10/9/26
By Marcus Sledge
DETROIT — The Seattle Kraken opened their five-game road trip with a statement Friday night, rallying past the Detroit Red Wings for a 6-3 victory at Little Caesars Arena. It was a night that showcased the importance of a hot goaltender, the skill of a young rookie, and an offense that came alive when the game was hanging in the balance.
Before the Kraken could celebrate a six-goal outburst, they needed Philipp Grubauer to stand on his head.
Detroit came out flying, putting pressure on Seattle early and forcing Grubauer to make several big saves. The Red Wings outshot the Kraken 16-5 in the opening period, but Grubauer kept his team within striking distance. Time and again, he came up with the stops Seattle needed, refusing to let Detroit turn its early advantage into a runaway.
That is what good goaltending can do. It gives a team time to find its legs, settle down, and wait for its opportunity. Grubauer did exactly that, finishing with 38 saves in a performance that gave the Kraken the foundation for their comeback.
Catton’s fast hands put Seattle on the board
Rookie Berkly Catton continued to show why Kraken fans have reason to be excited about his future. With the team trailing 1-0 in the first period, Catton showcased the quick hands and offensive instincts that make him such an intriguing young talent.
Taking a pass from Kaapo Kakko while cutting through the Detroit zone, Catton finished with a slick backhand to tie the game at 1-1. It was a confident play from a young player who looks increasingly comfortable making things happen at the NHL level.
Catton’s ability to handle the puck in tight spaces and make quick decisions gives Seattle another dangerous offensive weapon. His goal was more than an equalizer; it was a reminder that the rookie has the hands and creativity to make defenders pay when they give him an opening.
Detroit regained the lead early in the second period, but the Kraken were just getting started.
Four-goal second period changes everything
After Detroit took a 2-1 lead, Seattle responded with the kind of offensive surge that can change the entire complexion of a game.
Frederick Gaudreau got things rolling, finishing a pass from Ryan Winterton to tie the score at 2-2. Just over two minutes later, Mackie Samoskevich capitalized on a Detroit turnover, putting the Kraken in front 3-2.
Gaudreau struck again less than a minute later, firing home his second goal of the night to extend Seattle’s lead to 4-2. The Kraken had scored three goals in just over three minutes, turning a game that had been slipping away into one they suddenly controlled.
Ben Meyers added another goal after stepping out of the penalty box, capping a four-goal second period and sending Detroit’s John Gibson to the bench.
Meyers finished with a goal and two assists, while Winterton contributed two assists and helped spark the offensive explosion.
Vince Dunn added a power-play goal in the third period to push Seattle’s advantage to 6-2. Detroit managed one more goal, but the damage had been done.
A win built on patience and execution
What makes this victory encouraging is how the Kraken earned it. They weren’t the better team during every stretch of the game. In fact, Detroit controlled much of the early action. But Seattle had the goaltending to survive the pressure and the offensive firepower to take advantage when opportunities arrived.
Grubauer deserves plenty of credit for keeping the Kraken in the game long enough for their offense to take over. Catton provided another glimpse of his quick hands and developing confidence, while Gaudreau, Samoskevich, and Meyers delivered the scoring punch that turned a tight contest into a convincing win.
For a team looking to build consistency early in the season, this was an important response. The Kraken showed they can withstand an opponent’s best push, capitalize on mistakes, and finish strong.
The road trip is just beginning, but Seattle leaves Detroit with two valuable points and plenty of reasons for Kraken fans to feel good.
Sometimes a big win starts with a big save. On Friday night, Grubauer provided plenty of both the saves and the belief that his team could come back. Once the Kraken found their scoring touch, they made sure his effort was rewarded.
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