10/1/26
By Marcus Sledge
The Seattle Kraken opened their 2026–27 NHL season in emphatic fashion Thursday night, rolling past the Calgary Flames with a commanding 6–1 victory at Calgary’s Scotiabank Saddledome. Seattle’s offensive outburst and a strong performance in net gave Kraken fans plenty of reasons to feel optimistic as the new season gets underway.
A fast start sets the tone
Calgary came out with energy in front of its home crowd, but Seattle weathered the early pressure before taking control. Captain Jordan Eberle opened the scoring with a power-play goal at 9:10 of the first period. Just 32 seconds later, defenseman Vince Dunn fired a shot from the blue line into the net to double the lead.
Frederick Gaudreau added a third goal with just 30 seconds remaining in the opening period, finishing a cross-ice pass from Kaapo Kakko. The Kraken headed into the first intermission with a 3–0 advantage.
Seattle keeps pouring it on
After a scoreless second period, the Kraken struck twice early in the third. Chandler Stephenson scored on a backhand at 3:13, and Matty Beniers followed just 51 seconds later with a shot from the left circle to make it 5–0.
Calgary’s Ryan Strome broke Seattle goaltender Joey Daccord’s shutout bid late in the period. But the Kraken responded almost immediately: Kakko collected a rebound and chipped it past goalie Dustin Wolf to complete the scoring at 6–1.
Dunn, McCann and Daccord lead the way
Dunn finished with a goal and two assists, while forward Jared McCann recorded three assists. Kakko and Beniers each contributed a goal and an assist, highlighting the depth of Seattle’s attack.
At the other end of the ice, Daccord stopped 24 shots. His work helped Seattle withstand Calgary’s early push and maintain control throughout the contest.
The result also spoiled Calgary’s home opener during the Saddledome’s farewell season, with the Flames scheduled to move into a new arena next season.
A promising start for the Kraken
It’s only one game in an 84-game regular season, but Seattle’s opener showcased scoring depth, timely special-teams production and reliable goaltending. The Kraken will look to carry that momentum into the weeks ahead as they pursue a playoff spot.
For Seattle fans, the season could hardly have started with a more convincing result: six goals, contributions from across the lineup and a decisive road win to begin the campaign.
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