- Tolvanen nets 20th career goal, first multi-score game this season
- Kraken lead NHL with six opening-minute goals in 2023-24
- Grubauer extends winning streak after minor league adjustment
The Seattle Kraken ignited Climate Pledge Arena on Friday as Eeli Tolvanen delivered a career-defining performance, scoring just 51 seconds into the game. This marked Seattle’s sixth opening-minute goal this season – a league high that’s reshaped their first-period strategy. While Utah’s Nick Schmaltz continued his road game scoring streak, the Kraken’s defensive adjustments limited Utah to only 24 shots, a 14% reduction from their season average.
Tolvanen’s empty-net clincher with 68 seconds remaining capped a night where Seattle converted 33% of their high-danger chances. Coach Dave Hakstol praised the team’s neutral zone recovery, noting, We capitalized on 40% of Utah’s turnovers, which turned momentum when it mattered.Regional analysis reveals the Kraken have won 70% of home games where they score within the first two minutes, compared to 45% otherwise.
Philipp Grubauer’s 22-save effort, following a brief conditioning stint with AHL’s Coachella Valley, showcased improved rebound control. His .917 save percentage in this game exceeded his season average by 8 points. Meanwhile, Utah’s road struggles continued – despite Kevin Stenlund’s second-period goal, they’ve now lost 8 of 11 away games when trailing after 20 minutes.
The Pacific Division rivalry intensifies as Seattle prepares to host Winnipeg, carrying a three-game home win streak. With Tolvanen joining Jared McCann as 20-goal scorers, the Kraken now rank 12th in NHL scoring depth – a 15% improvement from last season’s playoff campaign.