On Thursday, Jan. 29, the Seattle Kraken hosted the Toronto Maple Leafs. This game closed out their six-game homestand. The Kraken had already faced the Maple Leafs in Toronto on Oct. 18, winning 4-3 in overtime. In the rematch, the Kraken took an early lead, but the Maple Leafs tied it late in the first period.
The Kraken scored two unanswered goals in the second period. They led 3-1 heading into the final frame. Toronto scored a power-play goal early in the second, but two more unanswered Kraken goals secured the 5-2 win. This victory also ensured the Kraken swept the season series.
Kraken’s First Line Is On Fire
Just a minute and change into the first period, the Kraken gained control of the puck in the Maple Leafs’ zone. Jordan Eberle began skating it through the neutral zone. He passed it to Jared McCann, who skated it into the Kraken’s zone. He sent it to Matty Beniers as he positioned himself between the two faceoff circles. His shot went over Anthony Stolarz’s leg and across the line for the first goal of the night.
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This goal was a historic one for the Kraken. Beniers set the record for the most goals scored by a player in a single month, as this was his 10th goal in January. McCann also set the record for the most points with his assist, bringing the record to 18.
McCann then broke his record later in the game with his empty-net goal, bringing the total to 19 points now. This also means that out of his current 28 points, only nine were recorded throughout the three earlier months this season. January marks the first full month of the 2025-26 season that McCann has had the opportunity to play in, following his earlier injuries; he has been stellar all month.
The Kraken still have one more game in January, and both Beniers and McCann have the chance to extend their records. As of this moment, they have etched their names in the Kraken’s record book, and they should feel accomplished. The top line has continuously performed to the best of its ability this season, and it has shown no sign of slowing down.
Wright with an Impressive Performance
The first line wasn’t the only one to get a goal in this game. Six minutes into the second period, Jaden Schwartz ripped a shot from the blue line, but Stolarz made the save. Shane Wright was in front of the net, and he collected the rebound, sending it past Stolarz to give the Kraken their lead back.
Eight minutes into the third period, Brandon Montour kicked the puck out to Wright in the Kraken’s zone. He skated it away from the boards and up to the net to cancel out Toronto’s power-play goal just two minutes prior.
This marked Wright’s first multi-goal game of the season, but his second multi-point night. He continues to perform well, and this was the most minutes he recorded, 15:41, since earlier this month. As trade rumors continue to circulate surrounding Wright, this might have been the wake-up call some teams needed to see his potential.
Lindgren Keeps Making Mistakes
Yes, the Kraken ended the homestand with another win, but they still made a simple mistake. Nicholas Robertson’s shot in the first period bounced off of Ryan Lindgren’s skate while he was in front of the net, which resulted in Robertson’s goal. Lindgren has cost the Kraken several goals this season, either from the penalties he has taken or from an unfortunate bounce off a shot from the other team.
Luckily, the Kraken managed to secure the win, thanks to a full team effort that corrected Lindgren’s earlier mistake.
Kraken Hit the Road
The Kraken will play their final game of the month on Saturday, Jan. 31, when they take on the Vegas Golden Knights to close out the 17-game stretch.
