SEATTLE — Dylan Samberg scored 1:47 minutesinto overtime as the Winnipeg Jets ralliedfrom two goals down to defeat the SeattleKraken 3-2 on Sunday night. This pivotal victory not only showcased the Jets' resilience but also allowed them to regain the top spot inthe NHL standings.
The match began with some unexpected drama. Just 3:15into the first period, Winnipeg goalie Eric Comrie had to leave the game after sustainingan injury from a collision involving Matty Beniers and teammate Dylan DeMelo. Connor Hellebuyck steppedin to replace him, quickly making his presence felt.
Seattle capitalized on Winnipeg's early disarray. Jani Nyman opened the scoring with a power-play goal at 9:58 of the first period, assisted by Jordan Eberle. Mikey Eyssimont added to Seattle's lead, making it 2-0 at 15:23, slipstreaming past the Jets' defense before scoring from close-range.
Despite their struggles, the Jets refused to buckle. With just 17 seconds left in the first period, Cole Perfetti netted the first goal for Winnipeg, cleaning up the rebound after Samberg's shot was initially saved by Kraken goalie Joey Daccord. This strike, which echoed the Jets' determination, shifted the momentum as the score stood 2-1 at the end of the first.
The second period saw Kyle Connor tie the game for Winnipeg at 11:42, showcasing his speed and skill as he navigated through Seattle's defense to find the back of the net. His forehand shot from close range left Daccord no chance.
With the game tied at two goals apiece, both teams fought fiercely. The third period was action-packed, though neither team could secure the win, leading to overtime. The Kraken killed off late penalties, showing their defensive resilience against the league's third-best offense.
Then came the moment of triumph for the Jets. Just under two minutes intothe extra period, Perfetti orchestrated the game-winning play. After receiving the puck from Vladislav Namestnikov, he skated around the right side before deftly feeding it back to Samberg who, positioned just inside the crease, sniped the puck past Daccord, sealing the victory for Winnipeg.
Samberg's game-winning goal highlighted the Jets' ability to bounce back and echoed their recent form, winning five out of six games. Cole Perfetti's contributions, withone goal and one assist, along with Kyle Connor's milestone 36th goal ofthe season, were instrumental to this triumph. Vladislav Namestnikov also had two assists, underscoring his creative playmaking ability.
Notable among the game’s key events were the performances of the goalies. Eric Comrie ended with 14 saves upon his return after the first-period injury,while Hellebuyck made five stops within his brief appearance. Joey Daccord, on theother hand, stopped 23 shots but could not clinch the victory.
After the whistle blew, the Kraken were left to reflect on their missed opportunities, particularly after starting the game strong. Jani Nyman and Michael Eyssimont were outstanding for Seattle, but it was not enough. Seattle's record fell to 4-5-1 over their last 10 games, continuing to push them away from potential playoff contention.
Looking forward, both teams face key matchups later this week. The Kraken will visit Chicago on March 18, aiming to turn their fortunes around, as Winnipeg heads to Vancouver for another challenging battle.
This game highlighted not only the competitive spirit of both teams but also the personal storylines at play, especially with Brandon Tanev returning to visit Seattle for the first time since his trade. Kraken fans provided him with awe-inspiring applause during his video tribute, signifying the impact he had made during his tenure with the organization. All told, it was yet another memorable night of hockey, filledwith excitement and anticipation for what liesahead.