SEATTLE (AP) — Eeli Tolvanen scored two goals, the first just 51 seconds after the puck dropped, leading the Seattle Kraken to a 4-2 victory over the Utah Hockey Club on Friday, March 14, 2025. This win not only solidified their position but also marked Tolvanen’s career milestone as he reached his 20th goal this season.
Along with Tolvanen, Brandon Montour and Kaapo Kakko also contributed to the scoreboard for the Kraken. Tolvanen, who recorded one assist during the match, is becoming increasingly pivotal to the team’s offensive setup, especially with Jordan Eberle assisting on two goals, bringing his total to five assists over the last two games.
Phillip Grubauer stood tall between the posts for Seattle, making 22 saves and showcasing his skill. Despite facing pressure from Utah, he managed to secure his second victory since returning from a brief stint with the Coachella Valley Firebirds, proving he is back to form.
Utah kept the game competitive as Nick Schmaltz and Kevin Stenlund found the net, with Schmaltz’s goal at 3:12 remaining in the first period tying the game at 1-1. Stenlund then capitalized on a turnover halfway through the second period, scoring at 7:35 for Utah, putting them up 2-1.
Montour, displaying resilience, tied the game once again with just 1:06 left in the second period, setting the stage for Kaypo Kakko's decisive goal. After Mikhail Sergachev of Utah mishandled the puck behind his net, Kakko seized the opportunity, swooping in to wrap it around the post to give Seattle the lead at 3-2.
Despite the loss, Schmaltz’s performance has been noteworthy, as his goal marked the third consecutive road game scoring streak for him. Other players like Dylan Guenther and Jack McBain have also managed to maintain scoring streaks on the road this season.
This game was not only important for the Kraken's playoff aspirations but also highlighted their capacity to strike early. With Tolvanen’s fast goal, this marks the sixth time they have scored within the opening minute this season, which leads the league. The only faster start came from Jaden Schwartz, who netted one just 19 seconds after face-off against Carolina on December 3, 2024.
Looking to the future, the Kraken are set to host the Winnipeg Jets on Sunday, March 16, 2025. After this defeat, the Utah Hockey Club will visit the Vancouver Canucks on the same day. Both teams will seek to rebound and build on the lessons learned during their match.
This impressive showing from the Kraken against the Utah Hockey Club reflects not just their individual talents like those of Tolvanen and Grubauer but also their team dynamics. It will be interesting to see how they continue to evolve and push through the remaining games of the season. The Kraken's blend of skill and strategy offers hope for fans eager for playoff success.