Fought for it all the way, can’t ask for more than that.
But First, The Highlights
Game Notes
- Your TOI Leader was Vince Dunn, who played 24:21 tonight.
- Honestly, I can’t even be mad at this effort. The Kraken started slow, corrected for their slow start in the 2nd with a 14 shot period and 2 goals, and then held the line, briefly lost it, and then got it back all within a period to force overtime. The Flames spent a lot of this game with the puck, but Seattle did what they could to block an outsized number of those shots to keep Calgary frustrated and guessing. Sure, the breakdown in overtime that got Nazem Kadri going was heartbreaking, but it showed that there was heart to break after a game like this; while I wasn’t thrilled by how the 3rd period started, they managed to put together a performance that one could reasonably be proud of. It’s just a shame it wasn’t a win.
- Part of this effort was multiple goals scored when up a man! As in, more than one! That’s a wild change of pace for how this team usually plays, particularly with the goalie pulled! My hat’s off to this squad, I did not know you had that in you and I mean that in the nicest way I can possibly say that! 1-for-4 on the power play, sure, but they managed to be mildly dangerous and how many times recently can you say that’s happened?
- Seriously, there was some excellent hustle in that last three minutes of the game where the Flames tried desperately to not blow it and got very close to doing so. The Kraken are at their best when they can press like that, and it’s good to know that it’s in there somewhere still.
- The Saddledome is such a weird space for a hockey game in 2025. Obviously it’s a classic venue that the city should try and upkeep if they can, but watching it on TV now just highlights how used to the uniform dimensions of places like Climate Pledge or Madison Square Garden or even the SAP center can be, and seeing the game broadcast from an angle which I would refer to as a “Loge +” seat is still just so odd.
- I wouldn’t call a game in which both goalies had a sub-.900 SV% at the end of it all a game where goaltenders dueled, more like a game where one side had to keep up with the other. All that said, Joey finished his night with an .892 SV%. Of the three he let in during regulation, I would say that maybe he’d want the Rasmussen slapshot back, but I bet the Flames could say the same about Kartye’s goal. Really odd night in net.
- Last time we see the Flames this year. It’s a shame, the Kraken generally played tight, fun games against them, and while I completely get not wanting to see them again, I will miss the eventfulness of their contests.
Was there anything good about this game?
Absolutely!
- Jaden Schwartz finished the night with a goal and an assist, and casually reminded us that the power play can in fact be a good thing. Bless him for this.
- Tye Kartye scored genuinely one of the best goals he’s ever scored this or any other year as he was able to break away from the Calgary defense and pot the puck home. He was also one of the Kraken’s best players on the ice tonight; seems like he really likes playing the Flames.
- Jordan Eberle scored the all important game-tying goal late in the third period to send this thing to extra time. While they didn’t end up winning, it’s efforts like that from your leader that are all important to keeping hope alive in any game. Leaders leading, and all that.
- DRAFT POSITION BAY BEEEEE- but less of it because this game went to OT.
The Charts, via NaturalStatTrick.com
After a long road trip, the Kraken finally come home and bring the Edmonton Oilers with them on Thursday night. That game begins at 7pm PT.
We thank you for reading, and as always
Keep Calm, and Post Zoidberg When We Win.