SEATTLE — The Seattle Kraken entered Saturday night looking to keep the energy rolling at Climate Pledge Arena, but the Minnesota Wild had other plans. In the third game of Seattle’s four-game homestand, the Wild capitalized on their opportunities and pulled away for a convincing 5-1 victory.
For the Kraken faithful, it was a frustrating night — one that featured a promising response in the first period before Minnesota seized control in the middle frame and never looked back.
The Wild wasted little time making their presence felt, striking just 26 seconds into the opening period. Kirill Kaprizov broke free on a breakaway and beat Joey Daccord with a backhand shot, putting Seattle in an early hole before the home crowd could settle into its seats.
But the Kraken responded with a glimpse of the offensive chemistry that has made their young lineup intriguing.
At 10:13 of the first period, Berkly Catton finished a beautiful passing sequence to even the score at 1-1. Brandon Montour started the play from the point, moving the puck to Kaapo Kakko before Catton found the back of the net.
The goal was more than just a temporary answer to Minnesota’s early strike. It extended Catton’s point streak to four games, during which the rookie has collected five points — one goal and four assists. The young forward continues to show confidence and offensive instincts, giving Seattle another reason to be excited about his development.
For a moment, the Kraken had the momentum and the building was back in it.
Then came the second period.
Minnesota takes control
The Wild regained the lead at 2:11 when Blake Coleman scored after leaving the penalty box, taking advantage of a defensive breakdown to beat Daccord. Minnesota continued to pressure Seattle, with Olli Maatta and Joel Eriksson Ek adding goals to stretch the lead to 4-1.
The Kraken struggled to generate offense as the period wore on, managing just one shot on goal while Minnesota fired 16 at Daccord. The difference was unmistakable: the Wild were winning puck battles, creating chances and forcing Seattle onto its heels.
It was the kind of middle period the Kraken simply cannot afford against a team with Minnesota’s offensive talent.
Seattle needed a response in the third, but the Wild remained disciplined defensively and limited the Kraken’s opportunities. With Daccord pulled for an extra attacker late in the game, Coleman scored into the empty net to complete his two-goal night and seal the 5-1 final.
Streaks continue despite the loss
While the final score offered little to celebrate, several Kraken players continued to build on strong individual performances.
Montour recorded an assist on Catton’s goal, extending his point streak to three games. The defenseman has now accumulated four points — two goals and two assists — during that stretch. His ability to contribute offensively remains an important part of Seattle’s attack.
Kakko also picked up an assist on Catton’s goal. He continues to lead the Kraken roster with 10 points and shares the team lead in assists with nine. His playmaking has been a bright spot for Seattle, particularly as the team looks for consistent production throughout the lineup.
Chandler Stephenson provided a strong performance in the faceoff circle, winning 12 of 16 draws for an impressive 75 percent success rate. Winning those crucial possessions is an important part of controlling the pace of a game, even when the overall result doesn’t go your way.
Still, individual milestones could not overcome Seattle’s defensive struggles and offensive drought in the second period.
One more game on the homestand
The loss leaves the Kraken with one game remaining on their four-game homestand, and the challenge now is to regroup quickly.
Seattle showed in the first period that it could answer adversity, but the second period told a different story. The Wild found open ice, capitalized on mistakes and made it difficult for the Kraken to establish any sustained offensive pressure.
The power play also failed to provide a spark, finishing without a goal on three opportunities. Against a team that was steadily building its advantage, Seattle needed a special-teams breakthrough to change the momentum.
Instead, Minnesota controlled the game from the middle frame onward.
The Kraken faithful have seen enough this season to know that one difficult night doesn’t define a team. Catton’s continued emergence, Montour’s offensive production and Kakko’s playmaking provide reasons for optimism.
But the message from Saturday night was clear: the Kraken need a complete 60-minute effort, not just a promising start.
With one game left on the homestand, Seattle has an opportunity to respond, tighten up defensively and give its home crowd something to cheer about again.
The Wild delivered the lesson. Now it’s up to the Kraken to answer.