Kraken bid for better start in encounter

The Seattle Kraken have had a somewhat uneven start to their season, but they’re finding ways to battle through adversity, thanks in large part to the efforts of their fourth-line trio: Brandon Tanev, Yanni Gourde, and Tye Kartye. While the team as a whole has faced some challenges in terms of consistency, particularly with getting off to strong starts in games, this trio has been a catalyst for two impressive recent victories, injecting energy and momentum at key moments when the Kraken needed it most.

In their most recent victory, a 5-2 win against the Columbus Blue Jackets, the Kraken came from behind after a lackluster first period. The Blue Jackets dominated the opening frame, outshooting Seattle 18-6, and took a 2-0 lead early on, forcing Kraken coach Dan Bylsma to call a timeout. The message was clear: the team needed to refocus and get their heads in the game. While it may not have been the start the Kraken envisioned, they responded with a much stronger second period, led by the fourth-line trio who had been key contributors in both of the team’s most recent victories.

The game against Columbus was a prime example of how the Kraken have been able to dig deep and find a way to win even when things aren’t going smoothly. It was the fourth line—Tanev, Gourde, and Kartye—that sparked the Kraken’s comeback, with the trio not only setting up but scoring key goals. Tanev, in particular, was all over the scoresheet. His first goal came during a two-on-one rush with Gourde, where Tanev capitalized on a smart play, cutting through the slot and firing a wrist shot past Columbus’ goaltender. The goal tied the game at 2-2 and gave Seattle the momentum they needed to take control.

“It’s obviously not the start we wanted,” Tanev said, reflecting on the slow first period. “But I think we found a way to make some plays, and good things will happen when you’re playing the right way.” It’s clear that Tanev and his linemates have bought into that philosophy: playing smart, simple hockey and capitalizing on the opportunities that arise. After Tanev’s goal, the Kraken didn’t look back. Just ten seconds later, Eeli Tolvanen scored a power-play goal, giving Seattle their first lead of the game, and they never relinquished it.

The importance of Tanev’s goal cannot be overstated. Not only did it help swing the momentum in favor of Seattle, but it also highlighted the chemistry between Tanev and Gourde. Tanev, who skated the puck down the right wing before cutting to the middle, was quick to credit Gourde for his part in the play. “My goal doesn’t happen without Yanni driving the net and clearing space for me,” Tanev explained. “There are a lot of good things, simple things that make the game easier for others and especially our teammates.” That selflessness and attention to detail have been a hallmark of the fourth line’s play, and it’s what has helped them thrive.

The trio of Tanev, Gourde, and Kartye have been instrumental in Seattle’s past two victories. Against the Vegas Golden Knights, a 4-3 overtime win on Friday, Tanev scored twice, Kartye added an assist, and the trio’s physicality and forechecking helped disrupt the Golden Knights’ defense, forcing turnovers and creating scoring chances. This line has become a spark plug for the Kraken in recent games, proving that even though they may not always be the flashiest group on the ice, they can have a massive impact on the outcome of a game.

Their contributions go beyond just scoring goals. The work ethic and tenacity that Tanev, Gourde, and Kartye bring to each shift help set the tone for the team as a whole. Against the Blue Jackets, despite the Kraken’s rough start, it was the fourth line’s energy and determination that lifted the team, allowing them to eventually take control. As Tanev himself said after the Columbus game, “It was simple—(the first period) wasn’t good enough. It was some lazy, sloppy hockey. But I think at the end of the day, we had 40 minutes to figure it out, and I think we definitely did that.”

Bylsma’s timeout in the first period served as a wake-up call for the team. It’s often said that teams take on the personality of their coach, and in this case, Bylsma’s calm but firm message seemed to resonate with the Kraken players. “Get your heads up and play,” he told the team, urging them to focus on the game plan and not get discouraged. The Kraken responded with much more discipline and intensity in the second period, and it didn’t take long for Tanev, Gourde, and Kartye to make their mark.

Looking ahead to the next game, Thursday night’s matchup against the Chicago Blackhawks, Seattle will be hoping for a much better start. While coming from behind has worked for them in the last two games, the Kraken will want to avoid putting themselves in a hole against the Blackhawks. Chicago has had its share of struggles this season, but they’ve shown resilience, particularly in their recent 2-1 overtime win against the Minnesota Wild. In that game, goaltender Petr Mrazek was stellar, making 32 saves and keeping the Blackhawks in it, especially when the Wild turned up the pressure in the third period. Mrazek’s performance was crucial, and it gave Chicago the confidence to push for the win.

Philipp Kurashev, who scored the overtime winner for the Blackhawks, admitted that while the team got away with not playing a complete 60 minutes against the Wild, they need to improve if they want to sustain success. “Yeah, I think it has been tough for us all year to play a full 60 minutes. So we have to find a way to, even if the game is tied, stay in it and not let teams back in it,” he said. Chicago will likely look to continue building off their recent success, but they know they’ll need to avoid letting up, especially against a Kraken team that has shown it can capitalize on mistakes.

Chicago’s recent victory may have provided a boost to their confidence, but the Blackhawks have still faced consistency issues throughout the season. Seattle, on the other hand, will be looking to build on their recent momentum and continue the positive trajectory they’ve created with their last two victories. The Kraken’s ability to rally and play with urgency in the second and third periods has been a strong point in their recent wins, and it’s something they will look to carry over into Thursday’s game.

Tanev, Gourde, and Kartye will likely continue to play a central role for the Kraken. Their gritty style of play has become a hallmark of Seattle’s approach, and as long as they continue to provide that spark, the Kraken should be able to stay competitive. However, for Seattle to truly take their game to the next level, they’ll need to focus on starting faster and avoiding the need for dramatic comebacks. If the Kraken can find that balance—starting strong while still being able to rally when needed—they could become a much more dangerous team as the season progresses.

The team will need contributions from all lines, not just the fourth unit. But with Tanev, Gourde, and Kartye showing that they can make a difference at key moments, the Kraken’s path forward looks promising. They’ve found a winning formula in their recent victories, and the challenge now is to maintain that consistency and avoid falling into bad habits. As the Kraken continue their homestand, the focus will be on making the most of every opportunity and continuing to play “the right way,” as Tanev put it. With the right adjustments, Seattle has the potential to turn their recent wins into a sustained streak.