stopping 23 shots throughout the match. His performance kept Seattle competitive, with him denying many quality Winnipeg chances, particularly during the Jets' rigorous efforts during the third period.
Heading to overtime, both teams were determined to secure the win. The Kraken controlled the initial moments, firing shots toward Jets’ goaltender Eric Comrie. Comrie had made 14 saves before being temporarily removed from the game due to concussion protocols after colliding with players early on. Connor Hellebuyck stepped up and defended well during the phase he was on the ice, stopping five of six shots before Comrie returned.
Eventually, it was Samberg who sealed the game for the Jets. After channeling the Kraken’s defense during overtime, he benefited from a clever setup from Perfetti. Following a swift 2-on-1 play against Daccord, Samberg flicked his shot under the goaltender's blocker, sending the Jets' fans and players alike roaring with excitement.
"We played very well. Feeling good, power play is working. So close, so close to a win today," Nyman reflected on the loss, showing the competitive spirit of the Kraken amid adversity.
Jets' coach Rick Bowness praised his team for their resilience. After the game, Kraken coach Dan Bylsma commented on the close match, saying, "This is the third time we've played these guys, and they're the best team in the league with their record. It's always tight against them, and we keep pushing back. It's just disappointing we didn’t come through this time." Bylsma expressed pride at his team's performance, emphasizing the need to maintain high standards against top teams.
With their victory, the Jets are set to take on the Vancouver Canucks next, as they look to maintain their hot streak and continue building momentum late this season. The Jets aim to solidify their positioning for the upcoming playoffs and are clearly proving they can handle pressure situations, as seen through their overtime win.