1/1/2026

SEATTLE, WASH

Matty Beniers scored twice in the opening period, and Philipp Grubauer made 24 saves as the Seattle Kraken defeated the Nashville Predators 4-1 from Climate Pledge Arena. The win moves the Kraken into the final playoff spot in the Western Conference. This marks the fifth win in the last six games for the Kraken including a six game point streak.

Jamie Oleksiak and Jared McCann into an empty net also contributed to Seattle’s scoring.

Nashville saw Roman Josi score the lone goal for the Predators in the second period.

Philipp Grubauer earned the start for Seattle with wins in his last two straight games. Seattle was coming off a 3-2 shootout loss to the Vancouver Canucks on Monday night. Nashville came into Seattle winners of five of their last six.

Seattle opened the game with an entourage of offense in the first period.

Ryker Evans’ shot from the right point tipped into the back of the net off the stick of Matty Beniers. The goal at 3:48 seemed to be an omen of things to come.

Jamie Oleksiak tallied a goal for Seattle thanks to a Jacob Melanson screen. The goal at 10:41 gave Seattle a 2-0 lead. 10 seconds later, they were at it again. Kappo Kakko’s right slot shot caromed off of Jusse Saros and Matty Beniers poked the puck by the Nashville goaltender and the Kraken led 3-0. Seattle outshot Nashville 13-7 and took the three goal lead into the second period.

Nashville outshot Seattle 9-7 in the second period with Roman Josi scoring a power play goal at 17:34 to put Nashville within two.

Phillip Grubauer shined in the third period making nine saves, shutting the door on Nashville. Jared McCann scored into an empty net to ice the game for Seattle at 17:47.

With the victory, Seattle goaltender Philipp Grubauer wins his third start in a row. Jusse Saros made 19 saves in the loss for Nashville.

The Kraken fly overnight to face the Vancouver Canucks tomorrow at 7:30. Stay tuned to ESN with coverage from Vancouver tomorrow.

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